Bath fitters can transform your bathroom from bland and dull to beautiful and modern. However, they can be a breeding ground for mold and if that happens, you have a problem on your hands. As probably already know, mold can cause a myriad of issues including respiratory problems.
With that in mind, you need to be armed with information regarding how to handle bath fitter mold issues. In this guide, we are going to help you identify the problem and give you ideas regarding what to do about it. Read on to learn more.
How Do You Know You Have Mold Issues in Your Bath Fitter?
If you have never dealt with mold before, chances are that you won’t know what you are looking at when it happens in your bathroom. Not to worry though, the following are some of the common signs that you have a mold infestation.
Musty odor: Your bathroom is not supposed to have a musky odor so if you can perceive it, chances are high that mold is growing.
Discoloration: One of the first signs that you have mold growth is the discoloration of surfaces. It could be on your walls, or even bath fitters.
Health issues: Over time, you or your family members are likely to experience respiratory issues such as sneezing or coughing when exposed to mold. If this happens and tends to subside when you are not in the bathroom, you may have mold growing in there.
Why Does Mold Grow in Bath Fitters?
There are several reasons why mold tends to grow in your bath fitters. These include:
Poor ventilation: The bathroom is a high-moisture area and if it is not properly ventilated, moisture can accumulate there fast. Consequently, mold will grow there because the damp environment allows the mold to thrive.
Water leaks: Sometimes, there are leaks in your bathroom walls or your plumbing. If this is the case, moisture can seep through and create a suitable environment for mold to grow.
Faulty installation: Perhaps your bath fitter was improperly installed and subsequently not sealed properly. This allows moisture to seep through and create a breeding ground for mold.
Darkness: Mold tends to thrive in dark areas and this is because it is not photosynthetic. Therefore, if your bathroom is dark most of the time, chances are that mold will not have a hard time thriving.
Lack of cleaning: If you do not clean your bathroom and bath fitters regularly, you make it possible for mold to grow and spread. To avoid the same, you want to clean the area at least once every week.
Is There Something that Eliminates Black Mold Fast?
Yes, there is and the best part is that it is not expensive and is readily available. We are talking about white vinegar. By simply making a vinegar solution and spraying it on your bath fitters, you can effectively eliminate mold.
What Can be Used to Clean Bath Fitters with Mold?
While mold is an eyesore and health hazard, there are some simple products you can use to eliminate it including:
Vinegar: As previously mentioned, vinegar is one of the easiest and most effective solutions you can use to eliminate mold from your bath fitters. Simply spray it and allow it to sit for a while before scrubbing and rinsing with water.
Borax: Another option worth trying that works just as effectively is Borax. Derived from boric acid, this cleaning agent effectively and rapidly kills mold. To use it, just mix it with water to form a solution and spray it on your bath fitters. After that, scrub and rinse with water.
Hydrogen peroxide: Mostly known for its ability to disinfect wounds, hydrogen peroxide can also be used to clean bath fitters with mold. You can trust that it will do a good job because it has anti-bacterial properties.
Can Bleach be Used to Clean Bath Fitters with Mold?
Yes, bleach is a great option for cleaning any mold-infested area. This is because it is a disinfectant with antibacterial properties. To use it, you first need to protect yourself by wearing gloves.
Next, you want to mix equal parts of the bleach and water to create a solution. You then want to put that in a spray bottle for easy application. Once that is done, generously spray the liquid on your bath fitters.
Allow the mixture to sit on your surface for about 15 minutes. This gives it time to break down any stains as well as kill the mold.
After that, use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to scrub the mold away. Once you are satisfied, rinse the area with water ensuring that all traces of the cleaning solution are washed off.
At this point, you are done, but you want to dry your surface using a towel or absorbent piece of cloth. If you fail to do this, chances are that the mold will grow back seeing as a damp environment creates a great breeding ground.
Tips for Avoiding Mold in Your Bath Fitters
Once, you have eliminated mold from your bath fitters, you want to prevent it from growing again. Employ the following tips to avoid mold in the future.
Ventilate your bathroom: You need to ensure that there is proper ventilation in your bathroom to prevent mold growth. If possible, get a fan and run it after showers. This will reduce humidity which facilitates mold growth.
Wipe down surfaces: Try to wipe surfaces in your bathroom after each shower. This will eliminate moisture and prevent mold from growing. Alternatively, you can use a squeegee.
Fix leaks: In case there are any leaks on your walls or in your plumbing, have a professional fix them promptly. This will prevent moisture buildup and ultimately mold growth.
Keep your bathroom lit: Mold thrives in a dark environment. If there’s not much natural lighting in your bathroom, get a bright light and leave it on to discourage mold growth.
Use a mold-resistant caulk: With this product, you can seal any cracks or gaps in and around your bath fitters. This blocks moisture from getting in and therefore prevents mold from growing.