How To Get Rid Of Black Mould On The Bathroom Ceiling

CONTENTS

• What is black mould?
• What causes black mould on bathroom ceilings?
• How to remove mould from the bathroom ceiling
• Ways to prevent black mould on the bathroom ceiling
• Contact our team today

Black mould on your bathroom ceiling is not just an eyesore; it can put people's health at risk, release a musty smell into your home, and spread quickly in the humid, warm environment. Quick, thorough remediation is essential to restore your bathroom to a safe condition.

At ICE Cleaning, we offer our mould remediation services nationwide. As a corporate member of Dewpoint Professional, our mould removal professionals are qualified to remove all types of mould from domestic and commercial facilities. They are available nationwide, 24/7, 365 days a year. 

Continue reading to find out what is causing black mould spots on your bathroom ceiling and how to remove them.

What is black mould?

Mould is a term used to describe various types of fungi that grow in filaments and reproduce by forming spores. These microscopic spores can be found almost everywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Mould thrives in damp environments where it can digest organic materials.

Black mould is an umbrella term for moulds that are black or dark in colour. There are several types that can grow in your home including Stachybotrys chartarum, Alternaria, and Cladosporium. The former is the most famous kind of black mould and has a distinctive dark colour ranging from green to black and often appears as dots.

Health risks associated with black mould

All types of mould are dangerous to be exposed to. They produce allergens, irritants, and sometimes even mycotoxins (toxic compounds) that can put you at risk of a number of problems including allergic reactions and respiratory infections. 

Some types of black mould like Stachybotrys chartarum release mycotoxins and are associated with very serious health problems. Prolonged exposure to mould could potentially escalate into more serious conditions such as asthma exacerbation or hypersensitivity pneumonitis – an inflammation of the lungs due to sensitivity towards airborne particles.

Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to mould growth like people with pre-existing health conditions and weakened immune systems, elderly people, and young children. To protect people's health, it is recommended you have any mould in your home removed as soon as you spot it. 

What causes black mould on bathroom ceilings?

Mould spores are always floating in the air. When they settle on a damp surface, they start to grow. 

Lots of surfaces provide mould with its ideal conditions for growth including windows, walls, and ceilings where condensation forms, making the area damp. Bathroom ceilings are particularly vulnerable as lots of warm, humid air and steam rises during and after washing, resulting in lots of condensation forming on the ceiling. 

Poor ventilation and air flow are also key factors: keeping windows shut while cooking and washing can allow the humid air and steam to get trapped, increasing the chances of condensation. 

Black mould in general thrives in the bathroom due to the presence of humid conditions and damp surfaces that are regularly splashed with water. It likes organic materials like drywall or paint, too, which is often what ceilings are made from. Poor cleaning habits can leave behind dust, dirt, dead skin, and soap scum that it can feed off, as well.

How to remove mould from the bathroom ceiling

Mould removal is a dangerous and daunting task, especially when it's on the ceiling and is difficult to reach safely. It is recommended you always bring in mould removal professionals to deal with mould growth in your home. 

Tackling black mould on your own might not be as straightforward as the mould removal hacks shared online suggest. Many of these hacks are not that effective and might not remove all of the mould. Any left behind will simply grow back. Some hacks also utilise harsh chemicals, like bleach, which can discolour and damage surfaces. 

Mould removal can be dangerous, too. Firstly, you will be highly likely to inhale or touch the mould when cleaning it. Reaching mould on the ceiling can put you at risk of falling, as well, or the cleaning chemical dripping onto you after application which can cause irritation and burns.

Professional cleaners have the specialist cleaning chemicals and equipment, including PPE, to safely and thoroughly tackle your mould problem. They will even be able to pinpoint what has caused the mould in your home and advise on how to prevent it returning in the future.  

Ways to prevent black mould on the bathroom ceiling

Make sure the bathroom is well-ventilated

Open windows after showers or baths to let steam escape and dry out the room quicker. If natural ventilation is not enough, consider installing an exhaust fan that directly vents outside and run it while using the bathroom.

Clean your bathroom regularly

Wipe down surfaces where water collects, like on shower walls, and remove dirt, grime, and dust (organic material mould can feed off) from countertops frequently. 

Use anti-mould paint

Paint that contains anti-microbial additives gives walls and ceilings extra protection against fungi. You can also get anti-mould silicone sealant to prevent unsightly black mould stains forming on it.  

Contact our team today

If it's an emergency, our technicians can be on site within several hours to deal with your mould problem. 

Get in touch on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to book your free site survey and get a no-obligation quote for our mould removal services.