The fact that the black and gray plaque on the walls and on the ceiling in the bathroom is unaesthetic is not the biggest problem. It does the most harm to health. The consequences of getting toxic spores into the lungs or bronchi can be the most unpredictable. Treatment after this will require a long and serious.
Therefore, if black mold is found in the bathroom, how to get rid of it must be addressed immediately. Otherwise, it will quickly penetrate deep under the tile, and it will not be easy to remove it from there. Our article is just devoted to ways to deal with the fungus - in this material, we examined in detail the best purchased and folk remedies for removing mold at home.
Mold intervention is inevitable if the room:
- poorly ventilated;
- it lacks natural light;
- condensation forms on pipes and wall decoration;
- pipes leak at the junctions;
- it doesn't heat well.
Even one of these factors creates favorable conditions for its replication. While she did not have time to crawl into other rooms, urgent measures must be taken. We read more about the danger of a person's neighborhood with black mold.
And mold spores can get inside through the window, picked up by a draft, they penetrate through the front door. They can be brought on shoes and outerwear, and she has other ways. Well, the bathroom for the fungus is the most fertile area.
If, after bathing, the water is not immediately removed from the tile, an environment comfortable for mold will appear. In just 24 hours, his colony can increase 9 times
Where to look for fungus?
Even if visually it is not immediately possible to detect traces of the presence of mold, you should look for it in places hidden from view.
It can be:
- corners of walls in contact with the bathroom;
- gaps between tiles;
- places where plumbing fixtures adjoin walls;
- under the baseboards in the area of the sink and bath;
- on the ceiling;
- under the rug on the floor;
- in wooden sheathing;
- in cups for hygiene items.
Having penetrated into other rooms, spores, if they do not germinate, retain their ability to reproduce for a long time and only wait for favorable conditions.
It is impossible to get rid of them completely, but it is quite possible to create unsuitable conditions for their development.
The best store-bought mold repellents
In the old days, this problem was solved by a radical method - they simply left the house infected with mold. Now there are many other ways. Let's consider each of them in detail.
Remedy #2 - Tea Tree Oil
This non-standard method gives a good result, because. mold microorganisms are sensitive to the components that make up this aromatic oil.
The usage pattern is as follows:
- Buy a vial of tea tree oil.
- Hands need to be protected, so rubber gloves are also needed.
- Take a spray bottle and pour water into it.
To 500 ml of water add 2 large spoons of aroma oil. Stir the mixture, pour into a bottle, shake. After that, the tool can be used for processing.
After application, the mixture does not need to be washed off, it should act. Since the product is natural, it is safe for people and pets.
It is sprayed on the affected surface, then the fungus is collected with a cloth. To enhance the result, it is advisable to repeat the procedure and leave the treated area to dry naturally.
If the walls in the bathroom are badly damaged, a more concentrated solution is needed - 20 ml of oil per 1000 ml of water. Processing is best done with a brush with a long handle.
Since the product has a specific smell, it does not disappear quickly. To protect the walls from possible black mold damage in the future, you can add a little oil to the paint. This will stop the development of the colony in the event of a thorough penetration of mold into the thickness of the wall.
Remedy #3 - Hydrogen Peroxide
This tool is available and inexpensive. You don't need to do any manipulations with it. It is simply poured into a container with a spray bottle and sprayed undiluted. After a 15-minute exposure, the treated areas are wiped.
Not every surface can be treated with a preparation such as 3% hydrogen peroxide, since it tends to bleach some materials. For reinsurance, you need to check its effect on a small area
With the same success, perhydrol can be replaced with furatsilin or copper sulfate.
Remedy #4 - Boric Acid
Borax, borax or boric acid is the name of one drug. Half a glass of the substance is diluted in a liter of water. Tile joints and other places where mold is found are cleaned with a stiff brush dipped in a solution. After some time, the treated areas are wiped with a dry cloth.
There is one unpleasant moment in this process - the substance is not entirely safe, because. it irritates the respiratory tract. Therefore, gloves and a mask must be mandatory when processing borax.
It is also advisable to work in the absence of children and pets.
Remedy #5 - Aqueous Ammonia
Non-porous surfaces in the bathroom are well cleaned and disinfected with ammonia. The ammonia is simply applied to the plane using a sponge or cloth. Increases the effect of adding glycerin in a small amount.
