Mold loves damp, poorly ventilated rooms - so no wonder that showers offer themselves as a perfect breeding ground. While mold is usually recognized in the form of black spots, many are surprised that it can also appear in other colors.
Red discoloration on silicone joints or in the shower that can be visually visible are often overlooked or not identified as mold. In most cases, this is actually mold.
These reddish deposits are not only an aesthetic problem, but, like black mold, can cause health problems, especially in people with sensitive airways or allergies.
To avoid red mold deposits, consistent cleaning and regular ventilation of the shower helps.
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Underestimated danger: red mold in the shower
If you notice black or red discoloration in the shower, you will most likely have to do with mold and you should act quickly.
Studies demonstrate a connection between different types of mold and allergic reactions, or irritation. Especially in children and adults with an existing asthma disease, inhaling mold spores can lead to worse symptoms and cause additional symptoms.
But even in healthy people without pre -stress, mold can lead to the development of asthma, cough or shortness of breath. Allergies and rashes, as well as general fatigue and headache are also associated with the mold.
So far, it has not yet been determined from the amount from which the mold spores lead to health damage. For this reason, visible mold spots should always be removed as quickly as possible in order to keep the load on the air as low as possible.
Can you remove mold in the shower yourself?
If only smaller areas have a mold, you can try to remove it for yourself if you have no respiratory diseases or a generally weakened immune system. A maximum of half a square meter is considered a rule of thumb for a "small area", as is typically the case in the shower.
The right protective clothing is important when handling mold even with smaller areas. To prevent the mold spores from getting into the airways or the mucous membranes, you should have oneOral and nose protection*, oneProtective glasses*andGloves*Wear (you can get on Amazon, for example).
You should throw away the gloves as well as oral and nose protection after your plaster campaign and wash the clothes that you have worn directly as possible.
Tipp:To protect against mold spores, you can also wear an FFP-2 mask during cleaning. However, this does not protect as reliably as an FFP-3 mask, which is why it should only be used in exceptional cases.
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Experts advise against a home remedy in mold
Many people use home remedies for mold removal. Vinegar is particularly popular. Users advise to apply it to a cloth and simply wipe the mold away.
However, the Federal Environment Agency advises against this tactics in the guide to deal with mold. Vinegar can react with the surface on which it is applied and thus become a breeding ground for the mold. If in doubt, the mold problem is only worsened with the use of vinegar.
Chlorine is effective against mold
A special more effective against mold in the shower is a specialMold remover with chlorine*. He kills the mushroom and spores and at the same time bleachs the black spots. The rather superficial red mold can often be eliminated even better and also leaves little residue.
To do this, simply spray the cleaner onto the affected areas, let it work after instructions for use and then rinse everything with clear water.
However, the smell of chlorine can be very strong with these cleaners, which is why you should ventilate the room well after use.
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How do I get mold from silicone joints in the shower?
Silicone joints in the shower are usually more difficult to free mold stains than the solid joints made of grout. This is due to the soft nature of the silicone, into which the mold literally sees itself.
Although a mold remover with chlorine also kills most of the mold, it does not always remove the dark spots reliably. In this case there is no health risk More, but visually, many still bother the dark.
With discolored silicone joints usually only helps to renew the joint. This is not particularly complex and can with the help of aComplete sets for joint renovation*simply be carried out yourself.
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Rental apartment: Who has to remove mold in the shower?
If you live for rent, you should let your property management or rental before you dedicate yourself to the mold problem. In the event of damage in the apartment - which also includes mold in the shower - tenants have an obligation to notify their/her landlord.
This also means that you do not have to bear the costs of mold removal yourself, provided that you have not caused the mold by misconduct. A possible misconduct that can lead to the formation of mold in the shower would be, for example, false or rare ventilation.
On the other hand, if there is structural defects - such as a window that is too small or a defective ventilation - it is quite clear that the mold is not your fault and it is therefore the responsibility of your rental to properly remove it.
Have you ever had to struggle with mold in the shower? We look forward to your tips on removal and prevention on social media!
