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We can bet that cleaning the bathroom is probably everyone's least favorite household chore. Especially if there is mold present. Unfortunately, due to the humidity in your bathroom, mold can form on the bottom of your toilet .
Below, we asked some experts for their best tips on how to remove mold from the bottom of your toilet so you have a clean, hygienic place to relax.
Meet the expert
Ryan Knoll is the founder of Tidy Casa, a home cleaning service.
Michael Rubino is a mold and air quality expert, environmental advocate, and founder of HomeCleanse.
Before it starts
Mold on the toilet floor not only looks unpleasant, but - more importantly - it is also not good for your health. "Long-term exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in many people," says Ryan Knoll, founder of Tidy Casa , a home cleaning service. "Mold also spreads, so ignoring the problem will only make it worse."
When mold grows, it releases microscopic particles called spores into the air. "Some types of mold also release microscopic toxins called mycotoxins, which are toxic to the human body," says Michael Rubino , mold and air quality expert, environmental advocate and founder of HomeCleanse . "The longer the mold is present, the more particles it releases into the air. These particles are small enough to be inhaled by the body, triggering an immune response and a long list of possible chronic symptoms.
To prevent this exposure, mold must be properly removed. "Not to mention, the more mold spores there are in the air, the greater the chance that problems will develop in other parts of the house," says Rubino. "Mold also breaks down organic material. So when it gets into the ground, it breaks down."
When it comes to the toilet floor, the interior is always an ideal breeding ground for mold as there is a continuous source of moisture. "This is where cleaning and purifying the air comes into play," says Rubino. "The cleaner the air, the fewer mold spores can multiply in that place." The cleaner the toilet floor is, the fewer nutrients mold can use to grow, such as accumulations of minerals and other organic matter.
If mold forms on the outside of the base, it can have various causes. The first and easiest option is to determine whether the humidity in the room is too high. According to Rubino, it's best to keep it between 35% and 50% because mold can form at humidity levels of 60% or higher. "High humidity can also cause condensation to form along the foundation," he explains. "If this moisture buildup is not dried within 24 to 48 hours, there is a risk of microbial growth."
Before cleaning the inside and outside of the toilet base, it is always recommended to test a small area. Toilet floors are made of different materials such as ceramic or porcelain and each material reacts differently to certain solutions. "Hard chemicals, especially on surfaces like porcelain, are prone to corrosion, discoloration or other undesirable reactions," says Rubino. "You can avoid this problem by testing a small area out of sight. An even better alternative is to check the manufacturer's recommendations, as every toilet is different.
what you will need
Vinegar
baking powder
bleaching
Hydrogen peroxide
spray bottle
scrub brush
Protective gloves
Protective mask
clean cloth
Method 1: How to clean mold on toilet floor with vinegar and baking soda
Sprinkle baking soda around the floor, focusing on the areas where mold is forming.
Spray distilled vinegar into the container using a spray bottle.
Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Start by scrubbing with a brush to remove mold.
Dry the area with a clean cloth.
Method 2: How to remove mold from toilet floor with hydrogen peroxide
Prepare a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture onto the toilet floor and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Rub the area and then dry it with a clean cloth.
warning
Never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. Clean with one or the other. Also remember that it is important to dry the area after cleaning as mold grows with moisture and dry rooms are not exposed to it.
Method 3: How to remove mold from toilet floor with bleach
Follow the instructions on the bleach label to mix a solution of bleach and water. If you don't have label instructions, the CDC recommends four teaspoons of bleach per gallon of room temperature water.
Pour the bleach and water solution over the moldy areas and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Scrub gently with a scrub brush.
Rub the mold.
Dry the area with a clean cloth.
warning
Do not apply too much bleach to the toilet floor as it creates fumes and is corrosive to the skin and the toilet. Keep a fan on and all doors and windows open, and always wear gloves and a mask, recommends Knoll.
It's important to note that while Knoll recommends cleaning the toilet floor with bleach, Rubino does not. "I don't recommend using bleach on the toilet floor because not only can it damage the surface, but it also doesn't adequately remove mold and other surface contaminants," he explains. "Using bleach on the toilet floor only leaves behind particles such as dead mold and mycotoxins, resulting in ongoing exposure. Bleach also does not attack the roots of mold colonies that grow on porous surfaces. You need a product that contains a surfactant that will loosen, scrub and clean the particles from the surface to which they are attached.
How to eliminate and prevent odors at the bottom of the toilet
Cleaning the toilet regularly with water and vinegar keeps odors away, but also kills germs that rot in and around the toilet and make the area smell unpleasant, according to Knoll.
It's also important to reduce bathroom humidity as much as possible to prevent mold and the telltale musty, dirty, and cigarette smells that accompany active growth. The best way to achieve this is to focus on airflow. "When showering, turn on the exhaust fan and open a door to replace all the moisture-rich air with air from outside the room," suggests Rubino. "Leave it on for 30 minutes after you finish using the bathroom to make sure everything is gone." If there is no exhaust fan, open a door and window to create airflow. If that doesn't work, a dehumidifier can help keep the humidity down.
Seasonal maintenance of the toilet base
Make sure you repair any leaks in your bathroom immediately. Removing accumulated water helps keep the outside smelling fresh and free of microbial growth. "Cleaning frequently with a plant-based cleaner that contains surfactants is the best way to prevent mold and prevent odors," says Rubino. "Again, focusing on air purification will help keep the bathroom smelling fresh by removing particles and gases from the air."
Frequently asked questions
What causes mold to form on the bottom of the toilet?
Moisture and bacteria cause mold to form around the toilet floor. "Moisture from leaky toilets or wet showers in a poorly ventilated bathroom settles on bacteria around the toilet floor and forms mold," says Knoll.
How often should I clean the toilet floor to prevent mold?
Ideally, clean the toilet every week. Mold doesn't grow on clean toilets. Therefore, keep them clean every week. If you're busy and can't manage it every week, Knoll recommends cleaning it at least every two weeks.
Can I use natural cleaning products instead of bleach?
"Absolutely, and you should," Rubino says. "I suggest a plant-based cleanser like Benefect Decon 30. It uses natural ingredients and surfactants to combat mold and other surface contaminants such as bacteria. Always choose plants as harsh chemicals are harmful to you and air quality.
What should I do if mold keeps appearing after cleaning?
If the mold continues to appear, there is likely a problem elsewhere in the bathroom or home that is allowing this growth. "For example, there is a hidden source of moisture under the toilet, especially if you actively maintain the right humidity in the bathroom," says Rubino. "Hiring a qualified inspector can help determine if there is a hidden moisture or mold problem. You can also do a dust test at home first, e.g. B. the dust test to determine whether mold is likely present in your home.
Read the original article on Southern Living
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