Bathroom Mold Removal: Redmond Residents’ Comprehensive Guide

Removing bathroom mold growth can be quite a challenge. This rings especially true in Redmond, WA, where residential units are typically built with wood. The growth can extend beyond the bathroom, and this may require extensive demolition.

Let’s discuss the steps, tips, and tricks for bathroom mold removal Redmond homeowners should be aware of. 

What Are the Signs of Mold Growth?

Before you think about calling a mold remediation professional, ask yourself: does your bathroom really have a mold problem? After all, you may only be looking at runaway algal growth that you can easily deal with. With molds, these are the telltale signs you need to watch out for:

• Discolored spots. Discoloration is both a sign of mold and algal growth. Mold stains are fuzzier and darker than slimy, usually lightly colored algal spots. Plus, you can simply scrape algae off non-porous surfaces, while mold stains can go much deeper.
• Musty odor. Imagine the smell of moldy bread and damp concrete combined. If parts of your bathroom give off this scent, you should suspect mold growth.
• Allergic reactions. Mold spores, when inhaled, can fire off histamine production that triggers mold-specific allergies. If someone in your household gets an allergic reaction after using the bathroom, there is a possibility that mold may be present. 

How Do I Permanently Remove Mold From My Bathroom?

Molds grow in damp, dark environments. The bathroom, combined with poor ventilation and Redmond’s mostly humid climate, can provide an ideal place for mold to thrive. Understanding the role errant moisture plays in mold growth and how to manage it is key to making your bathroom mold-free.

Now, understanding mold growth is one thing, but dealing with it is a whole new story. There are two ways to go about bathroom mold removal in Redmond, depending on the extent of its proliferation. One is going the DIY route for small, early-stage growths; the other is getting help from bathroom mold remediation professionals when things have gone out of hand. 

Option A: DIY Bathroom Mold Removal

Signs of mold growth are easy to miss, but early detection gives you the advantage of nipping the spread right off the mycelium. If you’re able to locate and isolate the growth early on, or if it hasn’t spread beyond the immediate 10-square-foot area, follow these steps to keep it in check and take it out for good. 

1. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Protect yourself with gloves, goggles, a mask or rebreather, and work boots before you deal with the growth. Mold spores can get into your respiratory tract and cause a host of health issues, such as allergies and lung infections. Don the protective gear in a clean area outside of your bathroom workspace.
2. Isolate the bathroom. Seal the doorway with a 6 mil plastic sheeting and duct tape, cutting a person-height slit to maintain entry and exit. Seal all vents and ensure they’re turned off to prevent them from spreading the spores once you’ve disturbed the mold colony. In the case of jack and jill bathrooms, you will have to seal both doors using the same method.
3. Ventilate your bathroom. Open a window to ensure proper air circulation. Run an air purifier with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap the mold spores and minimize the risk of cross-contamination with other parts of your home. 
4. Apply a cleaning solution. You can purchase a commercial mold removal solution or make one using common home chemicals. If you prefer home-made, here are your safest possible options:
   • Mix one cup of bleach into a gallon of water. Apply it to the affected surface using a sponge or spray bottle. This works best in non-porous surfaces like glass and ceramic tiles.
   • Dissolve ¼ teaspoon of baking soda into two cups of water. Apply it using a spray bottle. This is effective in removing stubborn stains, but does not penetrate surfaces well.
   • Combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. This is the most effective solution against molds growing on porous surfaces like wood and bare concrete. Use a spray bottle to apply it to the affected area, then let it sit for about an hour. 
   • Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Spray this solution to the affected area and leave it for 10 minutes. Like its bleach- and baking soda-based counterparts, it works best on non-porous surfaces.
5. Clean the area. After you have applied your solution and allowed it to cure, thoroughly scrub the surface with a stiff-bristled brush or a heavy-duty brush for the more stubborn stains. Once done, rinse the scrubbed area and let it dry. Using a fan or dehumidifier is highly recommended, as it allows the surface to dry faster and decrease the chance of a mold resurgence. Use a HEPA vacuum to clean the mess while trapping the mold spores.
6. Decontaminate. Remove all debris and discard them in a waste bag. Place reusable outer PPE, like heavy duty gloves and work boots, inside a sealed plastic bag in preparation for cleaning and disinfection. Shed the rest of your PPE in the designated exclusion zone and store them in sealed plastic bags before moving to the clean parts of the house, and remove your mask or rebreather once you’re outside.

One should note that DIY mold removal may not effectively kill the mold and prevent future growth. There are some caveats, even with effective mold removal solutions and thorough cleaning. This mainly has to do with the following:

• Incomplete removal. Molds can dig deep into porous surfaces, and periodically spread spores. Even if you’ve killed off the visible growth, there may still be smaller ones lurking in unreachable cracks and waiting to spread.
• Cross-contamination risks. Failure to isolate the bathroom may cause mold spores to travel to other parts of the house. This could also happen if the cleaner fails to perform personal decontamination when exiting the work area.
• Underestimating the extent of the growth. Without proper, professional assessment, it may be easy to misjudge the spread of the mold, preventing you from taking the appropriate solution.
• Failure to address the source. Even when the mold has been completely removed, some homeowners may still fail to find and fix the source of moisture that lets molds take hold and thrive. 

Option B: Call a Mold Remediation Professional

Molds can spread to a wide area, and they can grow fast in the presence of sufficient moisture. While it’s possible for homeowners to take care of smaller colonies, any mold growth that covers more than 10 square feet of your bathroom will require the help of a bathroom mold remediation professional. They should be able to accurately assess the extent of the mold’s growth, and apply the right methods and solutions to exterminate the colony and prevent its return. 

Hiring a bathroom remodeler can also be a good idea. They can address the underlying issues with moisture and ventilation, excise compromised parts of your bathroom’s structure, and rework vulnerable areas with moisture-resistant material to prevent any new growth. 

Best Practices to Prevent Future Mold Growth

Mold growth is just a symptom of excessive humidity and moisture in your bathroom. Here are some best practices that ensure your bathroom is free from moisture and mold:

• Install exhaust fans and dehumidifiers to rid the interior of humid air and pump them outdoors. 
• Occasionally open windows and doors to promote better air circulation.
• Regularly check for leaks and fix them promptly.
• Invest in mold-resistant materials, especially for wet baths.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Mold From Your Bathroom?

For professional bathroom mold removal, Redmond homeowners may need to shell out between $1,222 and $3,751. This is based on the national average of $2,366. The exact mold remediation cost varies with the extent of the mold growth, which then determines the amount of work needed for its removal. 

The cost for DIY work, on the other hand, may be negligible. You can easily find the tools and chemicals you need at home for minor mold removal projects. However, for more serious remediation, you may need to invest in HEPA vacuums, HEPA air purifiers, and plastic seals, among others. These, combined, can set you back by around $500, for starters. 

Is Mold Remediation Worth the Cost?

When it comes to large-scale bathroom mold removal, Redmond homeowners need to pay a premium for remediation equipment or professional services. This is but a necessary one-time investment. It not only protects the quality and structural integrity of your home but also helps residents maintain a high quality of life. A mold-free home is simply worth every penny.