Mold is an issue that many homeowners must deal with at some point in their lives and it can be a real headache to get rid of. You may have seen products on the shelf of your local hardware store that claim to get rid of mold, but don’t always trust the claims made by these products. There are many different substances that can lead to mold growth, so you’ll want to consult a professional before making any rash decisions. Removing mold from the shower can lead to caulking damage. This can result in the process costing more than you had initially intended. To make mold removal in the shower less counterproductive, here are some easy steps to remove mold from shower caulking before considering getting a professional firm to do it for you:
Gather your Supplies
It’s easier to get a task done when you first figure out which supplies you need and then gather them all rather than having to run up and down whenever you remember one. The basic supplies you will need for removing mold from shower caulking include a mask so that you don’t inhale the mold, toilet paper, bleach, gloves and vinegar. Any type of vinegar should do; you don’t need to go for the most expensive stuff.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
The material that you will be using as well as the mold itself can be inhaled and can cause health problems. Mold infects the lungs and is potent in immunocompromised people. Materials such as vinegar and bleach can cause discomfort when used in a small enclosed space such as a typical bathroom.
Before proceeding with any other step, open all the windows in the bathroom, open the door and wear a mask for your own safety. Wearing googles may also be a good idea if you are allergic and might start tearing up when exposed to the bleach and vinegar fumes. The goggles need to cover the sides of your eyes to provide no route for the chemicals to reach your eyes.
After this, spread toilet paper or cotton balls on the moldy areas.
Apply Some Bleach and Let it Sit
On the areas where you can identify the mold, apply some bleach and then let it sit for around 12 hours. This gives it time to seep into the mold properly and will make it easy to remove. To achieve this, you could shower early before a weekend, and then soak the mold-infested caulking with bleach overnight. Of course, this assumes that you don’t work over the weekends.
Remove the Tissue Paper
Remove the tissue paper or cotton balls and observe the difference. If the mold is completely eradicated or is significantly reduced, you can rest easy. If not, consider consulting professionals to come clean the caulk for you.