Mold on Bathroom Ceiling

Mold on bathroom ceiling is a real big nuisance. Read this article to know, how to get rid of mold on bathroom ceiling.
The bathroom ceiling is an ideal breeding ground for toxic mold. The steam released from the shower or bathtub rises up and get trapped on the surface of the ceilings. If the ceiling is a textured one, then the moisture get accumulated inside its grooves. Otherwise, moisture build up takes place at corners where the bathroom walls meet. Lack of proper air circulation allow the dampness to stay on the ceiling. Moreover, the ceiling area does not receive enough light. All these factors provide a suitable condition for growth of black mold.

How to Get Rid of Mold on Bathroom Ceiling

You need a few tools and materials for black mold removal. They are: stepladder, bucket, scrub brush, mop, sponge, washcloth, sponge, toothbrush and fan. You also require rubber gloves, safety goggles and respiratory mask to protect yourself from toxic mold exposure. If you accidentally inhale some dry mold spores, it may lead to mold allergy symptoms which are extremely bothersome. Therefore, adequate protective gear is a must. Once you are ready, follow the step by step instructions given below for mold removal:

Prepare the Work Area
To ensure proper air circulation, open up the windows of the bathroom. Then place the stepladder on the bathroom floor, move up the ladder to get a closer look at the mold infested spots. Sometimes, the growth is confined to one or two areas or it could be spread all over the entire ceiling. A close view will help you to identify the spots of mold growth. It is also important that you isolate the bathroom area from the rest of the house by sealing up the vents so that the air borne mold spores do not enter your house.

Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Bleach is used for killing mold on bathroom ceiling. You have to dilute about half cup of bleach in a gallon of hot water. Also, add a little mild dish washing detergent to this mixture. This will help to get rid of all accumulated dirt and grease from the ceiling area. Now, take a disposable stick and stir the liquid well, so that, all the ingredients blend well. Just take care that the solution does not splash out of the bucket as it can cause damage to the floor and other materials in the area.

Apply the Cleaning Solution
There are two methods of application of the cleaner on the ceiling. Dip a scrubbing sponge into the solution and rub it on the ceiling surface. Or else, you can put the solution in a spray bottle and then saturate the mold infested areas with it. After applying the solution, wait for at least 15 minutes. If it is an heavy infestation, then you can reapply the cleaner once more for killing mold effectively.

Clean up the Mold
You can use a washcloth to rub out the mold. If there are some stubborn spots, then you have to take the help of a stiff bristled brush for scrubbing those areas. The narrow gaps in between ceiling tiles can be cleaned with a toothbrush. Continue to scrub the ceiling, until all the spots are thoroughly cleaned. You must take breaks in between as continuous working can give you cramps in the neck.

Wash off the Ceiling
Take a bucket of clean water and clean sponge. Soak the sponge with water and rub it over the ceiling to remove all the residues of the cleaner. Then allow it to dry properly. To ensure faster drying, rub a dry and clean towel over the ceiling surface. Then turn on the fans to increase the air circulation inside bathroom.

Protect the Ceiling
After removal, you must prevent any further growth of the black mold. Improve air circulation of the bathroom by keeping the windows open. If the root cause of damp on ceiling is any leaky pipe, then it should be repaired. You can apply a coat of borate based detergent solution on the ceiling for controlling mold growth. Mold-resistant paints are available in the market, you can apply it on the ceiling for better protection.

Removal of black mold is very important from a hygienic point of view. Prolonged exposure to black mold can lead to mold poisoning. Some common symptoms include chronic upper respiratory infection, breathing trouble, bleeding from lungs, nose and many other health complications. If you suspect that you or any of your family members are experiencing the symptoms of black mold poisoning after exposure to bathroom mold, then consult a doctor immediately.
By Bidisha Mukherjee
Published: 1/11/2011
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