Minus - toxicity. Because of this, it can cause irritation of the mucous membrane and even poisoning.
The mixture is left on the surface for one hour, then washed off with water. When using ammonia, you need to know that it evaporates by 50% of the initial volume and does not always have time to react.
Like boric acid, ammonia gives off an odor that is very strong and pungent. This can cause irritation.
Remedy #6 - Chlorine Bleach
This simple tool poses a threat not only to home mold, but also to street mold.
The active component of "Whiteness" is an inorganic compound sodium hydrochloride. It has disinfectant and antiseptic properties. In the bleach of the working substance 3 - 6%
The percentage of chlorine in "Belizna" is very high, hence such a good disinfecting effect. Among all the improvised means considered, bleach is the leader. It also works well on (various wood surfaces).
The downside is toxicity. Because of this, it can cause irritation of the mucous membrane and even poisoning.
Remedy #7 - copper sulfate
This drug kills mold from tiles, primer, plastic. It must be diluted with water. The proportion is 100 g of the substance per 10 liters of liquid. The solution is applied to the surface with a brush, it is better to do this in several layers. For prevention, a remedy is also applied around the area with mold.
In this state, everything is left for a while. Next, you should wash the treated areas and ventilate the room. The product is toxic, so you will need a respirator and gloves to work with it.
When planning to use this or that remedy for black mold, it is necessary to take into account a number of features. First, it is impossible to remove this scourge by washing off with warm soapy water and manganese. Even if it is possible to eliminate black plaque, disputes will remain. Having received a new nutrient medium in the form of warm moisture and the components that make up the soap, their colonies will multiply even faster.
Two years is enough for black mold to destroy building structures. In favorable conditions, she will not stop at the bathroom, but will capture new territories.
Secondly, it is impossible to avoid the re-invasion of mold after removing it mechanically. At the same time, spores will remain and continue their reproduction.
Thirdly, high positive temperatures, like very low ones, are not able to destroy mold spores. Their presence will only stop growth. As soon as favorable conditions return, the mold will continue to grow.
Fourth, the smallest cracks in the bathroom wall need to be repaired, and walls that are in contact with the street are better. The floor mats in this room should be dry, and it is even better to make a warm floor here.
Fifth, it is advisable not to dry wet laundry in the bathroom. It will become an additional source of moisture. When zonal surface treatment does not help, you will have to make repairs throughout the room. For this purpose, buy products intended for use during repairs. Add them to putty, paint or whitewash.
The process of renovating a bathroom is labor-intensive, it requires both time and finances. But it is almost impossible to deal with old mold in another way.
Pay attention to the primers, which are based on acids, other components that are detrimental to mold.
How to prevent mold?
This uninvited guest feels comfortable in a room where there is no ventilation and drafts in conditions of high humidity - from 80% and a temperature of 20⁰. Based on this, it is necessary, first of all, to create an environment in which mold cannot develop in principle.
To maintain constant humidity levels in the bathroom, you do not need to close the door tightly. If this measure is not enough, you will have to. You can put a door with special holes for ventilation or drill them yourself, then arrange them with decorative rings.
The door model with holes evens out the temperature inside the bathroom. Ventilation holes are in the form of circles or rectangles. They are performed in several zones or one and masked with a decorative lattice
A more effective way is in the duct. The hole is closed with a ventilation grill. Switching on and off can be done with the light switch.
The best option is to install a hygrometer and connect it to the fan through a sensor. Once the humidity reaches the upper limit, it will turn on the fan. When the value of the humidity indicator falls, the device turns on again.
You can buy a ventilation grill and mount it yourself, but then the integrity of the door leaf is violated.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Getting rid of harmful fungi in the bathroom:
Fungus on the tile and its destruction:
As you can see, it is easier to prevent a fungal infection in the bathroom than to deal with it or make repairs. Be sure after successfully overcoming the problem, do not forget about preventive measures and the fungus will no longer appear. The main thing is normal air circulation, ventilation.
The bathroom is a place where there is always a lot of water. Consequently, the room is constantly high humidity. If you neglect the rules of care and do not monitor the state of ventilation, then you can soon find the appearance of unpleasant black spots. The fungus not only spoils the appearance of the room, but also threatens the health of the household. Of course, the prevention of such a phenomenon is much more effective, but if a problem has already arisen, it is important to know how to remove the fungus in the bathroom so that it does not bother you anymore.
