Black Mold on Plumbing Fixtures

Mold Growth

• Molds are fungi that live in the soil, on plants and on dead or decaying organic matter. In nature, molds are vital to breaking down old leaves and wood and redistributing the nutrients, but in your home it’s a problem. Mold reproduces by tiny spores, that disperse through the air. When they land on a damp location they grow as they digest whatever they’re growing on. Household fixtures are often damp, and this makes them a perfect location for spores to grow and develop.

Cleaning

• Before cleaning mold from any surface, put on rubber gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask. If the mold is on plumbing that is behind walls or under flooring, you should call a professional to correct the source of the moisture before you begin to clean. Mix about a capful of bleach into 1 quart of hot water and scrub the fixture with a nylon scrubber or a cloth. Do not use undiluted bleach to clean mold from plumbing fixtures; it may corrode some metals, such as copper. Repeat cleaning if mold still coats the fixture and then rinse the fixture with clean water and dry it thoroughly. If you prefer not to use bleach, vinegar, tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract are natural cleaners that also remove mold and disinfect most surfaces. Prevent mold growth by regularly cleaning all plumbing fixtures.

Controlling and Preventing Mold Growth

• The key to controlling mold growth is to control moisture in your home. Mold needs warmth, food and water to survive. Food is available in the form of dust, dirt and other organic materials that may be on your fixtures, and most homes' interiors are warm enough to promote growth. This means the easiest factor to remove from the equation is moisture. Make sure the fixture affected by mold growth and the plumbing connected to it is not leaking. If it is, repair the leak immediately or replace the fixture. Roof leaks, condensation, poor ventilation and high indoor humidity can also contribute to mold growth. Inspect your home and correct any moisture issues immediately to prevent future problems with mold. If the mold is in your bathroom or kitchen, install exhaust fans to improve air circulation. If you already have an exhaust fan, consider using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from your indoor air. Running your air conditioner regularly can also help keep your home cool and dry, and reduce mold growth.

Dangers

• Black mold left to grow on bathroom fixtures or any other surface in your home can lead to serious health problems. Asthma and allergy sufferers may be sensitive to mold and experience runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rash, cough and congestion. With prolonged exposure, mold can cause nausea, headaches, muscle pain, respiratory problems and fatigue even in people without allergies or asthma. If mold forms on plumbing fixtures, it may spread to other surfaces in your home. Inspect all surfaces, particularly in the area where you find black mold, and clean thoroughly to remove all traces of the mold and its spores.