Housekeeping Tips Western Springs: How to get mold out of your shower
Part of being healthy is having good hygiene. Part of good hygiene is taking regular baths or showers. But how can you feel clean after showering when you have molds in your shower? Plain gross and icky, right? Wiping them out won’t really get rid of them, because you’re just cleaning the surface. What you need to do is address the root cause of the problem to stop the mold from coming back. Read on to learn how to get mold out of shower.
Is Shower Mold Harmful?
Mold is a form of microscopic fungi that grows almost anywhere. You can find it in books, clothes, or any frequently damp surface. Since there is ample moisture in bathrooms and showers, mold often grows there. But are they harmful to you?
If you or someone in the household has respiratory conditions, then it is harmful. When inhaled, it produces spores that can trigger allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems. Those who are very young, old and are immuno-compromised are at higher risk of reacting negatively to mold spores. Harmful or not, mold is disgusting to look at.
Mold growth in your old book collection, clothes and on your walls make your valuables musty, discolored, or stained. And it’s quite impossible to put them in good condition even after cleaning. Painted walls can also crack, form paint bubbles or peel because of mold growth.
Common Shower Mold
You often see mold and mildew together. Why? Because mildew is a form of mold. Here is a list of mold that can grow in your home and shower.
Aspergillus
This is the most common mold that grows inside your home. It can trigger allergies, respiratory problems, and even Aspergillosis and Aspergilloma for those with a weak immune system and they can be fatal if not treated properly. They may cause bleeding in the lungs and can spread to other body organs, including the kidneys, heart and brain.
Stachybotrys chartarum
This is the one they call “toxic black mold” because of its appearance. It produces mycotoxins that can cause weakened immune system, organ and brain damage under long-term exposure. It usually grows on paper, wood and cotton surfaces.
Penicillium
They often appear as green or blue growth on surfaces. It loves growing on water-damaged surfaces.
Alternaria
This mold has a velvety appearance and can cause allergies. It usually grows near sinks. This is often related to water damage so if you have this in your bathroom, have your water lines checked for leaks.
Cladosporium
The most notorious mold growing on wood and fabric surfaces. This mold is not picky because it can grow in warm and cool places.
Shower Mold Removal Tips
Now, it’s probably clear that mold growth should not be taken lightly as it can cause damage to your health, home, and possessions. Here are tips on how to get mold out of the shower.
Bleach
Mix bleach and water in a 1:2 ratio. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and apply it on the affected surfaces. Leave it for 10 minutes and watch the molds fade away. For stubborn mold growth, scrub with a brush to remove them. Rinse completely with water and wipe dry afterward.
Vinegar
If you don’t want to use bleach, vinegar is a good substitute. It cleans, disinfects and deodorizes. It is also safe to use on most surfaces and effective in killing mold species up to 82%.
Don’t stress too much about the smell because it goes away after ventilating the place. Most kinds of vinegar only contain 20% acetic acid, the one responsible for vinegar’s cleaning power. Use it at full strength in a spray bottle instead of diluting in water. Spray on moldy areas and let it stay for 1 hour. Clean with water and then allow the surface to air dry.
Hydrogen Peroxide
This one has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Like vinegar, it is also safe on most surfaces. 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is enough to get mold out of the shower. Saturate the affected area for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Once the mold growth and mold stains are removed from scrubbing, wash with water and wipe dry.
Baking Soda
Mix enough water and baking soda to form a paste. Apply directly to the mold growth and let it stay for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Wash with water, then dry afterward. Add vinegar to make a more powerful mold killer paste, with a 1:2:1 ratio of water, baking soda, and vinegar.
You can also mix ¼ tablespoon of baking soda with water and pour it into a spray bottle. Shake well until the baking soda has dissolved. Spray on the mold-infested area and brush away the mold. Rinse the area with water before spraying again with the baking soda mixture. Let the mixture dry on the surface to kill leftover, stubborn mold and prevent it from returning.
Lemons
Lemon is one of nature’s wonders. It is a natural antiseptic, bleach, deodorizer, cleaner, stain remover, and mold killer. The high acidity of lemons can break down mold growth, making it easier to remove. If you use lemons to get mold out of the shower, you are also left with disinfected surfaces, plus the lovely citrus scent.
Pour the lemon juice directly on the affected area and leave it for 5 minutes. For stubborn mold stains, use some elbow grease. Wipe with a damp towel afterward.
Tea Tree Oil
Add mold killing to the many uses of tea tree essential oil. This is one of the safest ways to get mold out of a shower. It’s a natural antiseptic, deodorizer, insect repellant, and a fungicide — all in one. A teaspoon of tea tree oil with a cup of water is all you need. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and shake well before spraying on the mold growth. Let it do its magic for 1 hour before wiping it with a dry or microfiber cloth.
Call the Cleaning Experts in Western Springs IL
If you want your shower to look clean again, it’s best to call Helping Hands Cleaning Services in Western Springs IL. With years of experience, we can guarantee a fresh-looking bathroom every single time. Call us today at (630) 530-1324. You may also check our other services.