What is a fungus
In the common people, a fungus is compared with a disease. Only the victim is not a living being, but walls and other surfaces in a damp room. The fungus is made up of microorganisms that prefer dark, damp but warm places. Therefore, the bathroom is an ideal place for them to breed.
But the main danger of black spots is not only in cosmetic defects and untidiness of the room. The main reason why it is important to know how to remove fungus in the bathroom and prevent it from reappearing is the impact of microorganisms on the health of people and animals living in the house.
If a fungus lives in the bathroom, then it can cause:
- chronic rhinitis;
- persistent cough that does not respond to treatment;
- asthma attacks;
- incomprehensible localization headaches;
- skin rashes.
It is important to understand that the problem is not in the fungus as such, but in its spores. It is they who, getting into the surrounding air, have a detrimental effect on a person.
Where does it come from
The bathroom always has high humidity. However, not everywhere there is such an unpleasant phenomenon as a fungus. Why this happens and how to remove the fungus in the bathroom, we will consider further.
The following surfaces are most suitable for the reproduction of microorganisms:
- plastic, which is so popular;
- concrete or:
- a rock.
- wooden furniture.
It must be understood that various kinds of microorganisms constantly live in the air, but conditions are required for their reproduction. If they are not there, then they cannot multiply and, accordingly, be distributed throughout the room.
Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of the air in the bathroom, maintain ventilation in good condition and avoid dampness.
Steps to take when mold is found
When fungus is found in the bathroom, how to remove it worries every homeowner. But before proceeding with the fight against microorganisms, a number of important measures should be taken. If they are neglected, all further efforts will go down the drain. The fungus will disappear, but very soon it will show up again.
- Check and eliminate possible malfunctions in the ventilation system.
- Clean the washing machine with disinfectants. Next, you should run it several times in idle mode with any descaling agent.
- If there is wooden furniture in the bathroom, then it will have to be thrown out. The fact is that the tree is an excellent breeding ground for spores and it is almost impossible to get them out of there.
- If the house has old pipes, the best way out is to replace them with plastic ones. If this option is not yet possible, then it is necessary to deal with the isolation of the existing ones. This is necessary so that condensation does not accumulate on the surface.
- Check all plumbing for serviceability. All leaks must be excluded.
- If there is a wall that borders the entrance, it is better to insulate it.
- The door to the bathroom should have ventilation holes. The way out of the situation may be a gap between the door leaf and the floor.
Only after fulfilling all the conditions can you directly fight the fungus.
Popular remedies that have proven to be effective
There are quite a few products that successfully fight black spots in the bathroom. Their effectiveness has been proven by numerous reviews of hostesses, but it is important to take precautions.
blue vitriol
Many are interested in how to remove the fungus in the bathroom with copper sulphate. It does its job well, but needs to be used with care. The procedure is as follows:
- Drying out the bathroom. To do this, you can use the existing heater. The door is open at the same time.
- The solution is being prepared. To do this, one tablespoon of vitriol is taken for one bucket of water.
- We put on gloves. It is advisable to cover the face with a gauze bandage.
- With a wide brush, we process all the affected areas.
- After that, it is advisable to leave the house for 3-4 hours.
- The treated areas are well washed with warm water and wiped dry.
The method is effective, but re-treatment may be required. It is important that there are no children and animals in the house while working with vitriol.
How to remove fungus in the bathroom with hydrogen peroxide
The tool has antibacterial properties and is suitable for those who cannot use copper sulfate. However, it can be used to remove disputes, and even then only if they have not spread much and do not take up much space.
This method will be especially effective if you are concerned about how to remove the fungus in the bathroom between the tiles on the wall. Also suitable for furniture made of plastic and rubber inserts.
Before processing, it should be noted that hydrogen peroxide has bleaching properties. Therefore, it is recommended to use it on light surfaces.
The essence of processing is simple. It is enough to put on gloves and use a cotton swab to process the tile joints, the affected furniture. Leave to act for 10-15 minutes and rinse well with warm water. It is necessary to carry out several treatments until the spores are completely destroyed.
Tea tree oil
How to remove the fungus in the bathroom with folk remedies worries those who cannot use potent drugs and are prone to allergic reactions. In such cases, you can use tea tree oil.
