How To Get Rid Of Mold From Your Shower Curtains
The mere mention of mold can cause homeowners to shiver. This little pesky fungus can quickly spread from one area to another in a building. Mold can quickly spread and is often not noticed until it is too late. Mold growth can cause headaches in any area of your house. Some areas are more vulnerable than others. Bathrooms are no exception. There are many conditions that promote mold growth in bathrooms. These conditions include damp environments, soft surfaces, and mildew. Shower curtains that are frequently exposed to heat and moisture can become moldy. You have other options than to throw out moldy shower curtains. You can choose which tactics to use depending on the severity of the infestation. There are many ways to remove the moldy growth and keep it from returning forever.
What Is Mold?
All molds, no matter their color, belong to the eukaryotic animal kingdom. Mold can reproduce and is a living microorganism. Mold can grow indoors and outdoors in all environments, including dampness, mild heat, darkness, and light. The spores contain mold DNA and are the smallest seeds. These spores can take root on porous surfaces and travel through the atmosphere. Even the smallest moldspores can multiply to form whole colonies. These are the largest areas you will see on your items. Mold can be found in a lot the air we breathe every day. It’s not something that you may believe. Tiny mold spores are easily found in the air and carried by the winds wherever you go. Small amounts of mold exposure are relatively innocuous and won’t cause any major harm to the body. People with compromised immune systems, sensitive eyes, skin, and respiratory problems can be affected by mold exposure.
What Are The Different Types Of Molds?
Many molds are available around the world, but they can all be combined into one of three types.
Allergic: These molds may cause allergic reactions in both animals and humans. While allergenic molds can cause allergic reactions such as watery eyes and sneezing, it is unlikely that they will cause serious illness or infections. Two examples are Penicillium (a common indoor/outdoor mold found in foods and a producer of the antibiotic penicillin) and Cladosporium.
Allergenic: While they aren’t allergenic, pathogenic moulds can cause severe allergic reactions in people with compromised immune systems. Infants, young children, pregnant mothers, and those with severe or chronic immune problems can be infected by pathogenic molds. Two examples are Histoplasma capsuleum which can be found in soil near bird droppings and Cryptococcus neonatans which is an encapsulated yeast often found in bird excrement.
Toxic: There’s a lot to be aware of when it comes to toxic molds. Even though the spores themselves are not toxic, they can cause toxic chemical side effects. These molecules are known as mycotoxins. These can pose a danger to both animals and humans. The most common are Aspergillus and Stachybotrys. These spores are found in decaying plants like dead leaves and stored grain.
It doesn’t matter what type is, they all have distinct colors, textures, or spread patterns that can be used to identify them. It can sometimes be hard to determine if a surface is covered in mold or dirt. It is easy to identify what you are seeing with an easy test. Combine 16 parts water with 1 part bleach. The mixture will be approximately 1 tablespoon in mass. The mixture can be used to coat a cotton towel. Moldy material should soon disappear. Mold outbreaks are likely if you notice a problem area in your home that doesn’t improve or persists.
What Causes Mold Growth On Shower Curtains?
You only need heat, moisture, and a porous substrate to grow mold. Temperatures between 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for taking a bath or a shower. The temperature can rise by as much as 10 to 20 degrees in a bathroom. Warm water vapor can also be released into the air, filling the area with moisture and covering any nearby surfaces with a thin coating. Even after the shower is over, heat and moisture can remain. Bathrooms are a great environment for mold growth. Shower curtains are especially vulnerable. Shower curtains can be exposed when someone is bathing. The material can stay damp for as long as an hour afterward. When the curtain is still damp, you should roll it up and lay it out. Over time, moisture can accumulate in the fabric’s folds. This can lead to moldy pockets.
How Do You Remove Mold From Shower Curtains?
