How To Remove Mold From Shower Curtains
Mold. This word alone can make homeowners shiver. The little pesky fungus can grow in any dark or damp area of a building, and spread quickly without being noticed. The mold can spread quickly and often is not even noticed until it’s too late. It can be a headache to deal with mold growth in any part of the house. However, some areas are more susceptible than others. This includes the bathroom. Many bathrooms have several conditions that encourage mold growth. They include soft surfaces, moist environments and mildew. Mold growth on shower curtains, which are constantly exposed to heat and moisture, can make it difficult to control. There are other options than throwing away moldy shower curtains. The severity of the infestation and the color of your shower curtains will impact the tactics you use. There are many options to get rid of the unruly mold and keep it away forever.
What Is Mold?
All molds, regardless of their color, are fungi, which means they belong to the eukaryotic animals kingdom. Mold is a living microorganism that can reproduce. Mold thrives in dampness, mild warmth, and darkness but can also grow in any indoor or outdoor environment. The spores are the smallest seedlings’ that contain mold DNA. Once they land on porous surfaces, these spores take root and travel through the air. The smallest mold spores can multiply and grow into whole mold colonies. These are the largest patches you can see growing on your items. Mold is found in a lot of the air we breathe each day, and it’s not something you might believe. Tiny mold spores can be found floating through the air, being carried by the wind wherever you go. Mold exposure in small quantities is relatively harmless and will not cause any serious harm to the body. Mold exposure can cause severe reactions in people who have compromised immune systems, sensitive skin, eyes, or respiratory problems.
What Are The Different Types Of Molds?
There are many molds available all around the globe, but all can be grouped into one of the three main types:
Allergenic: These molds can cause allergic reactions in animals and people. Although allergenic molds can cause symptoms such as sneezing and coughing, watery eyes, or asthma attacks, they are unlikely to cause a serious illness or infection. Penicillium, which is often found in food and a frequent producer for the antibiotic penicillin, and Cladosporium (an indoor/outdoor common mold that can be found on carpets, windowsills, and cabinets) are two examples.
Pathogenic: Although they are not allergenic, pathogenic molds can infect immuno compromised people. Pathogenic molds can cause infections in infants, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic or severe immune problems. Histoplasma capsuleum, which is found in soil and near bird and bat droppings, and Cryptococcus neonatans, which is an encapsulated yeast frequently found in bird excrement are two examples.
Toxic: There are a few misconceptions about toxic molds. Although the spores aren’t necessarily toxic, they can produce toxic chemical side effects — tiny molecules known as mycotoxins. These can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Stachybotrys, also known as black mold, and Aspergillus are the most common. These spores can be found in decaying vegetation like dead leaves or stored grain.
No matter what type of mold it is, all have distinctive colors, textures, and/or spread patterns that can be used for identification. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if a surface has mold on it or just dirt. There is an easy test that will help you identify what you are looking at. Mix 16 parts water and 1 part bleach together. This will make a mixture that is approximately 1 tablespoon in weight. Use the mixture to coat a cotton swab. If it is moldy, it should quickly lighten. If you find a problem spot in your home that isn’t getting better, and then continue to see the same spots, it is likely that there’s a mold outbreak.
What Causes Mold To Grow On Shower Curtains?
To grow mold, you only need warmth, moisture, and a porous surface. People take baths or showers at temperatures between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. This can raise the temperature by 10 to 20 degrees in a bathroom. Warm water vapor is also released into the atmosphere, filling the space with moisture and covering nearby surfaces with a thin layer. Even after the shower is finished, moisture and heat can still remain, especially if the bathroom door is shut and the environment sealed.
This makes bathrooms a perfect environment for mold growth. Shower curtains are particularly vulnerable. Shower curtains can be exposed to warm water when someone bathes. The material can also stay wet for up to an hour afterwards. You should not fail to properly unroll and spread the curtain out while it is still wet. Moisture can get trapped in the fabric’s folds and cause moldy pockets over time.
What Are The Steps To Remove Mold From Shower Curtains?
