How To Get Rid Of Black Mould In The Bathroom

CONTENTS

• What is black mould?
• What causes black mould to grow in the bathroom?
• Is black mould in bathrooms dangerous?
• How to remove black mould from the bathroom
• Get in touch

Black mould is more than just an unsightly issue; it's a health hazard that demands immediate action. Unfortunately, there are many parts of your home that are susceptible to black mould growth including bathrooms and kitchens. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer our mould removal services nationwide. Our mould cleaners are accredited by Dewpoint Professional and can eliminate all the mould in your home, including mould in the air. They can be on site within several hours if it's an emergency. 

Read on to find out what causes black mould to grow in the bathroom and how to remove it. 

What is black mould?

Mould is a type of fungus that grows and flourishes in damp environments that contain oxygen and organic material for it to feed off. It reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air which can then settle and grow on surfaces with excess moisture. 

When we talk about black mould in homes, we are usually referring to a few specific types known for their dark colour and potential health risks.

Stachybotrys chartarum is often what comes to mind when people mention 'black mould'. This variety prefers wet materials high in cellulose like drywall or carpeting. Less notorious but equally prevalent are:

• Aspergillus niger which grows on walls and fabrics
• Cladosporium sphaerospermum which is usually found on painted surfaces
• Alternaria which is commonly seen around showers or leaky windows

You can learn more about the different kinds of black mould that tend to grow in the home here. 

What causes black mould to grow in the bathroom?

Bathrooms naturally have high humidity levels. Showers produce lots of steam and can cause water to splash onto surfaces, making them damp. 

The moist, air warm that tends to get produced in there can also cause condensation to form on cold surfaces like bathroom walls and ceilings. Poor ventilation and air flow, such as not having the window open when washing, enables humidity to get trapped in the bathroom, too.

Grout and silicone sealant is vulnerable to mould growth, as well. The former is at high risk as it can stay damp for a long time and dries out slowly. Black mould on bathroom silicone, on the other hand, is caused by moisture collecting in gaps behind the sealant. 

Even poor cleaning habits give mould the organic material it needs to thrive like dead skin, soap scum, dirt, dead bugs, and dust. You can find out more about what causes mould in bathrooms in this blog. 

Is black mould in bathrooms dangerous?

Black mould presents genuine threats to your property and possessions, as well as your well-being. Mould releases allergens, irritants, and sometimes mycotoxins (toxic compounds). Inhaling, ingesting, and touching mould can put you at risk of a number of health issues including allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and sick building syndrome. 

People with pre-existing respiratory or skin conditions, or weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to mould exposure. Although many incorrectly assume all types of black mould are toxic, only certain kinds like Aspergillus niger and Stachybotrys chartarum occasionally release them.

Mould can damage the surfaces it grows on, too. It feeds off organic surfaces so fabric, paint, wallpaper, wood, and some building materials can deteriorate over time if the mould is not removed. 

How to remove black mould from the bathroom

Although many recommend spraying the mould with an off-the-shelf mould remover or a bleach solution and scrubbing the affected surface, at-home solutions are not actually that helpful. Not only do they fail to kill mould on porous surfaces so it will soon grow back after treatment, they can even make the situation worse. 

An abrasive cleaning method can encourage the mould to release mould spores which can then travel around the property via the air. It can also cause damage to the affected surface. 

Mould cleaning may lead to health problems, too, as you will be highly likely to inhale and touch the harmful fungus. This is particularly serious if you are cleaning black mould that could be producing toxic substances. 

Instead, you should always bring in mould removal professionals. They will have the specialist equipment designed specifically for identifying and eradicating all traces of mould - including growth that is hard to reach like on the ceiling or under the sink. They use methods that prevent spores from spreading during clean up and will dispose of contaminated materials safely.

These specialists have lots of experience with mould so they can identify not just the signs of mould but diagnose root causes like excess moisture or poor ventilation, as well. They can even help you address such problems head-on and prevent the mould from returning in the future. 

Get in touch

Did you know we offer a lifetime guarantee* with every mould removal? That means in the unlikely event the mould comes back after treatment, our technicians will return to site and remove it for free. 

To find out more and get a free, no-obligation quote for our mould remediation services, contact our team today on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk.

*subject to advisories