Black mold in the bathroom: how to get rid of the fungus + effective means to fight and prevent

What danger does black mold pose to humans?

Black mold is just a common name for a fungus, of which there are an impressive number of varieties. Depending on the type, it is determined how dangerous black mold is, and where it can be found.

At home, most often, successfully grow:

black aspergillus (aspergillus niger);

aspergillus fuming (aspergillus fumigates);

Alternaria alternata (Alternaria tenuis).

Now about each separately.

Aspergillus black (Aspergillus niger)

This type of black mold loves kitchens, bathrooms, pools.Aspergillus black colonies often live in humidifiers, washing machines, air conditioners. The mold of this species is covered with damp ceilings, covers and pages of old books, pots of indoor plants.

Aspergillus black spores spread almost at the speed of light - even from a light breath they can spread throughout the room. After they get on food, settle in things, settle in the respiratory tract of people and animals.

Aspergillus of this particular type can be the culprit of the following diseases:

• bronchial asthma;
• sometimes even pneumonia;
• meningitis;
• allergy;
• rhinitis.

The spores of this type of black mold can contribute to the formation of papillomas or even cancer cells.

If a person with weak immunity immediately inhales a large amount of Aspergillus black spores, he may develop intoxication of the body, which, in some cases, will be fatal.

Aspergillus fuming (Aspergillus fumigates)

It is not easy to kill the black mold of this species, because it calmly tolerates even high temperatures (up to +53 degrees). In addition, the spores of the fungus are small and easily enter the lungs of humans and animals.

But there is good news: a healthy person can inhale several hundred fuming Aspergillus spores without consequences. However, people with weak immune systems are much more likely to develop aspergillosis.

Often, black mold of this variety affects vegetables and fruits with mechanical damage. When grain is infected, from which bread is then baked, the rolls will soon become covered with black spots.

Smoking aspergillus toxins, being allergens, destroy red blood cells in the blood and suppress the immune system.

Alternaria alternata (Alternaria tenuis)

The black mold of this variety can look different (from greenish olive to dark grey) depending on the habitat.

By the way, the black fungus lives on the dying parts of plants and can poison the seeds of cereals. Spots of the fungus usually show off on autumn leaves, overripe fruits, and even just on the surface of the soil. There are also unusual cases when black mold of this type appears on pork or a textile product.

Alternaria alternata toxins are a serious provocateur of bronchial asthma. In addition, they can easily cause an allergic reaction, which will not manifest itself in the best way (abundant rashes, etc.).

Prevention of the appearance of mold on the seams of tiles

In order to prevent the occurrence of black mold in the seams between the tiles, it is worth following simple rules:

• you need to monitor the level of humidity and prevent it from exceeding - for this you can install forced ventilation in the bathroom;
• in summer and winter, in addition to the heating radiator, a heated towel rail should work in the bathroom; you can install a model that will work from the network;
• do not forget about antiseptic preparations - they must be used even at the repair stage, this increases the security and reliability of the grout;
• after each use of the bathroom, it is necessary to carry out a thorough cleaning - wipe the tiles and tile joints dry so as not to provide mold with a nutrient medium;
• do not dry towels and linen in the bathroom.

How to get rid of mold in different parts of the room

We looked at the general methods of dealing with the fungus aspergillus. These recommendations, if followed, are quite effective.And yet, for the greatest effectiveness, it is always worth considering which particular surface requires processing. Below we will give some tips for removing black mold from various objects and places in the house.

Table 2. Recommendations for removing mold from various surfaces.

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Why does mold appear

The occurrence of such a problem in the bathroom occurs due to high humidity.

Here, washing is constantly done, linen is dried, every day the owners bathe, which contributes to the appearance of moisture and the spread of mold. The humid climate of the room is supported by the following indicators:

• Lack of daylight - experts have proven that under the influence of ultraviolet and sunlight, the fungus disappears;
• Insufficient ventilation of the room, its complete absence;
• Lack of treatment of walls and ceilings with a special anti-mold solution at the construction stage;
• Drying clothes.

Basic methods and ways to remove the fungus

Mold has long lived next to a person, therefore, over the centuries of such coexistence, mankind has developed quite effective methods of combating the fungus with folk remedies. Well, with the development of science, purely chemical methods for the destruction of the fungus appeared.

