How to remove mold in the shower: How to clean mold in the shower: expert tips |
How to clean mold in the shower: expert tips |
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The shower is one of the areas most prone to developing mold, which is not only bad for your health but also puts a real dampener on the look of your bathroom.
Like cleaning mold on a shower curtain, getting rid of black mold on the walls and tiles of the shower is not always as simple as spraying it with anti-mold spray, however, as black mold stains grout and sealant, leaving horrid black marks making cleaning a bathroom even tougher.
Here, the cleaning experts have shared their top cleaning tips for mold in the shower.
How to clean mold in the shower
Tackling shower mold is an important job to tackle and, luckily, simple to do. You only need two ingredients – and you’ll likely already have them at home.
(Image credit: AMC Design/Photography by Heidi Marfitt and Chris Snook)
The best solution for cleaning mold in a shower is an equal mix of water and white vinegar, says Michael Golubev, CEO and expert at Mold Busters. Mixing the two in a spray bottle is the easiest way to kill mold spores. What’s more, cleaning with vinegar is also ideal for getting rid of bathroom ceiling mold and cleaning glass shower doors for a streak-free shine, making the solution perfect for an all-around clean.
‘Leave the solution to sit on the moldy areas for around 30 minutes, or an hour or two if you can, before scrubbing with a soft brush and rinsing with plain water,’ Michael adds. If the mold remains or returns quickly for whatever reason, then you can turn to a commercial mold spray, such as this mold and mildew spray from Amazon, he says. When using this method, you should always wear gloves and ensure proper ventilation.
6% Distilled White Cleaning Vinegar | $11.99 at Amazon
This specially formulated white vinegar with cleaning strength at 6% acidity lifts grime and breaks down grease, mineral deposits, lime scale, and killing mold and bacteria.
How to remove mold stains in the shower
(Image credit: Elisa Baran)
Once you have used vinegar to kill mold, you may be left with some dark staining that seems almost impossible to remove and can ruin the look of your shower. Luckily, the experts have some top tips that make removing these marks a breeze.
1. Using a baking soda paste
Cleaning with baking soda provides a whitening effect for mold stains – especially if you cleared the mold away as soon as it formed.
Use this gentle abrasive by combining it with just enough water to make a paste and applying it liberally to the stain, suggests Penny Nicholas, cleaning expert and founder of Sparkling Penny ‘Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it away and rising with water. ’
Professional Cleaner
Penny Nicholas is the professional cleaner behind cleaning blog Sparkling Penny. She aims to be a a go-to source for all things cleaning around the home after learning top cleaning tricks and hacks running her own holiday cottage for over ten years.
2. Consider a commercial grout cleaner
Cleaning grout in a shower can be tricky as it absorbs moisture and clings onto stains. If baking soda has not proved strong enough, or you have much older stains, then a commercial grout cleaner could be a more viable alternative.
‘If mold has stained the sealant or grout, try using a specialized grout cleaner, suggests Michael Golubev, mold removal expert. One highly rated option is the Black Diamond grout cleaner on Amazon.
Apply it across the stained area and allow it to sit for the recommended time, usually a few minutes to an hour depending on the brand, he says. ‘You can then scrub with a toothbrush or a soft brush and rinse.’
3.
Consider replacing stained sealents
Unfortunately, very old mold stains may be impossible to remove, and may not even lighten with bleach. If the marks bother you or are covering a large portion of your shower, then it may be time to consider replacing your sealants.
‘Mold can burrow deep into porous materials like grout and sealant, making it tough to remove. If the mold is only on the surface, you can try using a bleach solution or vinegar to remove it, if this doesn’t work, then it may be too late to salvage,’ says Penny Nicholas, cleaning expert.
How to prevent mold in showers
(Image credit: West One Bathrooms)
Prevention is always easier than the cure when it comes to home maintenance and, while mold in a shower is one of the more difficult things to avoid entirely, there are a few things you can do to keep on top of it.
1. Ensure good bathroom ventilation
The first bathroom design mistake to avoid is not having enough ventilation. Add in a fan to help exhaust excess moisture during and after showers – even if your bathroom has an external window, as this makes all the difference in removing moisture and mold spores before they settle.
