So you walk into your bathroom and there it is… that black, spotty stuff crawling up your grout or hiding in the corner of the ceiling. Yeah — that’s probably black mold. And if you’re here, it means you’re ready to get rid of it. Good move.
Black mold isn’t just ugly. It can mess with your health and damage your bathroom if you ignore it too long. But don’t worry. You don’t need to panic. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you know exactly how to remove black mold from your bathroom and how to keep it from coming back.
What Is Black Mold, Anyway?
Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, is a common type of mold that likes damp, warm, and dark places — aka your bathroom. It’s not always dangerous, but it can cause problems for people with allergies, asthma, or breathing issues. It spreads by releasing tiny spores into the air… and those spores love moisture.
So if your bathroom has poor ventilation, leaks, or humidity problems — black mold might show up like an unwanted houseguest.
Where Does It Usually Grow?
If you’re wondering where to look, here’s a quick list of mold’s favorite hiding spots in bathrooms:
- Shower tiles and grout
- Ceilings and corners
- Behind or under the toilet
- Around the base of sinks
- Underneath bath mats or rugs
- On the walls (especially near the tub or shower)
If you spot black patches, slimy spots, or a musty smell — you probably have mold.
What You’ll Need to Remove Black Mold
Before you jump into cleaning, grab a few things to protect yourself:
- Rubber gloves
- A mask (to avoid breathing in spores)
- Old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
- Scrub brush or sponge
- White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda (optional, but helpful)
- Spray bottle
- Old towels or rags
Important note: If the mold is covering more than 10 square feet, stop and call a pro like ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts). Big mold problems are best left to experts.
How to Remove Black Mold from Your Bathroom (Step-by-Step)
Let’s do this right.
Step 1: Ventilate the Area
Open a window or turn on a fan. If you don’t have a window or fan, crack the bathroom door. You need airflow so you’re not trapped with those mold spores.
Step 2: Spray the Moldy Area
Use white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Both work great at killing mold. Spray it on the moldy area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Don’t wipe it off right away. Let it work.
Step 3: Scrub, Scrub, Scrub
After the solution sits, use your scrub brush or sponge to scrub the mold off. Use circular motions and make sure you’re getting into all the cracks and corners.
Step 4: Wipe It Clean
Use a clean towel or rag to wipe everything down. Get rid of any leftover moisture so the mold doesn’t come back.
Step 5: Repeat If Needed
Still see some mold? Spray again and scrub a second time. Sometimes stubborn mold needs a little more elbow grease.
Step 6: Dry the Area Completely
This part is key. Mold grows in wet places, so make sure everything is 100% dry. Use a fan, towel, or even a hairdryer if you need to.
Bonus Tip: Use Baking Soda for Extra Cleaning Power
Want to go the extra mile? Mix baking soda with water into a paste and scrub the area after spraying with vinegar. It’s gentle, non-toxic, and great at pulling out mold from grout lines.
How to Prevent Black Mold in the Bathroom
You don’t want to do this again, right? Here’s how to stop mold before it starts:
- Use the bathroom fan every time you shower or bathe.
- Open windows after steamy showers (if you have one).
- Wipe down wet surfaces — especially tiles and shower walls.
- Fix leaks ASAP — even slow drips.
- Wash bath mats and towels regularly.
- Check for moisture under sinks and behind the toilet every few weeks.
Prevention is always easier than cleanup.
When to Call the Pros
If the mold covers a big area, keeps coming back, or smells really strong — call a professional like ERX. We’ve seen it all, and we know how to safely clean and restore your bathroom without risking your health or property.
Sometimes mold hides in places you can’t see — like behind drywall, under the tub, or in your ceiling. Don’t take chances.
Final Thoughts
Mold is gross. It’s sneaky. And it doesn’t go away on its own. But now that you know how to remove black mold from your bathroom, you’re ready to handle it. Just be safe, take your time, and if it ever feels too big to deal with…
Call ERX at (866)-217-7903.
We’ll show up, clean it up, and make your bathroom feel like home again — mold-free and stress-free.
FAQs: How to Remove Black Mold from Bathroom
Q: Is black mold in the bathroom dangerous?
A: Yeah, it definitely can be. While not all black mold is toxic, some types release spores that can mess with your breathing — especially if you’ve got asthma or allergies. Either way, it’s not something you want hanging around.
Q: Can I use bleach to remove black mold?
A: You can, but we don’t recommend it. Bleach smells strong, doesn’t always get into porous surfaces like grout, and can irritate your skin and lungs. White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide is safer and just as effective.
Q: How do I keep mold from coming back after I clean it?
A: Mold loves moisture. So keep your bathroom dry by using fans, opening windows, wiping down wet surfaces, and fixing leaks right away. That’ll go a long way in stopping it from returning.
Q: When should I call a professional like ERX?
A: If the mold covers more than about 10 square feet, keeps coming back, or you think it’s hiding behind walls — it’s time to bring in the pros. ERX has the tools, the know-how, and the safety gear to handle it right.
Q: Will my bathroom need repairs after mold removal?
A: Sometimes, yeah. If the mold’s been there a while, it might’ve damaged your drywall, caulk, or grout. ERX can take care of both the cleanup and any repairs needed to make your space safe and solid again.