To do this, prepare a solution consisting of one part oil and one part warm water. The resulting liquid is poured into the sprayer and the cracks on the tile, the space between the bathroom and the wall are treated. The product is completely harmless, so it does not require rinsing. Repeat the treatment as needed.
The oil not only destroys the spores, but also gives the room a pleasant aroma, which the bathroom lost when the fungus wound up in it. However, it must be understood that you can completely get rid of an unpleasant odor only if you completely get rid of mold.
Chlorine bleach enters the fray
Many are interested in how to remove the fungus in the bathroom. Anyone will help get rid of it forever. But ordinary bleach is considered the best option.
Due to the fact that harmful fumes are emitted when working with it, a bandage on the face and gloves are necessary. For processing, you will need to prepare a solution. To do this, take one part of bleach and ten parts of water. The amount of liquid is determined according to the scale of the disaster.
Processing order:
- a solution is being prepared;
- using a sprayer or a wide brush, the product is applied to blackened places;
- leave to act for two hours, while it is necessary to open the windows and leave the room;
- after that, everything is washed with warm water;
- complete drying is important, so the surfaces are thoroughly wiped;
- the bathroom is ventilated.
It is important that children and pets are not at home during processing.
Industrial preparations
When there is no desire or opportunity to use folk remedies, it is better to use the inventions of the chemical industry. The possibilities of drugs are quite extensive, their effectiveness has been proven by numerous applications, and safety is confirmed by manufacturers.
On sale you can find household options for combating fungus and industrial ones. The latter must be used during construction in order to pre-treat the surfaces in the bathroom and thereby avoid problems in the future. Household are suitable for the destruction of spores that have already appeared.
On the shelves in the store are both imported products and domestic production. What to prefer depends on the desire and financial capabilities. But, judging by the reviews of consumers, both of them effectively deal with the consequences of the appearance of the fungus.
If you are concerned about the question of how to remove the fungus in the bathroom from the ceiling, then it is better to use the special tools offered by the chemical industry. The use of bleach and copper sulfate is also acceptable, but their use in a hard-to-reach place is difficult. In any case, it is better to take the drug with a spray.
Cleaning without risk
Many are concerned about the question of how to remove the fungus in the bathroom. Methods should be non-aggressive and safe. You can use the following tips.
Soda and vinegar. Effective and cheap. Ingredients can be found in almost any home. The essence of the method is as follows:
- Baking soda is lightly wetted with water to form a paste.
- The resulting product is applied to the affected areas.
- After that, a few drops of vinegar are slowly poured onto the paste.
- After the resulting foam settles, everything is washed with warm water and wiped dry.
The method is harmless and does not require the removal of household members from the apartment.
Boric acid and vinegar essence. Before work, wear rubber gloves and follow the instructions:
- Prepare a solution. For this, 4 parts of water, 2 parts of hydrogen peroxide, 2 parts of boric acid and one part of vinegar essence are taken.
- Use a brush to treat all affected areas.
- Leave to act for 3-4 hours.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry.
After using the product, it is necessary to ventilate the room.
Preventive measures
So that the question of how to remove the fungus in the bathroom does not stand before the household, it is necessary to observe preventive measures. Otherwise, even the most potent remedy will be powerless to end the problem once and for all.
You can buy a special fungal spray in the store. They treat the air in the room if the condition of the bathroom is of concern.
It is also necessary to be especially attentive to faucets and shower heads. They are often attacked by microorganisms. To prevent this from happening, they should be periodically treated with an acetic solution prepared according to the 1: 1 scheme.
Conclusion
If you do not neglect the rules of hygiene, keep the plumbing in order and regularly inspect the ventilation system, then the fungus will not attack the bathroom. However, if this has already happened, then using the methods given in this article, you can get rid of it.
The mold that has formed in the bathroom not only has an unaesthetic appearance, but can also cause great harm to human health. A fungus that is not removed in time can cause infectious diseases such as candidiasis, allergic rhinitis, asthma, etc. In particular, the fungus is dangerous for people prone to various allergic reactions. The black mold formed in the bathroom, as a rule, has a characteristic unpleasant odor. It is worth noting that getting rid of it is quite difficult, while it must be borne in mind that it is able to grow.
