All kinds of limescale, dirt and mold often accumulate in the bathroom - red mold is also one of them. The red color may be pretty in some situations, but that's something you don't want in your bathroom. Luckily, these molds can be removed relatively easily, so you can have a sparkling clean bathroom again. Below you will find out how you can remove red mold.
Red mold in the bathroom: what is it?
In contrast to pink mold, this is a type of fungus that can have a red appearance at any time. As the mold grows, the colonies can vary in color, from green to black to red. This mold formation is not a separate type of mold, but simply the color that the mold has.
Is red mold in the shower dangerous?
If you are a healthy person, red mold probably won't have any devastating effects on you other than being annoying to see in your bathroom. However, mold can cause allergies, respiratory irritation and even respiratory infections in people with weakened immune systems. Children, pets and other immunocompromised people can become ill from contact with mold.
How to Remove Red Mold: What Causes It?
Like all mold infestations, red mold is caused by mold spores that settle in damp and wet areas where they can form colonies undisturbed. Spores are everywhere and mold likes to live in areas where it has ample access to moisture and organic material and where it is undisturbed.
The shower area, including the shower curtain, is a moist environment that is ideal territory for mold. Damp ceilings, leaky pipes in the walls and joints are the most vulnerable. Once mold has set in, it is difficult to remove without thorough scrubbing.
What to do about red mold in the bathroom?
Get rid of mold in your bathroom for good by using some tried-and-true tricks to ensure it doesn't return. Be sure to wear gloves and a dust mask if you are allergic to mold to avoid health problems when cleaning.
Remove red mold with home remedies: vinegar
Vinegar is an effective solution that kills mold colonies and spores faster than they can multiply. White vinegar isas an effective cleaning agentknown for eliminating mold and also dissolves the soap scum and mineral deposits of hard water that the mold feeds on.
Take a spray bottle and fill it half with vinegar and half with clean water. Add a few drops of essential oils of your choice, a lemon peel, and a few sprigs of herbs to combat the smell of the vinegar. Use the spraythroughout the shower areaand concentrate on the walls and floors that receive the most moisture. Spray the red mold and let the solution sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Fight mold – clean grout lines in the bathroom with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide
For tile grout lines that can develop red mold deep within their porous surface, use a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide mixed in a small bowl. Obtained with this mixturethe tiles return to their original color. The consistency of the paste allows you to apply the mixture on both horizontal and vertical surfaces and it will stick if you leave the mixture on for 20 – 30 minutes.
Then scrub the mold gently but vigorously with a cleaning brush. Use warm water to rinse away the solution and your bathroom grout lines should look like new again. Work on the mold areas until you no longer see any spots. If the dirt is very dirty, you may have to repeat the process several times.
Shower curtains get moldy: Wash in the washing machine
Your shower curtain can harbor colonies of red mold without you even realizing it. To clean moldy shower curtains, throw them in the washing machine. Add to the wash cyclesome vinegarAdd and let the machine remove the mold. Next, wring out the curtains and allow them to air dry completely to get rid of excess moisture before placing them back in the shower area. Wash your shower curtains at least once every two weeks to prevent red mold from forming in the fibers.
Remove red mold with tea tree oil
This natural essential oil is safe for pets, making it a good alternative to bleach and other mold-fighting chemicals. While it is one of the cheaper options, it is also one of the most effective options.
Buy tea tree oil that is specifically listed in the ingredientsMelaleuca alternifoliais stated – this is the real stuff. Mix 1 teaspoon oil and 250 ml water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas and start scrubbing. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can also mix tea tree oil and water in a bowl and dip your scrub brush in it. Do not rinse the solution from the surface as it will prevent mold from growing.
Prevent mold infestation
You can prevent red mold in shower areas by keeping surfaces as dry as possible, since the bacteria prefer moist areas. A water squeegee or towel works well to dry the walls after each use. Running the exhaust fan during and after showering can help reduce overall humidity in the bathroom.