While the process of cleaning shower curtains can vary depending on what cleaner you use to clean them, they are all fairly similar. The process involves wiping down the curtain with a scrubber, then drying it for a few minutes to let the cleaner work its magic. This should be done on both the outside and inside of your shower curtain. This guide will show you how to remove moldy shower curtains with any of the cleaners listed above. Get your tools ready:
- Cleaners of choice
- Spray bottle, bucket or bowl
- Mixing the utensil
- Use a scrubbrush or other textured cleaning tool
- Rubber gloves
- Optional face mask
Once you have assembled all your materials, find a dry, flat place to dry the curtain. If possible, take the curtain outside. If you don’t have a place for the curtain, spread it in the tub. To prepare the bathroom, open any windows and doors outside. Interior doors should be sealed and closed if possible. Even if that means sticking a towel between your floor and the door, it is best. If you have a fan or box that can circulate air, place it through a window or door. Now you are ready to clean.
- Remove the shower curtain from the rod. Take out the rings to check for mold. Both should be left alone.
- Make sure you have your cleaners on hand: Use a solution of 1 part cleaner and 1 portion water in a spray bottle to make hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. For bleaching, the solution should be equal parts bleach and water. One cup of water should be used for every 1/2 teaspoon of bleach. One teaspoon of tea tree oil can be added to a cup of water. Borax is 1 cup per gallon. Fill a bucket. Make baking soap by adding 1 cup baking soda to 1 cup of water. To make a thick paste, add water. This can be used to spread the soap.
- Use your cleaning solution to clean the moldy parts of the shower curtain. To clean curtains, use baking soda or borax. Your scrubber can be used to scrub the moldy areas with moderate pressure.
- Leave the cleaner to hang the curtain up for 10-20 minutes.
- You can rinse the curtain in the tub, or outside with a hose. Repeat the process if you find mold spots.
- Once you are satisfied with the result, hang it outdoors for drying. You can dry it in a dryer on low heat.
What Cleaners Kill Mold?
There are many natural antibiotics and chemical cleaners that can remove mold. It all depends on what type of mold it is and where it’s growing. These are the best-known mold cleaners.
White Vinegar: Vinegar is a very popular natural cleaner for homes all over the country. Vinegar is mildly acidic and effective against over 80% of all types of mold. It emits no harmful fumes. Vinegar is especially effective against mold outbreaks on porous surfaces. Although harsh chemicals can cause mold spores to ‘retreat’ into deeper pores, vinegar is gentle and can be used to disinfect the affected area before they react. You can mix vinegar with water to make a 50/50 solution, according to some sources. Some sources recommend that mold outbreaks be soaked in undiluted vinegar. The amount of vinegar required will depend on the severity of the outbreak.
Bleach: Well-known for its multi-purpose cleaning capabilities, bleach is well-known to be able to disinfect and clean nearly any surface. Bleach-based cleaners or bleach solutions are great for cleaning up mold outbreaks from non-porous surfaces like glass, tile, and porous porcelain. Bleach can’t penetrate deeper layers of porous materials and can encourage mold spores to retreat into areas that bleach is unable to clean. After bleach is used, the bleach can cause mold spores recolonize.
Tea Tree Oil: This natural antifungal is great for household cleaning and self-care. It is safe for humans and animals, and can be found at most natural food shops. Tea tree oil can be used to remove mold from almost any surface, even though it is costly. You only need to add a little bit of the oil to make it powerful and mold-killing. This is similar to vinegar in that it is gentle enough to kill mold before it escapes.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is popular for cleaning tough stains. Baking soda’s reactive and fizzing properties make it able to bubble up nearly any type of stubborn filth, including mold spores. Baking soda can be combined with water to create a paste that can be used for removing stubborn mold colonies. It can also be combined with vinegar to lift or kill moldspores.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Peroxide can be found in first aid kits and medicine cabinets as an antifungal and antibiotic. It can lift stains, kill mold, and remove odors. It is important to dilute hydrogen peroxide with water before cleaning carpets. To ensure there are no visible signs or damage, it is a good idea first to test the solution in a small area.
Borax: This mild mineral powder is great for cleaning. It can also be used to get rid of mold. Borax can cause poison if it’s ingested, but it doesn’t release any toxic fumes into the air. To get rid of mold, Borax works the same as baking soda and vinegar. Borax can be mixed in water to remove mold spots. After use, it doesn’t require rinsing.
Mold in shower curtains can be difficult to remove. It is possible. Always be safe. Always use personal protective equipment. You should ensure that your area is well-ventilated. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to call 911 Restoration of East Dallas for professional assistance.