Chemical methods

Chemical methods are called treatment with antiseptics, such as Sava, Vel Dan or Dale. There are a lot of names, so you should consult with sellers. An antiseptic is selected depending on the type of mold and the type of material being processed. As a rule, one company specializes in one material: wood, plastic, metal, tiles, etc.

Chemical methods are good speed. They penetrate into the deep pores of materials and destroy the body of the mycelium without scraping. But such methods are much more expensive than folk remedies, so they are used less often. In addition, most of these products are toxic and at the time of treatment, it is better to leave the apartment for a couple of days.

Antiseptic for mold in the bathroom

When handling, you need to be extremely careful, use a respirator, rubber gloves and goggles.

Folk ways

Folk methods use vinegar, bleach, boric acid and copper sulfate.

Based on the above, the most effective solution was invented long ago, which includes: 2 parts of vinegar, 2 parts of citric acid and 1 part of boric acid. This mixture is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 2 and the surfaces in the bathroom are treated with it using a spray gun.

Another common option is the use of bleach. It is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 and applied to the walls in the same way. After 10-12 hours after application, the dead part of the mold is removed, the procedure is repeated 8-10 times.

In addition to the methods already mentioned, vinegar, furacilin tablets, hydrogen peroxide are used - any destructive substances are used.

The main rule: processing should be done at least 3 times with breaks of about a day. Solutions are applied to porous materials with a metal brush, which brings the solution to a sufficient depth and mechanically destroys the mold.

Prevention

How to prevent the appearance of fungus? Everything is logical, you need to eliminate the causes of its occurrence. We have made the following recommendations:

Wipe off condensation thoroughly. It is advisable, after carrying out water procedures, to wipe with a dry cloth not only the inside of the shower, but also the outer glass. For prevention, you can also treat the corners with antiseptics.

Provide good ventilation. In bathrooms that are equipped with showers, it is desirable to have a ventilation system with forced air circulation. To put it simply - in the vent. channel must be installed fan.

If you buy a cabin with a Turkish bath, an external ventilation system will not be enough.Be sure to see that it is equipped with a built-in hood. This will reduce the humidity.

Watch for water where it accumulates. Clean up puddles promptly. Level the shower tray so that liquid does not collect on one side. To do this, you can twist the legs of the frame or put metal washers under some of them.

Prevention of fungus and mold in the bathroom

• Ensure that the room has regular ventilation;
• Well ventilate the room. Be sure to keep the door open for a while after water procedures;
• In autumn and spring, monitor the temperature in the bathroom, if necessary, provide additional heating. Because when the temperature drops, the humidity increases;
• Choose a heated towel rail with high heat dissipation;
• Get rid of condensation in time by wiping wet surfaces with a dry cloth;
• It would be nice to carry out preventive treatment with special means a couple of times a year. They can be purchased in specialized stores;
• Make sure that the “correct” humidity is kept in the room;
• Do not use the bathroom to dry clothes;
• Check plumbing for leaks;
• Eliminate stagnant water, whether it be a cup for brushes or a bucket;
• When repairing or entering new housing, carry out a major antifungal treatment.

Such methods can help not only prevent the appearance of fungus in the bathroom, but also kill it in its very early stages.

Causes of fungus

Of all the rooms, the bathroom is the most vulnerable. The climate that forms here provides favorable conditions for the development of the fungus.And if there are no characteristic dark spots in a new house or apartment, it's just a matter of time. As soon as the level of humidity rises, and the functionality of the ventilation system deteriorates, the fungus will immediately declare itself. Tellingly, the type of surface does not matter - it can be either painted concrete or modern plastic.

Why does black mold appear?

The best place for moldy spores to breed is the washing machine.

Mold in the washing machine

All its corners, hard to reach and wet, can be safely called true breeding grounds for the fungus. In principle, disputes are constantly in the home, but they dissolve only in favorable conditions.

Table. Why does fungus develop?

When at least one of the listed conditions appears, thin lines of mold mycelium appear on all wet surfaces and begin to multiply rapidly enough. Almost everyone is probably familiar with the characteristic dark gray pattern, accompanied by a musty smell. If nothing is done in the early stages of the development of the fungus, then over time, plaster, paint and other finishing layers will begin to peel off, and cracks will form on the concrete surface. After that, all the consequences can be eliminated only through repair.

