Is it possible to get rid of this mold and how?

Leah Deverett
by Leah Deverett
Hey Hometalk! I have a mold problem in my bathroom icon All the details are in the video! Any suggestions?
  9 answers
  • Arts Be Crafty Arts Be Crafty on Feb 05, 2017

    Home Depot and Lowe's has mold removal products that work pretty well. It will require repeated treatments to make sure it's completely gone. Good luck!

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    • Roz Franz Roz Franz on Feb 09, 2017

      I bought a gallon of MOLDEX at Home depot ( had to order it on line and pick it up at customer service) and use it with a spray bottle undiluted and works great. I think it was around $15.00. Really great stuff.

  • Sandi Goodell Sandi Goodell on Feb 05, 2017

    IF it is only surface mold, (you can test this by brushing it off...wear a mask...if it comes off, it's only on top) then you can hit it with bleach or a product called Kilz, which you can get in a spray if you prefer. Again, if you use this product, wear a mask, as it carries its own dangers in breathing in. I suspect, however, that the problem is coming from inside the wall, meaning that you have a leak either in your plumbing or your roof, which will have to be addressed as part of a permanent solution. My advice is to call a home restoration company, who determine the problem, repair it and do everything for what your insurance will cover. Good luck !


  • William William on Feb 05, 2017

    Just about every home gets the stuff. Surprisingly, newer homes get it more often than older ones. That’s because mold occurs in areas of higher humidity; tighter seals around windows and doors in new home construction keep in more moisture than in drafty old homes. The most obvious sign of a mold problem is finding green, brown, orange or even black spots. But there are other, less apparent signs: Cracked or peeling paint, discoloration, recurrent “soot” or black streaks, bulging, a musty, damp smell. Mold often grows in areas where condensation forms from water vapor in the air meeting a cold surface which turns the vapor into a liquid. This often takes place on exterior walls. Very humid areas in the home are prone to mold, too. Bathrooms and laundry rooms are two common places to find mold growing, As with many cleaning challenges, it’s best to start with a natural, mild approach and move onto stronger methods only if necessary. My personal recommendation is to use the vinegar/borax/water method first and wait two days to see if mold returns. If it does, move on to using the bleach/water approach. (Bleach is very irritating to the lungs, eyes and skin, so I prefer avoiding its use whenever possible). Whether you use the non-toxic method or use bleach, it’s important to use rubber gloves to protect your skin from coming in contact with the mold. Wear old clothing, so you can wash it in HOT water to kill any mold spores that wind up on your clothes and be sure to ventilate the area well while you’re working, so you aren’t inhaling the stuff. ***** 1. 2 tablespoons borax, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 cups VERY warm water. Combine the ingredients above in a bowl, stirring until the borax is completely dissolved. Pour into a spray bottle and liberally apply on painted walls, tile or other non-porous surfaces. Scrub well and wipe clean. Spray again and let sit 10 minutes before wiping dry. ***** 2. 1/4 cup bleach, 2 cups warm water. Combine the ingredients above in a spray bottle and liberally apply on painted walls, tile or other non-porous surfaces. Scrub well and wipe clean. If mold remains, reapply and let sit 5-10 minutes before scrubbing. Spray again then wipe clean. 3. 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 2 cups warm water. Combine the ingredients above in a spray bottle and liberally apply on painted walls, tile or other non-porous surfaces. Scrub well and wipe clean. ***** If you have a problem area bigger than 10 square feet or if the mold returns, you’ll most likely need to replace the drywall. A professional mold-removal service may be able to treat the ceiling.


  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 05, 2017

    Bleach, scrape it down, and repaint with mold resistant paint.

  • Ljgordon Ljgordon on Feb 05, 2017

    Let's determine why it is there. Do you use the exhaust fan when taking a shower? Do you run the exhaust fan at least 15 minutes after the shower? Is there a heater vent into the bathroom and a way for the humid air to escape the bathroom back to the return air? Si no? If not. Do this. Since the mold is already there, spray it with a mixture of Clorox and water. Let it stand for awhile then wipe it off.

    • Leah Deverett Leah Deverett on Feb 07, 2017

      I think you may be right..very possible it has to do with a ventilation problem. Thank you! Will try it out.

  • Bj Rutledge Bj Rutledge on Feb 07, 2017

    In the interim, i would run a fan during/after shower or bath to help it dry. You get mold when you have a repeated damp or wet condition.

  • Susan Susan on Feb 07, 2017

    I lived in florida for several years.....the mecca of mold.....I would scrub down with bleach....a good one, like Clorox, not some watered down brand....then after drying for a couple of days paint with Kilz. oh rinse after letting the Clorox sit for a while for good measure.

  • Joseph Joseph on Feb 09, 2017

    Use bleach and water let it stay for few minutes and wipe it also you can go to the 99 € store and get a product call awesom it comes as spray , spray it directly to the mold and wipe it out it should come out eas .

    • Leah Deverett Leah Deverett on Feb 13, 2017

      It sounds like bleach is the way to go. I'll look out for the product as well. Thanks!