Mold not only spoils the appearance of the bathroom, but also contains substances harmful to humans.
Harmful mold spores can penetrate deep into the wall surface. It is for this reason that drastic measures must be taken to remove harmful formations, otherwise you can be sure that after a while the mold will again make itself felt.
In order to eliminate black mold once and for all, it is first necessary to understand the causes of its occurrence. In the event that a musty smell has appeared in the bathroom, it is very important to carefully examine all surfaces of the room for the presence of mold.
Keep in mind that the sooner you can detect black mold in the bathroom, the less trouble it will cause you. A launched fungus can cause serious damage even to the building structure itself. The more black mold remains on the surfaces of the room, the deeper its spores penetrate into the building material.
Mold in the bathroom: causes of formation
Mold grows in rooms with improperly designed ventilation.
Some of the most common causes of black mold in bathrooms include:
- damaged (bad) ventilation system;
- increased level of humidity in the room;
- faulty plumbing fixtures;
- condensation on cast iron water pipes.
All these factors are the most favorable conditions for the formation of fungal mold. That is why, before proceeding with the removal of black mold, it is so important to find and eliminate the causes that caused its appearance. The main thing to pay attention to is the level of humidity in the bathroom, because in combination with room temperature it is the optimal environment for the growth of fungal spores.
- In order for the bathroom to be well ventilated, it is desirable to provide a fan in the ventilation duct. It is very convenient when the system is designed in such a way that it starts when the light is turned on.
- Plastic pipes have long been replaced by cast iron pipes. As a rule, their surface does not allow the formation of condensate, their installation requires minimal financial costs, and also saves a significant amount of time. The presence of many positive qualities is the reason for replacing cast-iron pipes with plastic ones.
- Make sure that the plumbing in your bathroom is fully functional, if necessary, fix breakages and leaks.
- Pay special attention to wall insulation; if this is not enough, it may be necessary to install an additional heater.
- It is not recommended to hang wet laundry in the bathroom if the towel dryer is out of order.
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How to remove black mold
To remove black mold you will need:
- tool for removing the old surface;
- spray;
- gloves;
- respirator (wet mask);
- container (in case you decide to prepare an antifungal composition with your own hands).
It is very important to treat the mold fungus with all responsibility, only in this way you can forever forget about its existence. It should be noted that the most effective method in this case is to perform a major overhaul. It is advisable to remove the tile, the same applies to other wall coverings (paint, whitewash, etc.). Next, the cleaned surface is thoroughly dried with a building hair dryer. It is not recommended to use the bathroom during the procedure, as it requires the presence of dry air.
A bathroom in which black mold has formed needs a major overhaul, since spores that have penetrated the finishing material cannot be completely eliminated in another way. After thoroughly cleaning the surface of the affected material, you will need to apply a specially designed antiseptic. To date, there is a wide variety of them - for example, you can use an antifungal soil composition. You can purchase this product at any hardware store. In addition, a solution of copper sulphate, laundry soap or chlorine bleach is good for removing fungus from ceiling or wall surfaces. Having treated the surface with one of the listed means, you can safely proceed to laying tiles, painting or other finishing methods.
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How to remove mold in the bathroom without resorting to a major overhaul?
Mold can cause skin allergies, so it is best to work on removing the fungus with gloves.
Perhaps the financial costs of major repairs were not included in your immediate plans, in which case the mold in the bathroom can be eliminated in less radical ways. But keep in mind that ordinary cleaners and detergents will be powerless here. They will help to achieve only a visual effect, the formation of new spots of black mold will not take long. In order for your bathroom to shine clean for a long time, you can not do without the use of specially designed compounds.
- With the help of copper sulfate, black mold inclusions can be quite effectively removed. In addition, this option is one of the least expensive. If you decide to give your preference to this particular method of eliminating the fungus, keep in mind that in this case, safety measures must be observed, since it is toxic. To work with blue vitriol, you will need gloves, a respirator or a moistened mask. After processing walls and ceilings, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the surfaces.
- The bathroom will be spared from fungal mold if you apply chlorine powder in a diluted form. It will also be appropriate to use bleaches that contain all the same bleach. You may also need a mask and gloves, as these products have a very pungent odor.
- In order to remove mold, you can use antiseptics based on white spirit, turpentine or oil. Such compounds are very effective in combating black mold, while be prepared for the fact that often after surface treatment, a pungent odor remains for a long time.
