How to get rid of toilet mold

Horacio

Having mold in your toilet can be overwhelming. If you have been looking for the best ways on how you can get rid of mold then you’ve landed on the right page. 

What is Toilet mold

Typically, toilet mold is just like any other fungus that thrives in a dark, moist, and warm environment. There are many different types of mold in different colors. If your toilet is moist with some stagnant water, you are at risk of getting the toilet mold.

Where do you find it

Toilet mold loves moist and dark places because it favors its growth. Therefore, if you have a calcium deposit or your toilet is damp, then you are at risk of having mold. You can find these mold in the bowl because it is a conducive environment. You might also notice a greyish-black ring on the upper rim of your toilet bowl.

Why is toilet mold dangerous

The toilet mold is dangerous if left unattended. They can cause allergies and asthma because they release spores that compromise with air quality. In severe cases, you can experience skin irritation and other respiratory problems. Therefore, you need to get rid of it before it enters a critical level. Fortunately, some of the best toilets have mold-resistant surfaces that can save your hours of cleaning. But if you have one of the older models, here are some tips on how to remove toilet mold.

Tips on how to remove Toilet mold

The following are some useful tips that can help you to remove Toilet mold.

  • Use chlorine

This is a common household product that is effective in getting rid of toilet mold. To get started, you will need to remove the toilet rod and any rugs in your bathroom. Provide proper ventilation by using a fan to allow effective cleaning. Flush the toilet and pour 1 cup of chlorine in the tank and one cup in the bowl. Start scrubbing the surfaces and the bowl by using a non-abrasive brush. Give an allowance of 15 minutes to allow the chlorine to act on the mold. Wipe the rim and the seat using a mixture of water and chlorine then flush. This is a simple and effective way that will help you get rid of toilet mold.

  • Use Vinegar

This is yet another cost-effective and simple method that you can use to get rid of toilet mold. To get started, you will need to pour 1 cup of vinegar in the tank and 1 cup in the bowl. Sprinkle some baking soda in the bowl. Close the lid and wait an hour, afterwards,use a non-abrasive brush and scrub the toilet.

The tips I have provided are reliable and simple methods that you can use to get rid of toilet mold. It would help if you prevented mold from growing in the future by ensuring you always leave your bathroom windows open, especially when you are taking a shower. Additionally, you can also use dehumidifiers to get rid of high humidity which influences the growth of molds. It would be best if you never let waste sit on the toilet bowl. Ensure you flush the toilet immediately after use.

Finally, I always recommend that you should use vinegar or EC3 mold cleaning solution to clean the toilet at least twice a week.

What is Mold – The Basics

Horacio

What Is Mold?

Mold is a general term used to refer to many types of fungi that can be found almost everywhere. The term mildew may often be used to refer to some types of mold especially white or grayish indoor mold. Active growth of mold happens mostly in warm, damp and humid environments, such as your toilet. Indoor mold has been related to cause some unpleasant health issues in humans such as fungal infections and allergies.

Mold is composed of multicellular thread-like filaments known as hyphae. The hyphae, in turn, are arranged in groups called mycelium which gives the fungi a hairy look.

Similar to all fungi, mold is heterotrophic in that it gets its nutrition from other organic substances by secreting hydrolytic enzymes which break down complex food structures into smaller absorbable substances. Molds reproduce by means of minute spores which spread through the air.

The spores are mostly harmless. However, they will start to grow if they land on damp surfaces such as laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces and so on. Mold causes biodegradation in organic materials which eventually lead to food spoilage and property damage.

Molds are mostly visible to the unaided eye when they have already formed large colonies. Some common molds include Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Stachybotrys (also known as black mold), Rhizopus, Mucor and Acremonium among others. Two notable benefits from fungi include penicillin, yeast, blue cheese, and mushrooms.

What Are Health Effects Caused By Mold?