‘We turn on the bathroom vent while we shower and leave it running for about 15 minutes afterward to help reduce moisture which can cause mold growth in showers,’ says Danielle Skeaton, cleaning influencer, homemaker, and lifestyle blogger.
Cleanfluencer and Blogger
Danielle Skeaton is a mom, cleanfluencer, and lifestyle blogger. Her goal is to help other busy families manage all things home from cleaning to what to cook for dinner that night. She believes that getting organized is the secret to staing sane.
2. Keep beauty products dry and away from showers
It is normal to keep our body washes in the shower where we use them, but hollow lids can harbor moisture that encourages mold growth, Danielle Skeaton points out.
‘I just recently found mold growing on the lid of my Dove body scrub and had to clean it with disinfectant wipes to kill all the bacteria. Now I store it in the organizers under the bathroom sink instead of in my shower when I’m not using it,’ says Danielle.
3. Keep the shower clean and dry between uses
A shower is designed to get wet, but drying it down afterward with a cloth or a squeegee can help to prevent mold spores from developing on your grouting and sealant, says mold removal expert, Michael Golubev.
‘Regularly clean and dry surfaces in the shower, including tiles, grout, and fixtures and keep a squeegee on hand to remove excess water from shower walls after each and every use – every little helps.’
SetSail Shower Squeegee | $8.99 at Amazon
This shower squeegee comes with a convenient holder to keep in your shower for easy cleaning after every wash.
FAQs
Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mold?
Studies by the EPA have not only shown that vinegar is better at killing mold than bleach but bleach should be avoided altogether when it comes to dealing with mold around the home. Bleach was found to leave a background level of mold spores behind, contributing to the regrowth of mold within days or weeks.
Can I leave vinegar on mold overnight?
It is best to spray vinegar on the mold and leave it for one hour before wiping it away and thoroughly drying the area. Vinegar is great for killing mold, however, as a liquid, can dampen the area and encourage mold growth if left without drying.
After wiping away the mold, use a dry towel, dehumidifier, or small heater to help dry the wall out completely and remove any vinegar smell.
Cleaning mold in a shower may not be the most glamorous of tasks, but it is essential to keeping your shower space hygienic, safe, and looking its best.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Shower Grout Mold?
Mold growth is an almost unavoidable battle in even the cleanest homes. None of us wants to live with it, yet nearly half of American households still suffer from mold and the dampness that causes it. And in an area subjected to hot steam and spraying water every day, it’s no surprise that shower grout is a favorite breeding ground.
Luckily, mold may be persistent, but it’s nowhere near as tough as your tile and grout. With a little know-how, you’ll discover several solutions to remove mold without damaging your installation. When moldy tile walls and floors stop you from enjoying your daily bathing routine, we’ll show you the best way to clean shower grout mold to keep your bathroom looking incredible!
What Is the Best Mold Remover for Shower Grout?
Undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle is the best all-around mold remover for shower grout. Spray the grout, and let the vinegar sit for at least one hour. Rinse with fresh water, and wipe down the walls. Use a stiff brush to remove challenging, stuck-on mold growth.
Distilled white vinegar’s cleaning versatility solves countless issues in the shower, from mold removal to cleaning up soap scum. If your shower door tracks, caulk, and glass door also need a deep clean, you can accomplish everything with one cleaning solution. As a lung-safe and effective mold killer, vinegar is an ideal first defense when spots appear.
Warning! The acidity that makes vinegar effective on mineral deposits and mold can also degrade grout. Avoid using white vinegar on unsealed grout or stone tile. Do NOT mix vinegar with bleach or hydrogen peroxide, as it can create hazardous acids and gasses.
Bleach
Chlorine bleach diluted in a 1:4 bleach-to-water ratio is another effective way to clean mold from sealed shower grout. Mix the bleach solution in a bowl and apply it to moldy shower walls with a clean rag. Let it dwell for 20–30 minutes before scrubbing with a stiff grout brush. Rinse with warm water.
