If you notice red spots on the surfaces when showering, this is a clear sign that red mold has appeared in the bathroom. The common bacteria that cause it are Serratia marcescens and Aureobasidium pullulans and since they love moist environments like bathrooms, this is a common problem for many people. We'll explain how to remove red mold and how to avoid it in the future to ensure a healthy bathroom for your family.
Red mold in the bathroom: why does it occur and how can you prevent it?
Red mold is not actually real mold, but bacteria that grow in the similar conditions. Although it is not as toxic as black mold, it is also unsightly and can pose a health risk.
Is red mold dangerous?
Like all other types of mold, red mold can be dangerous to health because the common fungi that cause it lead to allergies and serious infections in people with weaker immune systems.
If you have red mold in your bathroom, be sure to avoid direct contact. Wear gloves when cleaning up and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Since its spores can cause breathing problems, make sure you do not inhale them.
If you have specific symptoms that indicate mold infestation, contact your doctor.
What causes it?
The most common cause of red mold in the bathroom is higher humidity and a lack of ventilation, which leads to the frequent formation of condensation. You can find it in all damp areas where the mold spores settle and form colonies undisturbed. It usually finds its breeding ground in the shower and on the joints.
The shower area, the bathtub, the sink, the tiles, including the tile joints are all ideal terrain for mold. The spores are everywhere and the mold has ample access to moisture and lives undisturbed.
Red mold in the bathroom: Remove with home remedies
If the damaged areas are not much, you can deal with the red mold yourselfsome home remediesremove. Just make sure you wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself.
- Treat the shower walls with white vinegar:Vinegar is known to be an effective cleaning agent for eliminating mold. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and use the spray on the walls in the shower area. Leave the solution on for 20 to 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. You can also soak a cloth in the solution and use it to scrub off the mold.
- Clean the tile joints:Tiles and grout can be cleaned using the same method as shower walls. However, since the red mold can penetrate deep into the porous surface of the joints, you can make a paste out of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. With this mixture, the joints regain their original white color. Apply the mixture to the joints and leave it on for 20 to 30 minutes. Then scrub them with an old toothbrush. Work on the mold areas until you no longer see any spots. Repeat this process several times if the contamination is too severe. Use warm water to rinse the tiles and grout.
- Remove red mold from shower curtain:If red mold forms on your shower, you can treat it using the following two methods. Remove the curtain from the shower area, eliminate the shower rings and throw the fabric in the washing machine. Add some vinegar and let the washing machine remove the mold. Allow the shower curtain to air dry completely before placing it back in the shower area.Wash himevery two weeks to prevent red mold from forming in the fibers. The second method is to place the shower curtain in the bathtub and add 2L of water and 4 tablespoons of non-chlorine bleach. Let the solution sit for an hour, then scrub the shower curtain with a brush and rinse with warm water.
How can you prevent red mold in the bathroom?
The best protection against red mold isClean your bathroom as often as possible, keep dry and well ventilated. To make it less attractive to mold, take the following measures.
- Run the bathroom exhaust fan whenever someone bathes and leave it running for at least 30 minutes after bathing. You can also leave the bathroom door open for 30 minutes after showering.
- Rinse the walls of your shower with hot water after each use to remove soap residue.
- Wipe the walls with a squeegee or towel.
- Discard the bath mat if it does not dry quickly and does not have antibacterial properties.
- Keep the humidity in your home below 50%.
Also interesting:Removing mold from joints: 6 effective home remedies and preventive measures
