You walk into your bathroom and notice black spots on the ceiling.
Is it mold? If so, How should you get rid of it?
In this guide you will learn not only how to Identify these black spots or stains on your bathroom , but also how to Remove them effectively & Prevent them from returning.
Black Spots On Bathroom Ceiling – What Are They?
There can be two types of black spots found on bathroom ceilings. One is mold and this is the more dangerous kind.
Should you notice this, get it removed and treated right away. Pay special attention to the area above the shower because this is one of the more likely places you’ll find it.
Wet air rises from repeated use of the shower, going straight up to the ceiling. Condensation can quickly develop resulting in black mold.
While mold is likely to form on bathroom ceilings due to moisture levels and humidity, there’s another type of black spot that can develop. This is called ghosting.
Ghosting is caused from the following ways:
- Dust particles
- Soot
- Burning candles
- Smoke
- Lack of insulation
Usually, black spots from ghosting form in a distinct pattern such as straight lines, matching the joists or house frame.
This is one way to tell the difference between mold and ghosting.
If you are uncertain whether you have mold or not, call a professional.
How To Tell If It’s Actually Mold
So, how can you be sure if you have black mold on your bathroom ceiling? One way to tell is in the pattern or how it appears.
For other signs you have mold, look for:
- Dark circular spots
- More prominent around the perimeter
- Musty smell
- Dark black, green or orange colors
- Water stains
- Discoloration on ceiling
What Causes Mold On Bathroom Ceiling?
There can be several causes of mold appearing on bathroom ceilings.
Because of how wet the air in bathrooms can get, it is the ideal place for mold to grow.
Moisture/Condensation
This is the most common cause of mold. The substance thrives in humid, wet environments.
Water from the shower rises with no place to go and it winds up on the ceiling.
Over time this builds up and causes mold — that’s when you can see those visible black spots on your bathroom ceiling
Bathrooms are one of the dampest places in the house and therefore, it’s easy for mold to grow there.
Lack Of Ventilation
Many bathrooms don’t have windows and in ones that do, they are small. A lot of times people keep these windows closed.
With no place to escape, the moisture and wet air rises, gets trapped and forms into mold.
While many bathrooms have vents or fans, it’s important to make sure these are working properly.
Any dust or blockage can prevent wet air from escaping.
Keep your bathroom fan clean and if it is broken, fix it or replace it right away.
Bad Insulation
If your bathroom is not insulated well, this can be another cause of black mold spots on your bathroom ceiling.
Outside air sneaks in and mixes with the inside wet air creating an environment suitable for mold.
Look for cracks, gaps, thin walls or any place air could be getting through.
It may be worth adding insulation or fixing these holes to prevent moisture and wet air from coming in.
No one wants mold and any steps you can take to prevent it will help in the long run.
Leaks
Water can often lead to mold growth. If you have a leak, this greatly increases the chances of mold.
Check your bathroom carefully and repair any leaks or dripping pipes immediately.
Signs you have a leak include water spots, hearing water run/drip when faucets aren’t in use and excess water on the walls or ceiling.
All it takes is a little extra water, wetness or moisture for mold to develop. The last place you want a leak is in the bathroom where water is constantly being used.
Mold in your Bathroom?
Call 844-488-0570 for a Risk Free estimate from a Licensed Mold Remeditation Specialist in your area.
We Can Help Get rid of Black mold Spots from your Bathroom Ceiling & Prevent them from returning.
Dangers of Black Mold Spots On Your Bathroom Ceiling
There are several risks if you have black mold spots on your bathroom ceiling. They involve your health and issues that could affect your house.
Breathing In The air
Mold releases harmful toxins and excessive exposure can cause respiratory problems.
Symptoms include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Sore throat
Illness
In addition, mold can lead to headaches, skin irritation or watery eyes.
This is why it’s important to get it treated and removed as soon as possible.
You don’t want it to linger and the longer it does, the worse your health potentially can get. Those with pre-existing symptoms including allergies are more likely to develop health-related problems from mold.
Should you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention.
Damage To House
Mold can cause significant damage to the structure, foundation or walls of a house.
If left untreated, it can spread quickly and cause problems to drywall, ceilings and wallpaper.
Although not common, it also can cause ceilings to collapse. Should mold permeate into the structure, you will wind up with costly repairs.
How To Clean These Black Mold Spots
Should you find black spots on your bathroom ceiling that is mold, it’s important to remove it. There are plenty of ways to do this.
A household cleaner designed to kill mold can be used.
Or you can use common items such as vinegar, water, bleach, ammonia.
Other items needed include rag, scrub brush and a spray bottle.
When removing these black mold spots from your bathroom ceiling, you should take several safety measures. Wear eye protection such as goggles, a mask, gloves and work boots.
You can also wear a body suit or hazmat suit should you choose for an extra layer of protection.
Before you start, make sure the space you’re working in is well-ventilated. Open nearby windows and/or turn on the fan.
Method 1: Mold/Mildew Cleaner
- Buy a mold-killing product in a spray bottle
- Spray on areas of your bathroom ceiling where mold exists
- Wipe with rag or scrub with brush until area is clean
Method 2: Bleach
- Mix 1 cup of bleach with a gallon of water. If more is needed, keep adding in this ratio
- Wipe affected area with rag or scrub with brush until clean
- Never mix bleach with other chemicals such as ammonia. This can release toxic fumes and cause serious damage to your health
Method 3: Vinegar
- Add white distilled vinegar to spray bottle
- Spray directly where mold is
- Wait 25-30 minutes before wiping and cleaning it off
Method 4: Ammonia
- Mix 50% water with 50% ammonia in spray bottle
- Spray onto surface
- Wait 25-30 minutes before wiping and cleaning it off
Preventing The Black Spots/Dots In Future
There are several steps you can take to reduce the chance of mold in your home and on your bathroom ceiling.
For starters, make sure you have a good working vent that is clean.
This will help the moisture from showers and using water escape.
When it comes to moisture, your best bet is to keep humidity levels around 50%.
The more dry and moisture-free you can keep a bathroom, the better your chances will be of mold not developing.
Other actions include:
- Adding insulation
- Drying wet areas after use
- Keeping the bathroom clean
- Open windows
- Making sure there are no gaps in the walls or leaks and if you notice any, fix immediately
When To Call A Professional
Small amounts of black mold spots on bathroom ceiling can be cleaned easily as a DIY Project.
In case of large mold infestation, it’s always best to use an experienced, licensed company when it comes to mold.
If you want to try and remediate yourself first and the black mold spots on your bathroom ceiling comes back, contact a professional.
They have the experience and equipment to remove mold. Let them know you tried and the substance returned.
Another time to call a professional is if you are unsure whether the substance you see on your bathroom ceiling is mold.
A trained individual who does this for a living will easily be able to tell you if you have mold and advise on next steps.
Companies may offer a free consultation or inspection, too.
Should the mold be spread over a large area, you probably want a pro to handle that. Removing a large quantity the proper way will help keep the mold from spreading more and doing significant damage.
Remember the best steps to prevent mold on your bathroom ceiling involve keeping your bathroom dry, avoiding the buildup of moisture and running the fan. Don’t hesitate to contact an experienced professional should you have questions or need assistance.
We have Mold Remediation Specialists that can help Find the Source of the Leak Mold, Remove it & Prevent it from Returning.
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