Prolonged exposure to mold may cause respiratory tract infections like wheezing, coughs, skin irritation and other asthma symptoms. People diagnosed with asthma or with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) are prone to a higher risk of symptoms and infections further caused by mold. Extensive studies have shown that an improvement in housing conditions in efforts to control moisture can greatly lower morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies. Elderly persons and infants are generally more vulnerable to flu-like symptoms imposed by mold exposure.

Persons diagnosed with immunodeficiency conditions like AIDS or those undergoing cancer treatments are usually more prone to fungal infections as compared to healthy persons. Some indoor molds may produce strong toxins which are readily absorbable by airways, skin and intestinal lining. The risk is even higher for persons with artificial joint, catheters or heart replacement valves.

Some molds may lead to toxic effects stretching from short-term mild irritations to immunological disorders and even cancer. Other severe symptoms that could come from prolonged exposure to indoor mold include neurotoxicity, hepatic, endocrine toxicities, hypersensitivity, pneumonitis and cardiac conditions. For instance, during the unprecedented outbreak of pulmonary hemosiderosis in babies in 1993/4 in Cleveland, OH, it was discovered to be related

For instance, during the unprecedented outbreak of pulmonary hemosiderosis in babies in 1993/4 in Cleveland, OH, it was discovered to be related to the presence of Stachybotrys atra (black mold) in the victims’ homes.

The biggest challenge in determining the health risks posed by exposure to mold is that there is no proven method to determine the amount of mold a person is exposed to and its actual effect on the person’s health. This is in addition to the fact that mold is found everywhere in the environment whether indoors or outdoors. Even though health and environment policy bodies lack a set standard on tolerable mold levels it is recommended across the board that control of moisture indoors will go a long way in alleviating the health risks.

10 Tips On How To Prevent Mold

Horacio

Mold spreads very fast and can be extremely hard to get rid of entirely. It can grow almost everywhere plus it has allergenic properties that can cause even fatal symptoms. Below is a compilation of top 10 ways to prevent mold in your home.

1. Monitor humidity levels in your home

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that the indoor relative humidity is kept below 60 percent and preferably between 30 and 50 percent.

A humidity meter can help in regular tracking of the moisture levels in your home. However, indicators like condensation on pipes, walls, and windows is a clear sign of high humidity levels and check for toilet mold.

2. Ensure there is proper ventilation and air flow

The fact that low temperatures hold less moisture proves that good airflow and proper ventilation will keep moisture at bay.

Most daily activities like cooking, doing laundry or taking a shower, causes a buildup of moisture in your home which in turn encourages mold growth.

Ventilation systems may also be the cause of high humidity levels if the AC units or dehumidifiers are producing moisture themselves. A regular checkup and cleaning of the vent appliances as directed by the manufacturer will not only increase their efficiency but also improve air circulation.

All combustion and vent appliances must be properly vented to the outside, and not to the attic or the garage. Moving furniture away from the walls, opening up a window or a door between rooms also helps in improving airflow.

Musty basements can benefit from the building of a foundation drain, running of a dehumidifier and generally getting more air circulation into the space.

3. Identify and address potential risk areas in your home

Seepages, burst pipes or leakages should be identified and fixed as soon as possible. The water leaks will have far-reaching effects including rusting the pipes and promoting mold growth.

Replacing the old pipes will ensure no moisture is collected and hence no mold growth. Leaking roofs, condensing water pipes, and leaking fire-protection systems should be replaced or repaired quickly.

4. Avoid household plants

Household plants are a haven for mold due to the moist soil. If getting rid of the plants is not an option then you can add Taheebo tea when watering them.

The oil in the Taheebo tea has been found to make it withstand fungi even in the wettest climatic regions like rain forests.

5. Install and use mold-resistant products

Mold-resistant products like mold inhibitors for paints and moisture-resistant drywall are a first defense to preventing moisture absorption and mold growth.

Traditional drywall is made of a gypsum core sandwiched between plies of paper making it very susceptible to moisture absorption.

On the other hand, mold-resistant drywall has the gypsum covered by fiberglass making its surface highly water-resistant. Surfaces like floors and sinks are also easy targets for mold growth thus should be made of non-porous materials like laminate, tile or stone.

