Ever seen these dark spots on your ceilings? If yes, this is a critical issue that needs treatment. These dark spots are a sign of a bathroom with an unhealthy environment. Our experts know these molds are health hazards that shouldn’t be left hanging. So, we’ve written down an effective procedure on how you can remove mold and how you can prevent them.
What is Mold?
Mold, known as mildew, is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on walls, ceilings, or any decaying organic matter. This commonly thrives in places where moisture is present. It comes in different colors based on their different species.
Certain molds are good for producing soy sauce, fermenting liquor, building furniture, or even producing penicillin; however, some will cause irritations or certain health problems.
The Dangers of Mold in Ceilings
Although some of their species fight off bacteria, a number can cause health hazards in which the gravity of their effect may depend on the person’s body. Here are some of the major problems that mold does to your bathroom ceiling:
Health Risks
Finding bathroom mold in ceilings poses a significant threat to the house’s occupants. As mold releases spores into the air, this is toxic to humans. This could get in either your eyes or nose, which could cause heavy wheezing, itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and even asthma, depending on how intense your reaction to these spores will be.
Jeopardize Structural Integrity
Mold in the ceilings signifies that there is moisture in the ceiling. Materials used to attach your ceiling might react negatively with moisture. This will eventually lead to your ceiling falling apart. It could hasten the wear and tear of the material used for your ceilings.
Foul Odor
When mold is present in the ceiling, water hasn’t dried up in that area. This will eventually become a cause of concern wherein the moisture on your ceilings will cause a foul odor due to the standing water or moisture damping the material on your ceilings. In addition, this will also affect the overall air quality of your building.
Short Circuit
The problem with moisture is how it could influence any live wire on your ceiling. Therefore, possibly jeopardizing the condition of your edifice and your electrical system.
Permanent Discoloration on Your Ceiling
Mold discolors your ceiling permanently. Although, at times, you can get it repaired with a fresh coat of paint. However, this wholly depends on what material is used on your ceiling.
Decrease Your Property Value
If someday you plan on selling your home and an inspection finds out about the mold on your ceiling, this could jeopardize the condition of your ceiling. Thus, you won’t earn a profit when you sell your home, seeing as mold is on your bathroom ceiling.
What Causes Mold on Your Ceiling
Before we discuss how to remedy those ugly black splotches on your bathroom ceilings, here are some things you need to do:
- Humid/moist air
- Steam
- Broken pipes on your ceiling
- Poorly insulated area
Steps in Removing Mold on Bathroom Ceilings
Before you begin removing the mold on your bathroom ceiling, it is best to prepare the following items:
- Bleach powder
- Water
- Empty spray bottle
- Gloves, eye protection gear, mask
- Ladder
- Wet cloth
- Dry tissue
- Light to medium brush
- Fan/AC
Put on your protective equipment.
Since you’ll be using cleaning products that could have harmful side effects on your skin, it is best to wear protection like gloves, a mask for the strong chemical odor, and eyes from any drops of the chemical being sprayed on your ceiling.
Mix your cleaning solution.
Add a tiny part of bleach, around 1 teaspoon with three parts water. Fill this mixed solution directly inside a spray bottle or use a funnel to avoid spills.
Shake until completely dissolved.
Shake the spray bottle until the bleach is completely dissolved in the mixture. This way, you can be guaranteed that the mixture will be efficient when you spray it onto the mold.
Spray it directly on your ceiling.
Use a ladder to reach your ceiling. Spray your mixture directly on the mold on your ceiling. Let it sit for 15 minutes to get the full effects of the bleach mixture and for easy scrubbing.
Scrub off the mold.
After 15 minutes, use your light to medium brush to scrub off the mold spores on your ceiling. Since the effects of the bleach were fully absorbed, you can be reassured that there is no need for a hard brush as this could permanently damage your ceilings.
Wipe off the residue with a wet cloth.
Wipe off the recently scrubbed mold residue on your ceiling using your clean wet cloth. Remember to rinse your wet cloth in water to remove the dirt from the scrubbed mold before you repeat the process.
Wipe your ceiling using a dry cloth.
Now, use a dry cloth or tissue paper to absorb some of the moisture, which could be another cause of mold to form again. This way, some moisture or mixture will be absorbed into the tissue.
Use your electric fan or AC.
To fully dry off your ceiling, use a fan and direct it towards your ceiling, or if you have an AC, put it on full blast until your ceiling is dried off. However, if you have neither, you can leave your window open if the outdoors is windy.
Then again, please know that although this mixture and process is effective, it might not fully remove the mold. This is why it’s always better first to find ways to prevent moisture from forming on your bathroom’s ceiling.
In case you don’t have bleach, you may use the following:
- White vinegar
- Warm water and baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Tea tree oil
- Lemon
How to Prevent Mold From Forming on Your Ceiling
To control mold from forming on your ceiling, here are some ways to do it.
Control humidity levels
High humidity is the cause of mold in most cases. You must always keep the humidity levels in your home as low as you can with the help of an air conditioner or dehumidifier. To determine your home’s humidity level, use a meter to check it.
Fix your roof
When your roof is unstable or damaged after a storm, you must fix it. Otherwise, water might start leaking when it rains, soaking up your ceiling and causing moisture that would eventually mold.
Keep your windows open
Keeping your windows open allows air to come in and naturally dry out your ceiling freely. This is enough substitute if you don’t have an AC or dehumidifier.
Regular Cleaning
By regularly cleaning your ceiling, you remove any sign of dirt that can also be a contributing factor to hasten mold formation. If you want to prevent mold, regular maintenance at least once every week or once a week is enough.
People Also Ask Questions:
What are the best natural remedies to remove mold from bathroom ceilings?
The best options we can recommend are white vinegar, baking soda, white vinegar, and household bleach. However, please ensure you wear protective gear to avoid any irritation or adverse side effects on your body.
How long does it take for mold to grow on bathroom ceilings?
Mildew and mold often form within 24-48 hours after water exposure. However, manifestation will start in three to five days. So start providing your bathroom with proper ventilation, or wipe it with a dry cloth to clean it up.
Why are there dark spots on my bathroom mirror?
Poor ventilation causes dark spots to appear on your mirror. This is why if you want a long-lasting mirror, it’s highly recommended to have a modernized LED mirror with anti-fog features if you don’t want to keep wiping off your LED mirror.
Is mold on bathroom ceilings toxic?
Some molds release toxins that may have adverse effects on humans once exposed. This is why keeping your bathroom ceilings dry and clean is best.