Warning! Bleach can be hazardous to your health and your shower if used incorrectly. Keep the room well-ventilated, and wear protective rubber gloves, mask, and clothing while working. Do NOT use bleach on unsealed grout, as it can degrade the porous material and lose effectiveness as it sinks in. As it sits, bleach can also strip color from materials, making it a poor choice for colored grout.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentler and safer bleach alternative to use on mold in shower grout, including colored and unsealed grout. It’s an excellent first choice for emergent mold stains that can also power through built-up soap scum.
Make a thin baking soda paste with water, and apply it to the mold-stained shower tiles and grout. Let the paste sit for 10–20 minutes. Scrub the affected area with a stiff bristle brush. Use an old toothbrush for thin grout lines. Finish by rinsing with water and wiping down the walls with a clean towel.
Tip: For a cleaning boost, baking soda is one of the few ingredients safe to mix with bleach. Baking soda makes bleach more effective by holding it in a sticky paste rather than letting it run down the shower wall.
Make a cleaning paste for stubborn mold stains by adding a little household bleach. Apply it to the affected areas as you normally would, letting it sit for several minutes before scrubbing. Because you’re adding bleach, avoid using the solution on unsealed or colored grout.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the best options for removing mold from unsealed and colored grout. Unlike bleach, peroxide can work on porous materials, exactly where mold wants to grow.
Pour undiluted 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Feel free to use higher strength 6% or 12% hydrogen peroxide for more effective mold removal. Spray the shower walls liberally with the cleaner. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush, and wipe down the tile with a damp sponge.
Killing mold spores with deep roots is challenging, even if you see it come off the surface you’re cleaning. You can clean your unsealed or colored grout with hydrogen peroxide without worrying about degrading or discoloring it. The same solution will also remove mold from shower caulking without damaging the seal.
Tip: Using hydrogen peroxide to clean mold from shower grout can get easier by throwing baking soda back in the mix. Make a thick paste, swapping water with hydrogen peroxide, and apply it to the mold growth. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and wiping it away.
Oxygen Bleach
If you don’t have any hydrogen peroxide on hand, you can clean grout with mild mold staining using oxygen bleach from the laundry room.
Mix oxygen bleach with hot water according to the package directions. Agitate the mixture until the crystals dissolve. Add it to a spray bottle to spritz the mold, or mix it in a bowl and dab it on with a sponge. Let the solution dwell for about 15 minutes. Scrub out the stains, and rinse with fresh water to remove the oxygen bleach solution.
Borax
With higher alkalinity than baking soda, we can consider Borax an upgrade for cleaning grout on shower walls and the bathroom floor. Mix Borax with water in a bowl to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the grout mold, and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush before wiping clean with a towel.
Dish Soap
Dish soap won’t kill microbes in the shower, but it’s a safe and convenient cleaning solution when you notice surface mold starting to appear on tile and grout. Mix dish soap in water, and scrub it into the mold growth with a stiff brush. Alternatively, you can apply some dish soap to the affected areas, then scrub. Rinse with cold water to remove the soap before wiping it down with a clean towel.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is yet another go-to agent for cleaning mold and mildew on porous and non-porous surfaces. The typical bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol will work fine, or you can use a more concentrated product.
Clean the grout with soap and water and allow it to dry before applying the rubbing alcohol cleaner. Mix a solution of half rubbing alcohol and half water. Spray or blot the solution onto the moldy area. Let the solution work for about 15 minutes before wiping it clean.
Commercial Solution: RMR-86
There’s nothing wrong with a commercial product when the DIY mold cleaner isn’t cutting it. RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray is a high-powered cleaner using bleach as its active ingredient.
You’ll need protective gear and a respirator mask during use because of the cleaner’s potency. But as it promises to start cleaning mold in only 15 seconds, it’s an exceptional time-saver for cleaning even the worst moldy grout.
RMR-86
How to Prevent Mold Growth on Grout
Preventing mold in shower grout is always preferable to cleaning it. In a moisture-rich environment, stopping mold growth is an ongoing chore, but following these tips will make it seem effortless.
Apply a Sealer
A quality sealer is the first step in keeping mold at bay unless you have epoxy grout, which doesn’t need extra protection. Penetrating sealers soak into the grout’s pores, stopping moisture and contaminants from infiltrating.