6. Ensure you have a proper drainage system

A good drainage system (indoor and outdoor) that ensures water is directed away from the home will help prevent water seepage into basements or crawlspaces.

This can be an issue especially in homes where the ground isn’t sufficiently sloped further away from the building’s foundation, in which case a qualified contractor can help.

7. Understand the climate

Different regions experience diverse climatic conditions with varying moisture responses. Thus educating yourself on your region’s conditions can help in determining how to control moisture levels in your home and more so prevent mold growth.

8. Repair and regular cleaning of roof gutters

Regular inspection, repairing and cleaning of roof gutters and downspouts where necessary will improve in preventing dampness on the given surface. This practice will ensure you address water stains, leaks or paint peeling before they become an issue.

9. Drying wet surfaces and materials quickly

Mold will grow within two days given the right conditions therefore to prevent this it is highly advisable to dry all wet material and surfaces immediately after use.

You should always dry the bathroom floor and walls after every shower and also never leave wet clothes in the washing machine for too long instead hang them outside to dry preferably in areas with good air circulation. An exhaust fan can help in reducing moisture in bathrooms.

If you have pets, make sure you clean up the pet dander and hair. Keep in mind that mold can affect your pets too. Damp pet hair on your floors and cushions provides an environment that encourages mold growth. Invest in a pet hair vacuum like these here to keep your living space clean.

10. Unclutter your basement

Having many items in the basement blocks air circulation regardless of the use of an AC unit or even dehumidifier. Avoid storing books, clothes, wood among others in the basement as they become a home to mold growth. To improve ventilation try your best to unclutter the space and also avoid storing items in direct contact with the walls.

4 Ways of Getting Rid of Mold

Horacio
mold

There are many chemical products available in the market that can help you get rid of mold from your home. While some of them contain chemicals that can be harmful and counterintuitive in the case of lowering health risks, this guide provides safe and natural methods of getting rid of mold. The bottom line remains that dealing with the moisture problem will ensure there’s no recurrence of mold growth.

1. Removing the Affected Area

If the affected surface is severe, remove the mold-infested and water damaged items. Keep an eye out for toilet mold too. An unpainted drywall is very porous thus affected; the section should be is trimmed off and disposed of. Mold releases a lot of spores which remain inactive until the land on a damp surface therefore cleaning may only be a temporary fix. Painting over the affected surfaces is also a quick fix as the paint will peel off over time.

2. Getting Rid Of Mold Using Cleaning Solution

Before any cleaning can commence, ensure that you have the appropriate protective gear that is gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator. Some of the most effective cleaning solutions for mold removal include grapefruit seed extract, tea tree oil, ammonia, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, detergent, baking soda, bleach, and Borax.

Generally, when removing mold from non-porous surfaces, you can use either borax, bleach, vinegar or ammonia. Vinegar is the safest to use, it doesn’t emit harsh fumes plus it has an 80% effectiveness in getting rid of mold.

Vinegar is the safest to use, it doesn’t emit harsh fumes plus it has an 80% effectiveness in getting rid of mold. Just spray the affected area with apple cider vinegar or undiluted vinegar using a spray bottle and let it sit for an hour before wiping the surface clean.

Borax is also another safe cleaning solution that you mix in 1 cup borax/1 gallon of water ratio and clean off with a brush.

Ammonia is dangerous to use thus caution should be applied when using it. It requires a 50/50 mix of clear ammonia and water.

Bleach is especially dangerous to use and it gives off harsh fumes; however, it can be used in a mixture of 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of bleach. To prevent future mold growth, you may regularly spray the surface with either of the solutions above without wiping. Note that mixing chlorine bleach and ammonia produces toxic fumes and is extremely dangerous.

To prevent future mold growth, you may regularly spray the surface with either of the solutions above without wiping. Note that mixing chlorine bleach and ammonia produces toxic fumes and is extremely dangerous.

