How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Bathroom and Keep It from Returning

Mold in the bathroom is not just unsightly and smelly. With constant moisture and restricted ventilation, bathrooms provide the perfect environment for mold to thrive. Once mold starts, it can spread quickly and become a persistent problem.

Here is a guide on how to get rid of mold in the bathroom and keep it away for good.

What to Use Against Mold

Since the bathroom is always damp, keeping the windows open or running a fan will usually prevent mold from appearing or recurring.

Before cleaning mold, get the right tools, including protective gear and cleaning solutions. Various products can effectively combat mold, ranging from everyday household items like detergent, vinegar, baking soda, 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, ammonia, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract (GFE), borax and bleach to specialized commercial cleaners.

How to Get Rid of Mold in Your Bathroom

The first step is to identify the source of the mold. If it’s leaky plumbing, fix it and address any other water problems as soon as possible.

If a moisture problem in the bathroom causes mold, consider installing an exhaust fan or using a dehumidifier. The next step is to neat up the mold.

When tackling mold in your bathroom, the approach depends on the affected surface. Mold can appear on various surfaces, including ceilings, walls, tiles, and floors, each requiring a different cleaning method.

However, suppose there is evidence that mold is growing on the drywall or subfloor behind the bathroom tiles. In that case, you may need to get the services of a professional to neat and repair the area.

How to Get Rid of Mold From Your Bathroom Ceiling

• Cover the floor and fixtures with plastic sheeting to catch drips.
• Use equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to tackle subtle mold. If the mold is more stubborn, apply a stronger solution of three parts water to one part bleach.
• Spray your chosen solution directly onto the moldy area and let it sit for 15 minutes to penetrate the mold.
• Next, gently scrub the mold off the ceiling using a sponge or a pliable brush, careful not to damage the paint or drywall.
• After scrubbing, neat with a damp cloth to remove residual cleaning solution.
• Finally, make sure the ceiling is completely dehydrated to prevent the mold from returning.

How to Get Rid of Mold From Your Bathroom Walls

White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide usually works well. However, more stubborn mold may require a diluted bleach solution.

• Apply the cleaner directly to the moldy spots.
• Let the solution sit for at least 10 minutes to penetrate and kill the mold, then scrub the mold off the walls using a brush or scrub pad. Use a baking soda and water paste for particularly tough spots.
• Once the mold is removed, wipe the walls with a neat and dehydrated.

Ensuring the walls are completely dehydrated is crucial, as lingering moisture can lead to regrowth. Proper drying might involve using fans, opening windows, or running a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture level in the bathroom.

How to Get Rid of Mold From Your Bathroom Tiles

Scrubbing with borax and vinegar is an effective way to neat mold from bathroom tiles.

• Mix two tablespoons of borax into two cups of toasty water for petite areas and pour the solution into a spray bottle.
• Spray the mixture onto the grout and tiles and allow it to sit for a few minutes. You can try a commercial mold remover specifically designed to neat tiles and grout.
• Then, apply a mop or sponge to scrub away the mold.
• Use a toothbrush or another petite bristle brush to scrub the mold away from the grout.

For particularly stubborn stains, create a paste of two parts baking soda with one part vinegar. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub away the mold. Rinse tiles with toasty water to remove the cleaning solution and any loosened mold. Dry thoroughly.  

How to Get Rid of Mold From Your Bathroom Floors

Bathroom floors are especially prone to mold growth, particularly in corners and along edges where moisture tends to accumulate.

• Remove any mats or rugs, and neat the floor to eliminate surface dirt, which can interfere with the cleaning process.
• Next, choose a cleaning solution based on your floor’s material and the mold’s severity. A mixture of water and white vinegar works well for most floors, while more resilient mold may require a commercial mold cleaner.
• Mop the floor with the cleaning solution, paying close attention to the corners and edges where mold is most likely to thrive.
• If you notice more stubborn spots, apply a brush to scrub these areas thoroughly.
• Rinse the floor to remove any remaining cleaner and mold residue, and dehydrated thoroughly.

How to Keep Mold From Coming Back

Preventing mold from returning to your bathroom requires a proactive approach to controlling moisture and maintaining a neat environment.

Ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated by using an exhaust fan during and after showers to lend a hand reduce moisture levels. If your bathroom has no fan, consider installing one or keep a window open to allow air to circulate and keep the area dehydrated.

Using a dehumidifier can be beneficial if your bathroom tends to be particularly soggy. Aim to keep the humidity below 60%, significantly reducing the likelihood of mold taking hold.

Fix any leaks promptly, as even a miniature amount of water can create an environment where mold can thrive. Regular cleaning and bathroom maintenance are vital in preventing mold from returning.