Black joints, dark spots: mold in the shower can not only endanger your health, but is also a real challenge when cleaning. If you want to get rid of the fungal spores permanently, you should treat the infestation as quickly as possible and eliminate it as planned. Luckily, there are home remedies that can help with the first signs of an infestation.
How can you properly remove mold in the shower?
First of all: The mold spores are dangerous because if inhaled, they can trigger allergies and cause breathing problems. Children and people over 60 in particular are among the risk groups that react very sensitively to mold.
But what types of mold are there? There are many types of mold. Black mold is considered particularly dangerous. It most often spreads on the tiles, around the drain and, in cases of severe infestation, in the joints.
Blame for thatred moldare the fungi Fusarium and Aspergillus. It is also considered dangerous. People with a weakened immune system in particular can inhale the fungal spores and become ill.
The right approach when removing mold in the shower is crucial. There are several simple rules to keep in mind:
- Never wipe the mold dry as this will release the spores into the air.
- Wear a face mask and rubber gloves when cleaning. Dispose of all cleaning cloths and kitchen sponges after cleaning.
- Classify the mold infestation correctly. An infestation is considered minor if a maximum of 60 square centimeters is covered with mold. If the mold has actually penetrated the silicone joints in the shower, then the infestation is considered moderate.
- Ventilate the bathroom during and after cleaning.
Effective home remedies for mold in the shower
After you have noticed the mold and have classified the infestation as low or moderate, you should find the right home remedy. Depending on where the mold is located, you can use different home remedies.
Remove mold in the joints with hydrogen peroxide
You can use hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) for the joints in the shower stall. Apply the hydrogen peroxide to cotton swabs and work it into the joints. As with all home remedies, the rule of thumb applies here: test in an invisible area first. Some materials may discolor. Then let the hydrogen peroxide work for about 2-3 minutes and then wipe the joints with a damp cleaning cloth.
Special case of silicone joints:Silicone joints in the shower pose a particular challenge when cleaning. If mold has spread there, removing the fungal spores is particularly complicated. A brush would scratch the delicate surface and the scratches are entry points for the spores. This allows the mold to penetrate deep into the joints. Then there's only one thing to do - you have to renew them. If you want to save yourself the trouble, you can first make the joints with a solution of white table vinegar (apple or white wine vinegar) and water. Mix the two ingredients in a 1 to 1 ratio and pour them into a spray bottle. Then spray the silicone joints and let the home remedy take effect for a few minutes. Then take a steam cleaner and run it along the joint. The combination of vinegar and steam will kill the fungus and loosen the black spots.
Get rid of mold in the shower stall with rubbing alcohol
You can disinfect glass and smooth surfaces in the shower cubicle, as well as steel and galvanized surfaces, with rubbing alcohol. The best way is to take a microfiber cloth and soak it in rubbing alcohol. Be sure to wear rubber gloves! Test in an invisible area first - in some cases the alcohol can damage delicate metal surfaces. Then work the rubbing alcohol into the seals with an old toothbrush. Then carefully wipe the affected surfaces. The alcohol will simply evaporate and you won't need to wipe the surfaces again afterwards. However, if black spots still remain, you can brush them off with a clean brush.
Remove red mold from shower curtain
Red mold most often appears on the shower curtain. The stains appear overnight and are fortunately pretty easy to clean. The quickest and most effective way to do this is with a bleach solution. Spray it on the stains or place the entire shower curtain in a bucket full of the bleach solution. Then, depending on the manufacturer's instructions, you can either wash the curtain in the washing machine or simply hang it up and rinse it well in the shower.
Important preventive measures
After cleaning, you should take a few preventative measures:
- Keep the humidity in the shower area as low as possible.
- Wipe the tiles dry after showering.
- Ventilate and wash the shower curtain regularly.
- Repair cracked tiles and wet drywall.
Mold develops where it is damp. But just moisture is not enough, the fungi also need breeding ground. Soap and shampoo residues that accumulate in the joints and on the tiles provide the perfect breeding ground for the spores. So the best prevention is thisShower cubicle dry and cleanto keep. It is best to ventilate the bathroom 2 – 3 times a day. The so-called shock ventilation proves to be particularly effective. And wipe the water from the shower stall, seals and joints regularly.
