Bathrooms, in particular, are a prime location for mold growth. They have poor air circulation, are frequently dark and damp, and have food readily available in the form of soap scum and human waste. A moldy ceiling might develop from a small mold colony spreading along a grout seam.
When you identify mold on the ceiling of your shower, clean it off with a store-bought cleaner or a mix of dish soap and water. After the surface dries up, kill the mold with bleach. Mix a quarter of a cup of bleach with a quart of water, add in a spray bottle, then kill the mold with it.
If you find mold growth when it is still a small colony, you can typically safely eradicate it at home. Once it has been eliminated, increase the bathroom’s air circulation and limit humidity to avoid regrowth.
What causes mold on a bathroom ceiling?
There are two leading causes of mold on the ceiling humidity and leaky taps. Moisture loves mold. Steam from hot baths and showers rises to the ceiling, where it may condense in the absence of adequate ventilation. Mold spores start to increase if the moisture is allowed to stay for too long.
Therefore, if several family members share a bathroom, it is moist for most of the day. You’ll need a strong HVAC system, sufficient airflow, and possibly some bathroom fans to keep it dry.
Types of mold on a bathroom ceiling
Identifying the type of mold growing on the bathroom ceiling is critical before you get started. Researchers have discovered more than 100,000 distinct mold strains, but all fall into one of three types.
1. Allergenic
They are allergenic, which means they can induce mild allergy symptoms in those who do not have allergies and allergic reactions and asthma attacks in people who do.
They’re also known as “filamentous” molds because they initially appear as fluffy white or light grayish puffs with long hairs. They eventually turn a deeper gray as they age; mucor is a powerfully allergic kind of mold.
Even in healthy people, exposure to mold and inhaling its spores can cause asthma episodes and breathing difficulties.
2. Pathogenic
These molds often only affect those with immune system problems, serious illnesses, or those recovering from one.
Velvety, bluish-green mold is pathogenic and needs constant moisture to thrive. It is frequently seen in homes that have experienced flooding or other types of water damage.
Once inside, Penicillium can quickly spread through wet wallpaper, wet carpeting, and damp wallboard.
3. Toxigenic
These molds are the most harmful and can result in significant health problems, even in healthy individuals.
An example is Stachybotrys, also called “black mold” because of its greenish-black hue, a toxic mold that prefers moist environments and is most frequently found on cellulose-based materials like wood, drywall, and even piles of damp leaves.
How to clean mold from a bathroom ceiling
Below is a well-laid procedure to help you eliminate mold on your ceiling, whether tiled or drywall painted.
Equipment / Tools
Protective gloves
Protective eyewear
Protective face mask
Measuring cups and spoons
Spray bottle
Microfiber cloth
Soft-bristled brush
Plastic bucket
Step ladder
Sponge
Materials needed
Chlorine bleach
Dishwashing liquid
Tiled Bathroom ceiling
Mold will most likely develop around the grout lines on tiled shower ceilings and will need additional scrubbing to eradicate.
- Mix a Cleaning Agent
16 parts water to 1 part bleach (one cup of bleach to one gallon of water). You can use a sponge or spray bottle to apply this.
- Fill in the Moldy Areas
Stand on a stable step ladder while wearing old clothes and safety gear, then spray or wipe the cleaning solution into the moldy spots. Apply generously until the grout is thoroughly wet. It needs to be moist for at least 15 minutes.
- Get Rid of the Mold
Scrub each grout line with a soft-bristled scrub brush to eliminate moldy residue. If stains still persist, re-spray the area, wait 15 minutes, then scrub once more.
- Clean Up and Dry
Rinse the tiled area with simple water after removing the stains, then dry with a soft towel.
Drywall bathroom ceiling
For a drywall bathroom ceiling, the steps are as follows:
- Create a Cleaning Agent
Mix 1 part dish soap, 10 parts bleach, and 20 parts water in a small bucket. Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid, half a cup of chlorine bleach, and one cup of warm water in a spray bottle to remove mold from a small area.
Dishwashing liquid will make the mold-killing solution adhere to the ceiling for an extended period of time.
- Wear protective equipment
It is better to use old clothing when eliminating mold since you won’t mind getting bleach on them, and you can wash them in hot water to get rid of any mold spores that may fly around. Also, wear a face mask, safety gloves, and eye protection.
Open windows or install a circulating fan in the bathroom to promote ventilation while you are cleaning. Likewise, turn on the air fan in the restroom.
- Spray or apply a cleaning agent
Spray the cleaning solution on the moldy area using a sturdy stepladder or a sponge to wipe the area with the solution. The surface must be completely moist but not saturated to protect the ceiling. The solution should air-dry.
- Verify for stains
Examine the ceiling for stains when it has completely dried. Repeat the procedure if there are still dark patches.
Is bathroom ceiling mold harmful?
Although mold on the bathroom ceiling won’t kill you, it is undoubtedly dangerous to human health and a house’s structural integrity.
If you’ve found black mold (Stachybotrys) in your bathroom, it needs to be removed right away by a professional because it can be deadly. The most common locations for this mold to grow are bathroom showers, bathtubs, toilets, and ceiling tiles.
Because some mold species produce toxins, concealed mold can harm anyone, even someone in good health. Numerous health issues, including allergies and respiratory infections, are brought on by black mold.
You will likely experience coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, nausea, lung irritation, headaches, exhaustion, itchy eyes, and skin irritation if exposed to black mold for a lengthy period.
Additionally, if you already have asthma or another respiratory ailment, the black mold may exacerbate your condition and cause dangerous symptoms.
How to prevent mold on a bathroom ceiling
After learning to use bleach to eradicate mold from a bathroom ceiling, it’s time to make sure those black patches never reappear. Consider the following tips:
- Open all the windows and doors to let fresh air in, especially after hot showers or baths.
- After showers, wipe clean any damp walls.
- For walls with mold issues, use an anti-mold paint or coating.
- Use a dehumidifier to prevent damp walls from being caused by air moisture.
- When you notice mold appearing, wipe down your walls with white vinegar.
- Use anti-mold paint: This specially formulated paint prevents mold from building up, even in areas with lots of humidity and condensation.
The best prevention against mold is frequent cleaning and keeping surfaces dry as much as possible.
Conclusion
It’s critical to identify the sort of mold growing on the bathroom ceiling before you get started. It needs to be removed after being spotted and recognized. A professional should handle the removal if the mold infestation is dangerous or if it occupies 10 square feet or more.
Your local public health offices can guide mold testing and connect you to a professional mold remover.
You won’t ever have to deal with intrusive black patches once you understand how to permanently prevent mold from growing on walls and ceilings! Always keep one step ahead, and you’ll quickly regain your bathroom. Keep in mind that prevention is the key.