Glancing up to see a mold infestation hijack the bathroom ceiling is never a pleasant surprise. The pesky growth is, however, common in the humid bathroom spaces. Fortunately, homeowners have strategies at their fingertips to eliminate unsightly bathroom ceiling mold.
What is mold?
Mold is a pervasive fungus found throughout the natural environment. At its best, it eats away at decaying organic matter outdoors, like dead trees and leaves. At its worst, mold enters the home and causes health problems for the occupants and structural issues to the property.
The spores thrive when conditions are right. All mold needs to survive are moisture, organic matter, and oxygen—all of which bathrooms provide. The bathroom ceiling offers abundant organic matter upon which to feed, while the humidity that persists in bathrooms delivers the essential moisture.
Why does mold grow on bathroom ceilings?
As mentioned, the bathroom space is rich in humidity. The steam created by showering increases the humidity and—without adequate ventilation—creates the ideal conditions for mold spores to flourish. The high temperatures also contribute to humidity and provide mold with nourishment.
What are the risks of bathroom ceiling mold?
The potential health hazards of bathroom ceiling mold are numerous. Mold exposure can lead to mild or severe symptoms, depending on the health of the individual. People with compromised immune systems or respiratory issues suffer more severe symptoms, like sinus issues, coughs, headaches, and fatigue.
Bathroom mold also compromises the structural integrity of the ceiling. The spores continuously eat away at the ceiling, which usually consists of drywall. This damages and weakens the ceiling structure, causing rot and, in severe cases, potential collapse. Mold can also grow behind the ceiling, unseen.
What tips help remove mold from the bathroom ceiling?
Due to the dangers, mold must be promptly removed from the bathroom ceiling. Small patches of mold can be eliminated via DIY methods. However, if the ceiling mold is extensive, such as greater than ten square feet, it’s advisable to hire a professional mold remediation expert to safely remove it.
Tip 1: Wear PPE and Prep the Space
Prior to beginning the mold removal, wear protective equipment. Goggles, a face mask, and a long-sleeved shirt protect the eyes, respiratory system, and skin, respectively. Ventilate the area and seal off the space to prevent the spores from spreading and contaminating other parts of the home.
Tip 2: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Prepare a mold cleaner by mixing baking soda and warm water; alternately, use undiluted white vinegar to kill the mold spores. Bleach is not recommended on porous surfaces, like the bathroom ceiling, as the chemical is likely to contribute to mold growth.
Tip 3: Clean the Mold
Generously spray the homemade cleaning solution on the infestation. Allow the solution to sit for about 15 minutes. Using a scrub brush, apply sweeping motions away to minimize exposure to the mold spores. Continue brushing the spores gently, as harsh brushing releases spores into the air.
Tip 4: Rinse and Dry
Once all the mold is removed, rinse the bathroom ceiling with clean water. Run the bathroom fan and prop the window and door open to promote drying. If necessary, bring in a dehumidifier to accelerate the drying process and inhibit mold regrowth.
A large mold infestation requires the services of a professional mold remediation company
How do homeowners prevent bathroom ceiling mold?
Making minor adjustments can prevent bathroom ceiling mold from returning. Taking cooler showers, for instance, releases less warm, humid air into the bathroom. Another tip to reduce moisture in this space is to run the bathroom fan during and for 30 minutes after showering. Open windows, too.
Homeowners should consider applying an anti-mold paint to the bathroom ceiling. This paint prevents mold buildup even when conditions are humid and condensation levels are high—in fact, the paint repels condensation. One application of anti-mold paint lasts 5-6 years.
Install ceiling cladding to the bathroom to further protect against mold. Ceiling cladding consists of smooth, non-porous PVC panels that are 100 percent waterproof and prevent moisture absorption. Installation is quick and easy. It’s an effective way to deter mold on the bathroom ceiling.
When should a mold removal expert be consulted?
A large mold infestation requires the services of a professional mold remediation company. These experts possess the tools and skills to prevent airborne mold spores from spreading and contaminating other areas of the home. Attempts at mold removal by amateurs often worsen the problem.
Mold removal services go beyond removing visible mold. They utilize high-tech equipment to detect hidden mold, like spores growing behind walls and ceilings. Concealed and visible mold are eliminated. Professionals also abide by EPA guidelines to ensure a safe removal process.
The expertise and guidance provided by mold cleanup experts are invaluable. The pros assess each situation, pinpoint underlying issues that may be contributing to the growth and offer suggestions on how to prevent mold outbreaks from reoccurring in the future.
When you face a mold infestation in your bathroom or in any other part of your home, count on the professional mold removal services from ServiceMaster DRR. Our certified mold removal technicians eliminate mold colonies of any size, whether they are smaller or larger than ten square feet.
Upon arriving after your call, we assess the extent of mold growth using powerful instruments to detect all traces of mold, such as behind wallpaper and ceilings and in the air. We create a custom mold remediation plan and then follow it to thoroughly remove the infestations.
Our mold cleanup services are safe, effective and quick. The technicians prevent the spread of spores by sealing off the affected areas prior to commencing the mold removal process. We work to remove the mold as fast as possible so you can return to enjoying optimum air quality.
Homeowners in San Francisco, California, trust ServiceMaster DRR for our prompt and efficient mold remediation services. Crews stand by 24 hours a day to respond swiftly to calls. Don’t delay addressing your mold issue, as the infestations will spread. Contact us as soon as mold damage strikes.
Steve VanDenBerg is the owner of ServiceMaster Disaster Restoration and Recovery. He has over 30 years of experience working within the restoration industry and successfully leading start-ups, turnarounds, acquisitions and mergers, and rapidly growing companies.
Steve earned his BS in Business & Accounting from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI and began working for DSI Holdings as their Chief Financial Officer. When Steve began with DSI Holdings, they were running an underperforming ServiceMaster Restore franchise with one location. Steve implemented new policies and procedures for accounting and finance as well as a professional sales plan that increased profits eightfold over his time as the CFO. He was then promoted to President and CEO and in this time, he expanded the company from two locations with $4M in sales to 12 locations and $45M in sales. DSI Holdings became one of the largest disaster restoration companies in the U.S. and helped with major restoration projects throughout the U.S. and around the world.
Steve purchased ServiceMaster DRR in 2015 when the business was in decline. Drawing on his years of experience in turning around struggling ServiceMaster franchises, Steve overhauled our operations, including finance, sales, and marketing, which led to a quick turnaround. Within Steve’s first 24 months, sales increased by 60 percent. Steve also helped greatly improve our operating margins and established a relationship with California’s largest residential insurance company. Under Steve’s leadership, we have become one of the largest disaster restoration providers in California.
Steve has found great success in turning around struggling and stagnant restoration franchises by changing the business model and strategy, greatly increasing sales and profits. Many of the changes he has implemented have even been adopted by the franchisor into their operating model.