For porous surfaces like drywall and wood, a mild and safe cleaning solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 8 ounces of water is sprayed on the surface.

Then you can either scrub or wipe the surface clean, a second application without wiping can help inhibit further growth of remaining mold.

A lot of spores are released into the air during the cleaning, and hence a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum should be carried out after you get rid of mold.

3. Cleaning Less Common Surfaces

When you want to get rid of mold in leather, you first scrub away as much mold or mildew as possible using a brush. Then dip a cloth in a one-to-one mixture of water and denatured alcohol/saddle soap, and rub affected areas with the cloth.

For other surfaces like books and papers ensure the surfaces are completely dry. Dip a cloth into the soap solution and wring it out to completely dry and wipe off the mildew or mold spots.

Always leave the items to dry completely preferably outdoors where there is air circulation.

4. Hiring Professionals

If the affected area exceeds 10 square feet, it is recommended that you call in a mold inspector. The mold inspector must have appropriate academic accreditations and industry credentials like Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).

The inspector carries out tests to ascertain the root cause of the mold growth and finally offer possible remedial solutions (DIY or professional). Mold remediation professionals remove affected areas, clean and disinfect the surfaces and vacuum with HEPA filtration.

How To Detect Mold In Your Home

Horacio
moldy staircase

Early detection of mold can help reduce the various health risks it poses. Below are the top signs you can apply to detect mold in your home.

Moldy lemon

Visual Signs of Mold Growth

A preliminary detection measure is by visually inspecting the places that mold is likely to grow for instance walls, sinks, kitchen behind wallpaper, inside cabinets, bath tub, plumbing fixtures among others. Mold growth will usually be in spots and different colors depending on the type. However, mold is mostly visible when it has already become a large colony.

Mold will have a distinctive hairy thread-like appearance with the colors ranging from white, black, gray-brown, greenish-black to even orange or purple. Easily detectable mold should be removed as soon as is possible since even the smallest of mold patches can spread very fast.

Black spots, slimy textures, stains and discolored walls are a good signal of an undergoing water problem that most definitely indicates mold growth. Other indicators of water issues include peeling paint or wallpaper, cracking, bubbling or warping of wallpaper and look out for toilet mold. If either of these can be observed, then it is time for a mold inspection.

Musty Odor

Your sense of smell can also be helpful since mold growth produces a musty dump odor. Such a scent will indicate that your home has mold and thus a thorough inspection should be undertaken.

Mold related Allergic Symptoms, Toxic Symptoms, and Infections

If you experience allergic symptoms like cold/flu-like symptoms, stuffy nose, throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, nasal congestion, or redness of the eyes then mold may be one of the causes. Especially if the symptoms worsen when you are in the house and lessen when you are outdoors.

Some molds release toxic chemicals known as mycotoxins that are very harmful to humans. These mycotoxins lead to toxic symptoms such as damage to the internal organs, memory loss, headaches, bleeding, cancer, mental incapacitation, and immunosuppression. Pulmonary hemosiderosis has been primarily linked to the notorious Stachybotrys commonly referred to as black mold.

Fungal infections may also be a signal for mold growth, and hence a thorough inspection and extermination should be carried out. There are also kits available in the market that can help you detect mold, especially black mold.

Past Flooding and Plumbing Issues

Primarily mold will thrive in warm, damp and humid environments, of which are provided for in case of a flooding or faulty pipes. In case it floods, a lot of water and moisture is left behind in the house long after the event.

This is especially in places that are hard to reach like basements, crawl spaces, behind wallpaper, inside cabinets, under floors, and so on. A good practice is to always carry out a thorough cleanup and ensure all areas fully dry.

Any known water leakages or signs of such are a strong indication that there’s mold growth in your home and should be addressed immediately.

Condensation

A lot of condensation in your home equals to high amount of moisture or humidity and in extension an immediate mold problem. You will observe this condensation on surfaces like metal pipes and glass windows where mold will most likely grow on. Rusting indoor metal pipes are a perfect example of this problem.