How to Deal with Bathroom Mold
Bathroom mold is a common issue experienced by many people. Understanding when you have a mold issue and how to effectively deal with it is important for taking care of your apartment.
What causes mold?
Mold is caused by lingering moisture, which makes a bathroom the perfect place for an infestation. Generally, mold will grow on wet surfaces, creating infestations in places you would not expect. When checking for mold, be sure to carefully inspect your bathroom for any small crevices and other places you would usually not check, such as under your sink.
How do you remove mold?
When cleaning mold, it is important to take several precautions. Generally, if the area affected by the mold is larger than around ten square feet, it is better to call a professional. Larger colonies are extremely hard to remove and can spread very quickly. Some larger infestations will start to get into the walls, making it difficult to clean for non-professionals. Because larger colonies can spread so easily, it can be difficult to tell sometimes if they have been completely destroyed, making it extremely important to hire a professional.
When cleaning mold colonies, it is important to have a high quality mask, goggles, and gloves. Breathing in mold can be extremely dangerous, as the spores can get into your lungs, with long term exposure causing major sickness, allergies, and asthma. Additionally, you should plan on throwing away or immediately washing the clothes you wear while cleaning the mold.
To remove a mold infestation, you should clean the areas with mold-killing products such as baking soda, bleach, or vinegar. Combine one of the products in a spray bottle with two parts water and let it sit for 10 minutes after spraying it on the infestation. If there are a couple of mold spots remaining, use an old brush to scrape it off. Afterwards, rinse the area with water.
How do you prevent future mold?
Some tips for preventing mold are using your bathroom fan when showering and also leaving it on for 30 minutes after your shower. The bathroom fan will help clean up any leftover water in your bathroom, preventing mold from growing. If your shower is not getting proper ventilation, you can use a squeegee or a similar device to remove any water that is still stuck in the tiles. This built-up moisture can be a breeding ground for future mold.
Additionally, it is important to frequently wash bathroom rugs, towels, and other items that collect water as they can quickly develop mold. It is also important to check for cracked tiles or chipped grout because they can allow moisture to collect as well. On top of this, proper maintenance and ensuring the rest of your bathroom is hygienic will help prevent any future infestations.
Who should you contact if you need further assistance?
It is always important to check for mold when taking care of your apartment. If left unchecked, a mold colony can cause major health damage and even spread to adjacent apartments. Being vigilant and hygienic is important for preventing any damage.
Mold is a serious health concern that should not be taken lightly, so it is important to know your rights as a tenant. To find more information regarding mold and other tenant law related issues, refer to the Tenants of LA. If you need to get legal assistance, Tenants Law Firm is here to help. Contact our experienced attorneys at Tenants Law Firm by calling (310) 432 - 3200 or by using this contact form.