Despite the effectiveness of various cleaners against surface growth, mold spores can bury themselves in porous materials. Removing mold in its entirety becomes tricky at that point. You may clean with bleach, alcohol, vinegar, and other effective mold removers with decent immediate success. But studies show that inactivated growth can spread again once you remove the antifungal agent and give the mold an environment where it will thrive.
Without sealing your grout, you could get locked in an ongoing routine of cleaning mold in the shower. Sealants will also give you more viable cleaning solutions, including highly effective yet corrosive options like bleach and vinegar. Preventing mold growth will be faster and more straightforward, and if moldy or mildew spots finally appear, you’ll have no shortage of methods to remove them.
Check for Leaks
Mold needs moisture and organic materials to grow. While you provide plenty of the former during your daily bathing routine, any leaky faucets, pipes, and showerheads will also supply it without your knowledge or control. Fixing leaks likely won’t solve all your mold problems, but it will reduce the chance of it appearing.
Clean Regularly
Clean your shower once weekly to keep mold to a minimum. While you’re tackling minor mold and mildew on the tile and grout, don’t forget your door and especially your shower caulk.
Clearing away old soap residue and grime will remove potential spots for mold to grow while removing minor mold spots before they can expand into something worse. When you have a shower cleaning routine, you’ll have fewer problems keeping mold away with gentler, less toxic options.
Air Circulation
Excess moisture and humidity that cause mold are often the results of poor airflow in the bathroom. Use your exhaust fan liberally when bathing. Keep it running while showering, and leave it on for about a half-hour afterward.
As long as there’s still moisture on the window, walls or mirrors, you should keep the fan on. Or, open the bathroom window and door after you hop out of the shower for even more air circulation.
Wipe Down Tiles
Get rid of the water, and you’ll make significant gains in stopping mold from setting in. Grab a cheap yet high-quality squeegee like the Mr. Siga Multi-Purpose Silicone Squeegee to wipe down the tile walls after your shower. Mold won’t have anywhere to grow without the water, and you’ll make your weekly cleaning much more efficient.
Mr. Siga
Use Mold-Resistant Grout
When mold roots deeply enough, it can be impossible to eliminate with any cleaning solution. In worst-case situations, you’ll have to remove damaged grout or tiles to clean out every last bit of mold and prevent it from spreading again. It’s a pain to replace, but at the same time, this could be an excellent opportunity to upgrade your grout and give yourself an edge in the fight against mold in the shower.
Mold-resistant grout like epoxy or single component grout can make an enormous difference in the shower. Although they’re more expensive and difficult to apply, these grouts will provide better resistance to mold, general staining, and breakage, all without needing a sealant.
How Do You Get Black Mold Out of Tile Grout?
Black mold has a reputation for its relatively significant health impact, especially for those with compromised immune systems and respiratory issues. But in terms of cleaning, it’s no more challenging than any other common shower mold. Use bleach, vinegar, or another preferred mold remover, but wear protective gear and a mask to limit exposure.
How Do I Get My Shower Grout White Again?
As the stark highlight of a tile job, crisp white grout will turn even the tiniest stain into a glaring blemish. A whitening agent like chlorine bleach or a hydrogen peroxide/baking soda paste will remove mold and get your grout gleaming again. Try a steamer on tricky stains to loosen and lift the mold before applying your cleaning solution.
How Do You Remove Mold From Shower Grout Naturally?
The best natural mold removal option for your grout is vinegar. Vinegar is safe to use, inexpensive, accessible, and not harmful to the environment or indoor air quality. If you don’t have any vinegar, a baking soda paste or lemon juice are excellent lung-safe and eco-friendly alternatives to clear mold growing in your grout.
What Kills Black Mold from Bathroom Shower Grout?
You can kill black mold on surfaces with vinegar, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and most of our recommended DIY and commercial cleaners. But removing the humid environment that allows it to thrive is crucial to the long-term integrity and safety of the bathroom. Of all places, the shower areas should be the definition of cleanliness in the home, and a little extra care to tidy the bathroom after cleaning yourself will save you tons of effort in dealing with mold.
how to get rid of black fungus in the corners on the sealant, how to treat surfaces, as well as an overview of cleaning and disinfection products
The shower cabin is an excellent environment for the development of mold. In the absence of proper care , high humidity and temperature do their job.