Mold: types, causes, how to detect

Molds are microscopic fungi that are widely distributed in nature. It destroys even durable building materials, and also causes great harm to human health. Most often, it originates in the bathroom, where favorable conditions for this are created - air humidity from 70% and temperatures above 20 ° C. There are several types of mold:

1. Black. It often appears in the bathroom, develops on any building materials.
2. Green. A favorable environment for her is brick surfaces.
3. Grey-brown and blue. It grows on wooden structures, contributes to the appearance of cracks on them and gradually destroys them.

The fungus lives under paint, plaster, tiles. Initially, small spots under the finish are invisible.A person understands that the problem exists when he sees dark marks already on the outer surface of the materials. The appearance of mold can be detected by the following signs:

• small dots of black, green, blue or gray on the tile (in this size it is practically harmless to health);
• threads and spots-growths of brown or white on wood (infected structures - shelves for cosmetics, boxes and other items - are practically unrepairable).

Mold grows quickly. If the process is not stopped, then it will gradually spread along the walls and ceilings, wooden furniture, shower cabin, curtains in the bathroom.

Black mold begins to spread from small points

Why does mold appear

In most cases, it starts up due to malfunctions in the ventilation ducts. There are two ways to solve the problem:

1. Replace the system, constantly monitoring its operation later.

2. Install recuperators (devices that collect moisture from the air) or exhaust fans for the bathroom.

Spores can be brought into the apartment on shoes, clothes, along with pets and food. The following factors also influence the formation of mold:

• available nutrient medium: fungus spreaders - paper and wood, fabrics and indoor flowers;
• favorable conditions for its formation: most often mold is born in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen, where it is warm and humid;
• the proximity of living to a damp basement;
• poor roof insulation, which is why the fungus develops on the upper floors of houses.

Mold antiseptics

On the shelves of hardware stores you can find a variety of anti-mold products in the form of liquids and powders.

It is very important to read the manufacturer's instructions before use, and also protect yourself with gloves, a respirator and a scarf. Among the purchased drugs, the best means should be mentioned separately:

• Savo (manufacturing country: Czech Republic)
• ASTONISH Mold & Milder remover (manufacturing country: UK)
• Olimp Stop mold (producing country: Russia)
• CILLIT BANG
• DR.BECKMANN
• PUFAS
• Unicum

In addition, it is worth listing the specialized preparations used during repairs for the major removal of traces of mold:

• Fongifluid Alpa (Alpa)
• Homeenpoisto
• neomid
• BIOZID SANIERLOESUNG (Biocide)

Causes of mold

The rapid development of mold begins with a long combination of the following conditions:

• air temperature from 20°С;
• air humidity above 70%;
• poor ventilation of the room;
• stagnant dirt and expired household chemicals (food source for molds).

The bathroom is a favorite habitat for black mold: it is here that the humidity is increased almost constantly, and air exchange is often insufficient.

To completely get rid of mold in the bathroom, you need to find and eliminate the cause of its occurrence. As a rule, these are places of stagnant water, which are not always visible.

Possible sources of accumulation of excess moisture:

• faulty plumbing - dripping taps and broken tightness of communications (often water stagnates under a bathtub or shower tray);
• gaps at the joints between the tiles and the bathroom (or shower);
• condensate that forms when the temperature drops sharply on cast-iron pipes, ceiling, drain tank, on the outer surface of the bottom of the bathroom and shower tray, walls (as an option - with insufficient heating of the heated towel rail);
• leaking roof (in apartments on the top floors), weeping walls.

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Human danger

What is the danger of mold in the house? The main harm from the fungus is in its spores, which spread in the air and can settle on human skin, and when breathing, they can enter our body. This will entail a lot of problems for people's health, causing all kinds of diseases.

Inhalation of spores and skin contact

Mold spores can cause allergic reactions and colds.

Once on human skin, fungal spores can cause various skin rashes, eczema and dermatitis, which are difficult to diagnose by doctors. Getting on the hair and nails, spores can cause damage to them. The general condition may worsen, the person begins to feel weak, the body is exhausted, migraine attacks often occur.