- Specially designed ready-made chemistries most effectively eliminate black mold. When buying them, it is very important to get detailed advice from the seller, since there are a lot of ways to get rid of the fungus.
Ceramic tiles and - it's not only beautiful, but also practical. Durable tiles are easy to clean and keep their appearance for many years. However, this type of cladding has one drawback: it gets dirty over time, and sometimes due to high humidity it becomes covered with mold and fungus. How to clean the seams in the bathroom from mold, using household chemicals and folk remedies, will be discussed in this article.
Why fungus and mold appear
Causes of fungus and mold:
- High humidity.
- Lack of natural sunlight.
- The absence or poor quality of her work.
- No special treatment.
The fungus not only spoils the appearance of the room, but also harms human health.
If mold appears, it is necessary to immediately clean the surface, but do not forget to follow the safety rules. Stock up on the following items:
- rubber gloves;
- brush for application;
- breeding container;
- protective glasses;
- spray.
Advice. It is best to carry out work on cleaning the seams when there are no children and animals nearby in order to avoid unforeseen situations.
We clean mold on cement grout and sealant (silicone, acrylic) with folk remedies
The cardinal way to clean the sealant from fungi and mold is only its complete replacement. To do this, the seams are embroidered, removing the silicone sealant, the surface is treated and dried until completely dry, and only after that the seams are sealed with a new sealant.
However, it is not always possible to go for such a cardinal solution to the problem. Then the old methods, proven over the years, are used. Here are some of them:
The most radical method of removing the fungus is to embroider the seams and replace the grout
plain white vinegar able to kill up to 80% of mold species. In addition, this tool is almost always at hand. In order to remove mold and fungus, it is necessary to blot a cloth in vinegar solution or pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas of the seams. Leave the tile until the vinegar dries, then clean the joints with a stiff brush and rinse with water.
Hydrogen peroxide copes well with small colonies of mold. It cleans both silicone and cement joints. The procedure for working with hydrogen peroxide is no different from cleaning with vinegar solution: apply, let dry, rub with a brush and rinse with water.
Attention. Do not forget about the light bleaching effect of peroxide, so you should use it carefully near dark plastic.
Tea tree oil It will also help you deal with difficult situations. To do this, dilute one teaspoon of oil in a glass of warm water and apply the resulting solution to the tile with a spray gun. It is not necessary to wash off such a solution, but it is better to apply it at night, when no one will visit the bathroom.
Liquid formulations are very convenient to apply to the wall with a spray gun
Another effective way is a solution for which you need to mix 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon of boric acid, 4 tablespoons of water and 2 tablespoons of table vinegar. The solution must be wiped with the affected seams.
soda and vinegar. This method is only suitable for horizontal surfaces. It is necessary to pour a sufficient amount of soda on the contaminated seams, and then pour table vinegar. When the foam comes off, wash the areas well with soapy water.
Furacilin can also save you from fungus in the bathroom. One tablet of furacilin must be diluted in a liter of water and the surface of the seams should be treated. Some argue that after such treatment they did not meet a fungus in their bathroom.
After the product has been aged on the surface for 15-20 minutes, wipe the seams with a sponge
Mold on cement grout and sealant (silicone, acrylic) is cleaned with household chemicals
If you do not have allergic reactions to household chemicals and all kinds of antiseptic preparations, and you do not like folk remedies, then you can resort to specialized chemicals to fight the fungus. Here are some of them:
Attention. "Whiteness" and its analogues is a rather aggressive tool, therefore, when using this tool, be sure to use gloves, and also take care of protecting your eyes and respiratory tract.
Sanitation and ionization
In addition to the above methods, there is also a method using an air stream enriched with ions and microelements, which is directed to the problem area. For this, a special device is used. In addition, training is required. Most often, this method is chosen when other methods have not helped and the fungus has firmly eaten. The disadvantage of ionization is the need to call a specialist and the high price.
Using a steam cleaner
Don't forget the steam cleaner. With this unit, you can clean not only tile joints, but also wash tiles from plaque.
