Black mold! Help?

Question

We have this dark, black looking mold on the tile in our shower. First of all is this a health hazard? How the hell do you get rid of this stuff? It keeps coming back.
Thanks very much.

Answer 1

Hey Steve,

Within the last 2 years I had to remediate a commercial building; 11,000 sq. ft. that had been flooded from Hurricanes.

I found bleach to be only modestly effective on drywall and painted surfaces; but does work slightly better on tile.

I have also used other substances however; such as a solution of Muriatic Acid; or stronger than bleach; a liquid chlorine. Certainly any chemical strong enough to kill black mold is probably also as toxic. AND no two should be mixed; even store brands.

One of the issues with black mold; which can cause health distress; is that it continues to breed in moisture. Regular treating is really the only way to keep it in check. The mold will be easier to remove from a glazed tile surface than from Grout; which is why I prefer the liquid chlorine at approx. 65% Hypochlorite. AT least as an initial Shock. Certainly adequate ventilation and not remaining in the area is wise.

One thing I also noted; totally unrelated in replacing drywall for 30 days was that black mold will attack the paper of drywall, and any paint, but does not attack the gypsum.

Then too there are other issues/ suggestions such as removing steam from the bath as rapidly as possible; possibly spraying "Clean Shower"; etc. after each use to dissolve residues that mold can grip to.

Long term exposure to black mold will cause respiritory issues; etc.

Steven Wolf

Hey was it you that sent the taser note? :)

Answer 2

Black Mold In The Shower

Answer 3

Yes, true "black mold" is dangerous. First, get someone to check it out. If it's regular old mold, then you just have to get it cleaned up. If your shower is old, your sealant may have broken down causing mold to build up where it would usually wash away. If your shower is new, it may not be level, causing water to hold in places - try using a squeegee to get some of that moisture down the drain before you hop out.

Answer 4

If it's true "black mold" then you need to probably replace the shower. Have someone in the home improvement business and/or restoration business test it or look at it. Black mold can cause health problems in your family esp. if it spreads. Make sure you're on the lookout for your family having sudden frequent headaches or getting sick without any other apparent cause. here are some sites to help:

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/molds/moldresources.html
http://www.homemoldtestkit.com/yahoo.html?utm_campaign=ysm_Black+Mold&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=yahoo&utm_content=ysm_Black+Mold+Makes+You+Sick&utm_term=black+mold&OVRAW=black%20mold&OVKEY=black%20mold&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=6772623522&OVKWID=8262147022

Answer 5

Bleach will kill it. I think mold is a health hazard and do all I can in both my shower and tub areas to minimize it. You are getting it because the water is not drying in between showers and you are not killing the spores, so it can grow again. You can kill mold with bleach and make certain that the bleach gets into any grout or caulk to kill the spores. You can also use a product like Tilex which is essentially bleach and some detergents. I usually hit the shower with bleach once a week and mist the shower daily with a vinegar and water solution to both cut down on soap scum accumulation and it sits in the water that isn't drying to keep the spores in check.

Answer 6

They have cleaning products just for that and if that doesn't work get an old toothbrush and poor some bleach on there and get to scrubbing : ) rinse with hot water and don't wear clothes you like ( I learned the hard way )

Answer 7

I think you can get rid of it by the suggestion already given. I might add that if you would get some air stirring and cut down the humidity in the shower would help. To maintain your shower after every use rinse you shower down with cold water then wipe dry the whole shower including door and bottom of shower. I hope this helps.

Answer 8

Tilex works great