Although the method of cleaning your shower curtains will vary depending on which cleaner you use, they are all very similar. It involves cleaning the curtain with a scrubber and then drying it for a while to allow the cleaner to work its magic. You should do this on both the inside and outside of your shower curtain. This step-by-step guide will help you get rid of moldy shower curtains using any of the cleaners mentioned above. Gather your tools first:
- Choice cleaner
- Spray bottle, bucket, or bowl
- Stirring the utensil
- Use a scrub brush or another textured cleaning tool
- Rubber gloves
- Optional face mask
After you have assembled your materials, locate a flat, waterproof place to dry your curtain. Take the curtain outside if possible. If there is no other place to put the curtain, you can spread it as far as possible in the bathtub. Open any exterior doors and windows to prepare the bathroom. If possible, interior doors should be kept closed and sealed. Even if it means sticking a towel between the floor and the door. To circulate the air, if you have a standing fan or box, place it in an open window or through a door. You are now ready to clean:
- Take your shower curtain off the rod. Check for mold by taking out the rings. Both should be left aside.
- Get your cleaners ready: To make white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide use a solution of 2 parts cleaner and 1 part water in a spray bottle. - To bleach the solution should contain 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. For example, 1 cup water for every 1 1/2 teaspoons of bleach. Use about 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil in a cup of water. Fill a bucket with 1 cup borax to each gallon of water for borax. To make baking soap, begin with 1 cup baking soda. Then, add some water to create a thick paste that can be spreadable.
- Apply your cleaning solution liberally to the mold-infested parts of the shower curtain. Use baking soda or borax to clean the curtains. Use your scrubber to scrub the mold areas in a circular motion using moderate pressure.
- For 10-20 minutes, leave the cleaner to put the curtain up.
- The curtain should be rinsed in the tub or outdoors with a hose. If you find mold spots, repeat the process if necessary.
- When you are happy with the results, hang it outside for drying. It can be dried in a dryer at low heat.
What Cleaners Kill Mold?
There are many chemical cleaners, natural antibiotics, and acidic products that can remove mold. It all depends on the type of mold and where it is growing. These are some of the most well-known mold cleaners:
White vinegar: Vinegar is a popular natural cleaner in homes across the country. Vinegar’s mildly acidic nature makes it effective against more than 80% of all mold species. It doesn’t emit any harmful fumes. Vinegar is particularly effective against mold outbreaks that occur on porous surfaces. While harsh chemicals may cause mold spores ‘retreat” into deeper pores, vinegar is gentle enough for the area to be disinfected before they react. Some sources suggest that you mix vinegar and water to make a 50/50 solution. Others recommend that you soak mold outbreaks in undiluted vinegar. The severity of the outbreak will determine the amount of vinegar needed.
Bleach: Known for its multi-purpose cleaning abilities, bleach is well-known for its ability to disinfect and clean almost any surface. Bleach-based cleaners and bleach solutions are excellent for cleaning up mold outbreaks on non-porous surfaces such as glass, tile, and porcelain. Bleach won’t penetrate the deeper layers of porous material and can cause mold spores retreat into areas that bleach cannot clean. The bleach will cause the mold spores to recolonize after it is gone.
Tea Tree Oil: This natural antifungal can be used for many household cleaning and self-care tasks. It is safe for both humans and animals and is readily available at most natural food stores. Although tea tree oil is expensive, it can remove mold from nearly any surface. To make a powerful, mold-killing oil, you only need to dilute a small amount. This option, like vinegar, is gentle enough that it kills mold before it can escape.
Baking soda: Baking soda is a popular choice for cleaning tough stains and other substances. Baking soda’s fizzing and reactive properties allow it to bubble up almost any kind of stubborn filth, even mold spores. Baking soda can either be mixed with water to make a paste that can be used to scrub away stubborn mold colonies or combined with vinegar to lift and kill moldspores.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Peroxide is a common antifungal and bacteria killer that can be found in medicine cabinets and first aid kits. It can also lift stains, kill mold and remove odors. Before cleaning carpets with hydrogen peroxide, it is important to dilute the solution with water. It’s also a good idea to test a small area first to ensure that there are no visible signs of damage.
Borax: This mild mineral powder can be used as a natural cleaner. It is also great for getting rid mold. Borax can be toxic if it is ingested but doesn’t emit any harmful fumes into your air. Borax works in the same way as vinegar and baking soda to get rid of mold. Borax can be mixed with water and used to scrub mold spots. It doesn’t need rinsing after being used.
It can be difficult to deal with mold in your shower curtains. However, it is possible. Be safe. Always wear personal protective equipment. Make sure that the area you are cleaning is well-ventilated. Have patience, and don’t hesitate to call 911 Restoration of Washington DC for professional assistance if you need it.