There are many ways to clean seams. And almost all of them are suitable for any type of joints, both for cement grout and silicone. But no matter which method you choose, remember that you must follow safety rules, avoiding contact with the eyes and respiratory tract. Carefully read the instructions for the purchased antiseptics and follow the instructions. And so that you do not have to fight the fungus in the future, try to prevent its occurrence. For this, good ventilation and regular cleaning of the room are sufficient.
How to clean the seams between tiles: video
Mold removal: photo
Mold sometimes appears in the bathrooms of apartments and private houses. This phenomenon is extremely unpleasant and dangerous for the health of residents. How to get rid of mold in the bathroom, the representatives of the sanitary services who clean the room professionally know for sure, if you wish, you can contact them.
However, the procedure for the destruction of mold is quite accessible for self-fulfillment by the owners, who are ready to spend effort and a certain amount of time to bring the room to a normal, safe state.
mold types
The fungus in the bathroom is different, the reasons for its appearance are the same. They come down to a deviation from the norm of three main parameters: temperature, air circulation, room humidity.
Mold is formed under the influence of several types of protozoa, which in the special literature have Latin names, and in the circle of ordinary inhabitants they are called more simply:
- bluish fungi;
- brown rot;
- black, the most dangerous mold.
The names succinctly describe the color and the main qualities of "uninvited guests" in the bathroom.
Blue mold has a corresponding color, usually multiplies in dampness, which is rarely installed in modern bathrooms.
Blight spots can be pink to dark beige in color and are also most common on wood. You can prevent the appearance of their settlement by pre-treatment of wood with fungicidal solutions.
Black mold feels comfortable on any media: tile, concrete, brick wall, painted and unprotected metal. Black fungus spores are the most dangerous to humans. They can get on the skin, in the respiratory tract and the food tract, multiply, release toxins, slowly produce a toxic effect on the body.
Fungi can also destroy building materials, so the accumulation of mold spots under the bathroom can lead to distortions or collapse of structures over time.
Reasons for the appearance
Mold multiplies easily and quickly in rooms that are poorly ventilated, and therefore excess moisture vapor accumulates in them. In addition, the bathroom often maintains a temperature that is higher than in other parts of the apartment.
If the bathroom is cold, then when using hot water, condensation accumulates on the walls and ceiling, the appearance of which also contributes to creating comfortable conditions for the spread of mold.
Advice! The optimum temperature in the bathroom should be close to 20 ℃, you should monitor this indicator; its normalization will reduce the risk of infection of the premises.
The habit of drying clothes in the bathroom, keeping water supplies in open containers, and constantly closing doors contributes to the spread of fungi.
To prevent the growth of mold in the home, you should check the efficiency of air exchange, regularly clean the ventilation, monitor the condition of the surfaces, both outside and under plumbing fixtures from below. Centralized air ducts may not be enough to ensure an effective exchange of flows, so it is advisable to install additional exhaust units in the bathroom and turn them on regularly after bathing.
Metal pipes in the bathroom should be replaced with plastic structures that do not form condensate. Polymeric materials are much more resistant to mold, easier to care for, and less likely to leak.
When the first signs of fungi appear, hygiene procedures should not be postponed, stains should be immediately treated with special or auxiliary means, rinsed and dried at the site of mold. Subsequently, it is necessary to closely monitor its condition, remove condensate.
Mold removers
You can get rid of mold in various physical and chemical ways, based on the destruction of microbiological objects. Some of the methods for removing the fungus can be used by the owners themselves. But there are methods that require the use of expensive equipment that is not practical for every family to buy.
The most effective way to kill mold is with antiseptics. The action of this group of substances is to oxidize the natural structures of fungi that have a protein and lipid nature. After the destruction of biological cells, the mold is inevitably destroyed, the functioning of microorganisms completely stops.
In addition to separately sold disinfectants, antiseptics are often present in the compositions of primers, putties, varnishes, enamels, paints, the treatment of which surfaces will get rid of mold.
There are also special fungicides for cleaning silicone sealant. But with a strong and deep infection, it is best to remove it completely, treat all surfaces with an antiseptic and. In a damp room, instead of silicone, epoxy grout is sometimes used, in which mold does not live.
Important! It is necessary to inspect the furniture in the bathroom and treat all its surfaces with an antiseptic. With deep penetration of the fungus, it is better to get rid of the furniture.
If the mold has gone on the wallpaper or plaster, then it is necessary to completely remove the old finish, re-treat the walls, ceiling, floor, and establish ventilation. Only then can a new layer of plaster be applied.
