Black mold doesn’t do our homes any good. It grows and, left unchecked, gradually destroys the infrastructure. The fungus makes our spaces look unkempt. That’s because, bottom line, it is ugly, doing our homes a great disservice.
The shower is a potential festering ground for black mold. All the moisture and potential heat, and the grout between the tiles, all promote mold. When it shows, just like that, one of the most active spaces in the home loses its appeal, destroying an aesthetic you work so hard to keep.
Putting an end to mold in the shower doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or time. We’d advise you to keep an eye out for signs of fungus and go after it yourself.
Is Black Mold Dangerous?
In some areas, the perception is black mold is a threat to every living creature that comes across it. Health officials and government agencies warn of negative effects , but that depends on the mold.
The most common type of black mold is Cladosporium. It can be found in and outside the property. That fungus is not linked to any toxic conditions. Another type is Stachybotrys chartarum, also called black toxic mold (which can be green). This mold is mostly found in attics and is highly toxic.
Other forms of black mold include Auerobasidium, Pithomyces, Dresclera, Stemphylium, and Ulocladium. Another type, Alternaria is a threat to asthma and allergy sufferers. That’s because Alternaria produces mycotoxins.
Trichothecene mycotoxins kill brain neurons, gradually impacting mental capabilities. They can cause disorders in the nervous system, influencing irritability, mood swings, and tremors. In the bloodstream, mycotoxins promote blood clotting and hemorrhaging. They also damage eye cells, creating injury and inflammation.
Besides allergies and respiratory problems, other health conditions influenced by black mold are:
- Headaches
- Asthma
- Nausea
- Runny noses
- Lung infection
- Sneezing and coughing
- Memory loss
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Skin irritation
- Joint and muscle soreness
Black Mold in the Shower
Mold feeds on the bathroom’s moisture and is truly an unstoppable force. When a shower’s not sealed properly, it increases the chances of black mold. The fungus starts invisibly and grows to resemble dirt.
If not dealt with right away, a small amount grows into patches and just expands.
If you see mold, you’re already breathing spores, getting them in your lungs, and breaking down bodily functions the same way mold destroys your home’s infrastructure.
When you spot discoloration spreading around the grout and tiles or on the shower curtain, you have a problem. Reach out to Strongwater Restoration. Our team is skilled at the Black mold remediation process.
Getting Rid of Black Mold in the Shower
At any sign of black mold in the shower, you want to clean the area thoroughly and immediately. Always wear a mask and gloves, and use an antifungal solution. Common shower cleansers and even bleach might remove mold, but they don’t kill fungus and spores. Vinegar may be effective against some molds. When finished, rinse the shower thoroughly to rid the air of toxic fumes. After, apply grout cleaners or bleach to remove any remaining stains.
Prevent Mold
After removing mold, implement measures to prevent its return.
- Waterproofing is the best solution.
- Keeping the bathroom dry and ventilated helps remove moisture.
- Use a shower curtain to capture moisture. But keep that curtain clean.
- Always keep vinegar on hand.
- Clean bathroom tiles regularly.
While small problems are easily managed, big ones require approved procedures that go beyond what’s visible. If you’re looking at mold that’s gotten out of hand, have Strongwater Restoration inspect the bathroom. Schedule an appointment or consultation today.