The fungus grows “right before our eyes”. But it’s not as scary as it might seem at first glance. Below we will give detailed instructions on how to get rid of black mold and prevent its further occurrence in your cubicle.
Contents
- 1 Causes of fungus
- 2 Prevention
- 3 Mold removal
- 3.
1 Disinfection: what to treat?
- 3.1.1 Folk remedies
- 3.
- 4 Conclusions
Causes of fungus
Fungus can appear in cabins for the following reasons:
- Condensate. Due to the temperature difference inside the booth and outside, condensation forms on the glass walls, which flows down to the rubber seals. Moisture does not have time to completely dry, this is the cause of mold. This problem is especially acute for shower rooms with built-in sauna . The temperature difference inside and outside such a cabin can reach 40 degrees.
- Poor ventilation . If there is no air circulation in the bathroom, water will not have time to evaporate from the surfaces, which will lead to stagnation. Fungus only needs this!
- Congestion zones. If the slope when installing the booth is not respected, water will accumulate on one of the sides.
If this is not followed, the mold will definitely “take advantage” of the opportunity provided.
Prevention
How to prevent fungus? Everything is logical, you need to eliminate the causes of its occurrence. We have highlighted the following recommendations:
Wipe off condensation thoroughly. It is advisable to wipe not only the inside of the shower room, but also the outer glass with a dry cloth after water procedures. For prevention, you can also treat corners with antiseptic agents .
Provide good ventilation. In bathrooms equipped with shower cabins, it is desirable to have a ventilation system with forced air circulation. To put it simply – in the vent. channel must be installed fan.
If you buy Turkish bath cabin an external ventilation system will not be enough. Be sure to see that it is equipped with a built-in hood. This will reduce the humidity.
Watch for water where it accumulates. Remove puddles in a timely manner. Level the shower tray so that liquid does not collect on one side. To do this, you can twist the legs of the frame or put metal washers under some of them.
Mold removal
If mold is already on the shower walls and silicone sealant, drastic measures must be taken.
To avoid inhalation of spores , all work must be carried out in personal protective equipment : gloves and a respirator.
So how do you get rid of black mold and mildew in the shower? There are 2 options for dealing with them: simple and reliable.
Simple is that you need to remove all traces of fungus on surfaces, a rough sponge or brush is perfect for this.
If mold is already on the sealant – must be completely replaced with . How to remove the old sealant? To cut the silicone you need a clerical knife. After its removal, it is necessary to treat the joints with an antiseptic, then degrease them and cover them with a new layer of sealant.
But mold often finds its way behind the shower stall, where there can also be high humidity. Therefore, the most reliable way is to dismantle the shower with thorough disinfection of each of its elements. Yes, it may take a lot of time, but the result will be one hundred percent.
Step 1. The first step is to dismantle the shower cubicle. To do this, you must first cut off all the silicone sealant at the joints, just as in the previous method. Then, if possible, the booth is disassembled into its constituent elements: cover, walls, doors, pallet.
Step 2. Each element is carefully inspected for the presence of fungus and the affected areas are cleaned with a coarse brush.
Pay special attention to the drip tray. Due to poor-quality connection of communications, water can accumulate under it, which contributes to the appearance of mold. If the fungus has formed on the floor or the inner walls of the pallet, you need to check the tightness of all plumbing and sewage connections. And fix the leak if there is one.
Next, you need to treat the surfaces of each element with a product containing chlorine. You can use plain white. After the applied composition dries, it is advisable to cover each element with “Anti-mold”.
Step 3. Cabin is assembled in reverse order. After all the elements are installed in their places, the joints are coated with a new layer of silicone sealant. It is advisable to use compositions with antifungal impregnation.
Disinfection: how to treat?
What is used to disinfect surfaces affected by black mold? There are many tools on the market for these purposes. Consider the most popular and effective of them.