Well-known brands of anti-mold agents
An effective antimicrobial and antifungal effect is possessed by the Meal Kill agent, which is an emulsion with good penetrating ability. The composition easily seeps into cracks and pores, seams between tiles, helps to remove mold in areas of high humidity, places of water accumulation.
A fungicidal composite called "Titan" is designed to combat fungi that have settled on paintwork. You can apply the solution with your own hands on top of the structure without removing the paint layer.
"Savo" is another remedy for mold and fungus on the walls in the bathroom, basement, or kitchen. It is well distributed on the processed basis and does not demand the subsequent careful laundering.
Astonish composition is intended for antiseptic treatment of plastic shelves, curtains in the bathroom, on which mold spots often appear. The surface must be smooth, uniform, free of pores.
The composition "Anti-fungus" is suitable for any materials without exception, it can be applied to tiles, concrete, polymers, metal, brick. The drug is effective both for combating existing mold and for preventing possible fungal infection in wet rooms.
If there are tinted wooden products in the bathroom, it makes sense to carry out the treatment with Dali, which, having a transparent state, will completely preserve the decorative appearance of the base. The disadvantage of the drug is a long drying process due to the presence of water as a solvent. The composition should be applied with the ventilation turned on or at least the door to the bathroom open so that the liquid evaporates faster.
Sanitation and ionization of the room
An effective way to get rid of mold is provided by the use of installations that force air into the room with active particles (ions) or ultraviolet rays. By the way, if the bathrooms had windows to the street through which the sun's rays could enter, there would be no problems with mold. These organisms are afraid of ultraviolet radiation, they cannot successfully exist and multiply in the light.
Buying a powerful ionizing plant is not exactly cheap, so it makes sense to invite representatives of specialized companies to effectively treat a room with mold.
Folk ways to deal with mold
The population, which has been facing problems for a long time, has learned to use quite effective budget improvised means. To get rid of mold, most often used:
- vinegar;
- soda;
- borax solution;
- bleach.
Let's take a closer look at these and other tools to understand how they work and in what cases they can be used.
Vinegar
It is known that fungi and microbes do not tolerate changes in the environment in the acidic direction, so irrigation and washing stains with a solution of vinegar of any origin is very effective.
Advice! It is advisable to leave the porous surface in vinegar for several hours, then rub it with a brush, rinse and dry with a hairdryer.
Before spraying the vinegar, it is a good idea to run a control test in a place that is not very visible to make sure that there are no stains later. Some types of plastics, other coatings do not tolerate acidic solutions.
Hydrogen peroxide and ammonia
A good result is given by hydrogen peroxide, under the influence of which the mold is oxidized, destroyed completely and irrevocably. It should be noted that the solution has a bleaching effect on many materials.
You can wipe the tile from the fungus with ammonia, the unpleasant smell of which stimulates the high speed of work. If a small area is infected, treatment will be appropriate. With extensive contamination, work with ammonia can only be carried out in a gas mask, which is not very convenient.
Baking soda or tea tree oil
Odorless solution of ordinary baking soda. They need to spray the places of accumulation of fungi and leave for a while. Microorganisms do not withstand being in an alkaline solution and die. It remains only to wash off the dirt from the surface and dry it thoroughly.
An effective antiseptic is tea tree oil, which is also absolutely harmless to humans. The oil mixture needs to be washed longer, using detergents, the result will justify the cost of purchasing a herbal product.
Bura
An absolutely safe solution is borax in water, which has a long-known antiseptic property. To ensure complete disinfection, one glass of powder should be added to 2.5 liters of water. The suspension should be left on mold spots, wait for the solution to dry and remove the crystals with a cloth. You can irrigate small impurities with a dilute solution of borax, and then rinse the working area with water.
Chlorine and copper sulfate
Choosing simple means to combat mold, one should not forget about the effective action of solutions of bleach, copper sulphate. True, with bleach you need to work carefully, protecting the respiratory system. The vitriol solution is odorless, but may leave a bluish tint on the base.
Everyone can choose the methods of treating the bathroom on their own, taking into account the possibilities, advantages and unpleasant qualities of the available funds. The main thing is that cleaning should be carried out without delay, without waiting for the mold to spread to a large area of \u200b\u200bthe room.
