Moisture and deficiency of ventilation at a toilet can cause a homeowner nightmare — mold. Most homes experience mold growth at one point or another. Left untreated, this fungus represents a destructive threat to your home and its inhabitants. While finding potentially toxic mold can result in feelings of fear or fear, it is familiar when dealt with instantly. Following a few key measures can not only kill existing mold, but also help prevent its recurrence.
Protecting Yourself and Your House
Even apparently small mold infestations require appropriate safety; rubber gloves, goggles and long-sleeved clothes can help prevent toxic contact. If you can, wear old clothes which can be disposed of once you’re finished. Any rugs, towels or other products which show signs of mold infestation also needs to be disposed of immediately. Even an old fan used for ventilation should be thrown out after up the clean as mold spores are especially tough to remove from appliances, and can carry mold spores to other areas of the home when you relocate the buff. As mold represents a significant threat as the problem grows, these basic precautions can help prevent further contamination in different areas of your residence.
Mold Cleaning Solutions
Minor mold infestation can be discontinued prior to the issue progresses to a dangerous and expensive situation. Simple household cleaning products can be used to scrub away visible surface mold on the floor of the bathroom. Mildew cleaners can be obtained at the neighborhood supermarket, hardware store or home center, but a solution of one part bleach to eight parts water and also a little bit of soap is also an efficient alternative. If the mold is still visible after scrubbing, then apply the solution and let it set for many minutes before repeating. Regular brushing with this solution can help prevent mold from forming in the first place, as can regular spraying with acidic vinegar, which kills mold spores before they can spread. Dispose of all cleaning materials, like sponges and scrub brushes, after finishing the task.
Guard Yourself
When using household cleaners to eliminate mold on your bathroom flooring, use caution when working with ammonia, detergents containing bleach and ammonia. The combination of ammonia and bleach results in the formation of a poisonous gas which is dangerous when inhaled. If you are exposed to this combination, immediately move to a fume-free region and seek emergency medical care.
Identifying and Stopping the Problem
While brushing and killing the mold from your bathroom flooring is important, it is just as important to comprehend and fix the issue causing the mold. Exposure to moisture and organic matter –like hair, body oils and soap scum — is also a frequent source of mold. Temperate rooms with poor circulation, like a toilet, are especially vulnerable to mold growth. It is not enough just to kill the mold; you must also remove the source of the mold to stop its recurrence. A fan or dehumidifier helps remove moisture from the air. Any damaged carpeting, flooring or masonry may want to be eliminated and replaced to get a fresh start. If you repeatedly try to take care of your mold issue with no success, or if the issue is growing, then a professional inspection may be in order. A mold remediation consultant can help you evaluate possible approaches to get rid of the issue permanently.