.1. Bleachers. Since they contain chlorine, they are excellent disinfectants. Plus, they are always at hand at the housewives. The cheapest and most lethal means of this category is “Whiteness”. It can be applied to a sponge and treated surfaces. Chlorine is an aggressive substance – therefore it is important to remember about protective gloves .
You must have heard that scientists who were the first to find the tomb of Tutankhamun, died very soon after this great discovery. There were many rumors around their deaths about a secret curse, ancient Egyptian magic, and more.
But scientists associate the departure to another world with an absolutely prosaic phenomenon. In the tissues of the lungs of the mummy, a deadly fungus was found. According to scientists, it was them who “breathed” the discoverers. Household mold is certainly not that dangerous, but this story will surely make you take the issue of shower stall hygiene more seriously.
.2. Specialized funds. A more expensive, but also more effective, solution is a special anti-mold product. Here are the most popular ones.
- Cillit Bang from black mold is a specialized product of a well-known brand. It is a dense foam that can eliminate even a stubborn fungus in 10-15 minutes.
A feature is a very pungent odor;
- MillKill is an anti-fungal primer that contains bacteria that can fight mold quite easily;
- Izocid is a spray formulation that is very convenient to treat hard-to-reach places. Many people ask the question: how to remove and clean the mold in the corners of the shower? Thanks to its nebulizer, isocide is the best tool for such purposes.
Folk remedies
Separately, it is worth noting folk remedies to combat mold:
- alcohol vinegar – applied to the surface undiluted and left on it until completely dry;
- baking soda – to prepare a cleaning composition, dilute 1 tablespoon of soda in 0.5-0.6 liters of warm water. Pour the composition into a spray bottle and carefully treat all problem areas. After 10-15 minutes, you can wipe the surface with a cloth. This composition is more suitable for prevention, therefore, if the pollution is serious, it is better to use another method.
- blue vitriol – is an excellent tool in the fight against fungus. Dilute a tablespoon of the substance in one liter of water and treat the affected areas several times. The solution must be prepared in an iron dish.
Conclusions
As you can see from the article, fighting mold is not the most pleasant and easy task. Therefore, it is better not to allow this. After all, everything is simple:
- ensure good air circulation;
- watch for water accumulations and remove them in a timely manner;
- After each shower, wipe off any condensation that has formed.
Agree, it’s not difficult at all. These 3 simple rules will save you a lot of time and prevent the spread of fungus. And be sure to look after your shower stall, spend weekly cleaning remove any stains. Then the cabin will delight you for many years.
Mold in the shower: effective antifungal agents
Mold in the shower cabin is quite common. This is due to the fact that its appearance is a humid environment. And if at the same time there is insufficient ventilation, then all conditions are created for the emergence of a mold colony.
How to remove mold in a shower stall?
When a specific musty smell appears in the shower stall, it is necessary to carefully examine all its parts for the presence of a dark coating. Methods for combating mold depend on the location of the mold and the type of shower stall.
Mold attacked sealant in open cab
Usually in this type of booth two walls are lined with finishing tiles. The mold mainly infects the sealant, which has processed the seams between the tiles, the joints between the cladding and the pallet.
There is a simple method for removing mold in a shower with sealant. In this case, the fungus is removed from the seams with a stiff brush dipped in any detergent. Then the cleaned surface is disinfected with special means.
Preparations containing chlorine are well suited for this purpose: Whiteness, Domestos, Biochlor. After application, the antiseptic is left for half an hour. The advantage of this procedure is that the seams will not only be disinfected, but will also become whiter.
If the instructions for use of the antiseptic indicate that the drug must be washed off, it is washed off with plenty of water and the surface is wiped dry.
If, after some time, mold reappeared in the same places, it means that its spores have penetrated deep into the sealant or even a colony has settled under the tiles on the wall.
We recommend to learn how to make a shower cabin for a summer residence.
Read: how to choose an electric heated towel rail.
In the first case, it is enough to completely replace the sealant in all seams. Using a pointed knife, cuts are made at the top and bottom of the seam, then the tip must be pryed off and a strip of sealant pulled out. The seam is cleaned with a stiff brush, disinfected. After drying, a new antibacterial sealant is applied.