Inhaling mold spores, which are a strong allergen, a person is at risk of getting chronic rhinitis, cough, conjunctivitis. Spores can very quickly enter our respiratory tract and cause allergic diseases, often causing even a disease such as bronchial asthma. In addition to spores, the allergen can be volatile components with a rather bad smell, which can quickly penetrate our blood through breathing and cause intoxication of the body.A person's condition deteriorates sharply, he may experience an unbearable headache, dizziness, which is often accompanied by nausea and even vomiting.

Living in the vicinity of mold for a long time can often cause problems with the musculoskeletal system, lead to joint diseases and rheumatic pains. There may be problems with the stomach, damage to the liver and kidneys is possible, in especially difficult cases, internal bleeding may occur.

The worst harm

The most dangerous yellow mold for human health, which can cause food allergies.

The most dangerous to human health, yellow mold can severely affect fish, liver, milk and its products, as well as rice and peanuts. Often people, instead of mercilessly throwing away such products, remove the affected parts of the products and thereby expose themselves to mortal danger. Once in the stomach, such mold can cause food allergies. The poison will accumulate in the body and eventually begin to affect the liver, which can even lead to cirrhosis. In no case should you eat those foods on which mold has appeared or cut off a small part of it from infected bread or fruits and vegetables, and then eat such foods. They only need to be thrown away without exposing yourself to infection with the strongest poison.

All mold is dangerous for the health of children, especially those with reduced immunity, their fragile growing organisms are most affected by mold spores. And if a child is in constant contact with mold, he can get sick for life. If a child has signs of an allergy, you should not self-medicate, it can be very dangerous, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.The doctor will direct you to the necessary tests, establish the cause and prescribe treatment

If it turns out that the cause of the allergy is mold, it is important to protect the child as much as possible from contact with it until it is completely destroyed.

Many diseases that are provoked by the mold fungus are still poorly understood, which makes it difficult to determine the correct diagnosis. Often, due to similar symptoms, a person can be treated for a completely different disease, and the dangerous consequences of the harmful effects of mold remain without due attention and appropriate treatment.

The subtleties of the fight against black mold

If you find black mold in your apartment, then you need to deal with such a neighborhood without delay. The longer the colonies are located in your home, the more harm they can cause to health, and the more difficult it will be for them to survive.

It is necessary to immediately make a reservation that the use of bactericidal agents in the fight against mold will not help. These drugs are designed to kill bacteria, not fungi.

You have a battle with mold parasites, which requires special antifungal drugs.

The ultraviolet radiation emitted by the lamp is detrimental to fungal colonies; it is not for nothing that black mold prefers shady places outside buildings

An excellent and very effective way to get rid of mold is to treat the room with a UV lamp. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays, spores die.

When using this lamp, some safety measures must be observed: remove pets, including birds and aquarium fish from the room being treated, and remove all fresh flowers from the room.

There are other methods of combating mold fungi:

If mold colonies are located on specific items that can be taken out, they must be removed outside the home. Dispose of old wallpaper, moldy textiles, or contaminated putty.
In all building and finishing mixtures that are used in the construction of a private house or in the repair of your apartment, you should add special antifungal drugs and antiseptics. Often mold takes root in tile joints in the kitchen and in the bathroom.

So, grouting should be given special attention.
Areas affected by fungi can also be treated with special industrial preparations. In case of their absence, they use the means that every hostess has.

If mold spots appear on non-porous surfaces, which include, for example, a tile or a mirror, then you can use such popular substances to eliminate them: Whiteness bleach, ammonia, borax solution or vinegar.

You can apply hydrogen peroxide to the affected surface, and, after 15 minutes, rinse the area with water. Baking soda has also proven to be excellent.

All surfaces that show traces of mold must be ruthlessly removed: it is better to do this job well once than to return to it endlessly

The situation is more complicated when colonies appear on the plaster: the entire affected part must be mechanically removed. It is better to do this with a metal brush.

Stripping is carried out to the entire depth of penetration of the mold. Tiled joints are also cleaned with a sharp tool.

It is advisable to dry the cleaned surface with an industrial hair dryer and treat with an antiseptic.Moreover, it is necessary to process not only the area from which the mold is removed, but also the adjacent surfaces.

Whichever of the methods listed above you choose, it is important that the mold be destroyed or, at worst, removed outside the apartment. You can't ignore her presence.

This is too dangerous a neighborhood that needs to be disposed of by any means.

We do not suggest that you use a gas mask or overalls as personal protective equipment, but goggles, a respirator and rubber gloves should be