In the second case, more global methods are required: complete or partial replacement of tiles (depending on the size of the affected area), disinfection of the wall and laying out a new cladding with the addition of antibacterial agents to the adhesive.
Tip: Tile joints and joints in open and closed shower enclosures must be sealed with special anti-mold bathroom sealants. They have high moisture resistance and contain antibacterial additives. The label with such a sealant should indicate “sanitary” or “antibacterial”.
How to remove mold in a closed shower
Closed-type showers have a roof and are sealed around the entire perimeter of the space.
Sealant is used at every step of their assembly. They process all joints and connections to ensure sealing. In addition, to improve the waterproofing properties, sealing cords are used, which are also treated with a sealant.
These places and areas adjacent to them, as well as places of accumulation of water, are the most susceptible to the appearance of the fungus in the presence of factors contributing to this. How to remove mold in the shower stall in this case?
If the colony has not had time to spread too much around the perimeter, then only those places where dark spots are visually observed can be cleaned.
To do this, use a soapy solution with a stiff brush to thoroughly wash out the places where mold has appeared: doors, walls, pallets. Particular attention should be paid to joints with sealant.
Further it is necessary to make disinfection processing by any means suitable for this purpose. For prevention purposes, treatment should be done at least twice a month.
If, despite the measures taken, the fungus returns, then the shower cubicle will need to be dismantled. To do this, it is necessary to remove the roof (if it is provided for by the design), dismantle the walls and the door, and move the pallet. With the help of a knife, the sealant is removed, then traces of the sealant affected by mold are removed with detergents and a stiff brush.
All parts of the shower cubicle are treated with products containing chlorine, and then with antibacterial solutions, such as “Anti-mold”.
Next, you need to inspect the walls and floor at the installation site of the shower. If traces of fungal colonies are also observed there, then they act depending on the material with which these surfaces are finished.
If the walls behind the cabin are simply painted, then to remove the mold in the shower, its traces are washed off, disinfected and covered with antiseptic agents, such as Olimp Stop Mold, Fongifluid Alpa, Dali. These products not only clean the surface of the walls from parasites, but also penetrate the paint, being an excellent prophylactic.
If there is a tile on the wall, then it is processed in a manner similar to the processing of open-type showers.
Only after complete drying of the walls, floor and all treated parts, you can proceed with the installation of the booth. All joints during assembly are treated with a moisture-resistant sanitary sealant.
Advice: when carrying out procedures to eliminate fungal plaque, you must take care of your own safety: to avoid inhalation of vapors containing chlorine-containing chemically aggressive agents or fungal spores, you must wear a protective mask or respirator.
The skin of the hands must be protected with rubber gloves.
When carrying out work, it is advisable to wear old clothes: chlorine-containing substances leave whitish spots when they get on the fabric, and mold spores can be spread by falling on the fabric of the clothes. For the same reason, it is necessary to put in bags and throw away used rags and napkins.
Antiseptics
For effective disinfection, you need to know what preparations exist and how to use them in order to clean the shower cabin from mold.
Industrial range of antiseptics
Household chemicals and building materials stores offer a large selection of antiseptics:
- “Domestos”;
- “Whiteness”;
- “Biochlor”;
- “Abedis 06”;
- “Mold killer. Neomid 600″;
- “Sun Clean” mold and dirt remover;
- “Anti-fungus-anti-mold”
- “Isocide”;
- “Mill Kill”;
- “Dali”;
- Savo line of products.
Many convenience products are sold in spray bottles, some in canisters.
Before use, be sure to read the instructions. Particular attention should be paid to information about the materials on which the product can be applied; about the concentration of the agent, whether it should be diluted or used in its pure form; about the duration of exposure for disinfection and the need to wash off the antiseptic.
We recommend you find out how to choose bathroom corner shelves.
Read: what can be a shower cabin with a sauna.
Learn how to install the dryer on a battery.
Folk methods
There are many folk recipes for washing the shower from mold. They are less efficient, but more environmentally friendly.
Table vinegar 9% is poured into a spray bottle and treated with mold accumulation areas, washed off after 30–40 minutes with plenty of water.
You can mix 1 part vinegar, 1 part ammonia and 3 parts water.