Black Spots on Bathroom Ceiling-Causes & How to Get Rid

Black spots on the bathroom ceiling are an unwelcome sight that can create concern for any homeowner, especially if they are unsure of what they are, why they are there, and, most importantly, whether they pose a threat.

If you’ve seen some of these unusual black spots on your ceiling, read on to discover more about what they are, what causes them, the risks they pose, how to handle them, and finally how to prevent them.

What are the Black Spots?

Black spots in the bathroom ceiling are mostly often black mold and mildew.

 The Stachybotrys Chartarum species of mold is the one usually referred to as black mold. Black mold, like other types of mold, is commonly found in dark, humid areas of the home. It is distinguished by its distinct appearance, as it is darker than most molds.

Not only do they show up on ceilings, but you might also notice small black spots of mold and mildew growing in your shower room or an entire colony hiding behind your toilet.

 Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is a type of microfungus that produces conidia in slime heads. It can be found in soil and grain, but it’s most commonly found in cellulose-rich building materials from damp or water-damaged structures, such as gypsum-based drywall and wallpaper.

However before concluding that the black spots are black mold, you might consider carrying out a mold test to confirm your assumptions.

Mold emits a distinct odor. It has a musty, earthy smell to it, and it may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. Mold appears hairy and has some color variations when examined closely.

Causes of the Black Spots.

Condensation.

Condensation is the main cause of black mold growth and thriving in the bathroom ceiling.

Moisture that has nowhere to go causes mold on the ceiling. Water vapor and warm air rise to the ceiling from hot showers and bathtubs, and if there isn’t enough ventilation to evacuate or let it out, it can settle there.

Mold spores begin to grow when moisture is present for an extended period of time. In order to germinate and grow, black mold in homes requires a lot of moisture.

High temperatures

Temperature has a significant impact on fungal growth, spore germination, and reproduction.

Warmth catalyzes the chemical reactions within the mold’s fungal cells. Temperatures must be in a range that allows the most efficient progression of the chemical reactions required by mold for optimum growth.

Fungi thrive best in temperatures ranging from 77°F to 86°F and will not grow below 40°F. The bathroom is sufficiently warm and bears these conditions, particularly when it is inadequately ventilated or frequent warm showers are taken.

Poor lighting

Mold and other fungi thrive in dimly lit bathrooms.

Mold, unlike plants, is not photosynthetic and does not generate energy through the use of light. In fact, because sunlight inhibits and even kills mold growth, many molds thrive and grow better in dim and dark environments.

Leaking water in your property

In exceptional circumstances, If the bathroom has a leaking or plumbing issue, black mold on the ceiling can spread quickly. Water pipes passing above the ceiling board may leak, providing an excellent moisture source for black mold to grow on the ceiling.

Roof leaks may also occur, allowing rainwater to seep into the bathroom and settle on the ceiling board, providing ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth.

High humidity levels

It can be extremely difficult to properly ventilate your house properly in cold climates. This is because the cold conditions cause people to shut all of their windows and turn up the heat.

This increases humidity and provides all of the necessary conditions for black mold to sprout and thrive. This often particularly happens in the bathroom where there is a lot of moisture

Other damp-related problems

The presence of black mold can sometimes be a warning sign of another underlying damp issue, such as penetrating dampness. If something other than condensation is the cause of the mold, it will generally be localized to a specific location on the ceiling

How to Get Rid/Clean Black Spots in Bathroom

You can either clean your black mold infestation yourself or hire a professional, depending on the severity of the infestation. While hiring a professional is more expensive, you will avoid being exposed to mold while attempting to remove it. If you have extensive growth in multiple rooms, you should probably hire a professional cleaner.

If you decide to remove the black mold yourself, make sure to follow all safety precautions. Most importantly, you should wear a quality dust mask or a respirator to avoid accidentally inhaling mold spores. Mold spores can enter the body through the skin, so you should cover your whole body well and wear rubber gloves to avoid  mold spores from touching your skin.

There are several ways to get rid of black mold off your bathroom ceiling. You can use commercial products or DIY homemade products as you will learn hereby.

Whatever method you choose, the first steps are the same for all.

1. Start by emptying the bathroom off all things and place them at a safe place where you will disinfect them later then bring a ladder inside and put it in position to allow you to easily access the ceiling.
2. Next bring along the cleaning items in the  bathroom then close the door to prevent spores from drifting through the air and landing in other areas of your home, seal off the area with the black mold.
3. Remove Surface mold growth by wiping it away with a damp cloth or sponge. You can complete this task with water and a little dishwashing soap. You can use a soft brush to do a more thorough scrubbing to get rid of the surface mold then rinse the surface with warm water. Avoid spraying anything on the growth to kill or bleach the mold . Spraying microbial growth with a mist sprayer will only dislodge the spores into the air, where they can be breathed in posing a health hazard.
4. Next, use a strong disinfectant like hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar to disinfect the area. Bleach can also be used, but it should be used with caution and diluted. Bleach has the potential to cause skin burns and eye irritation.

After you’ve removed the mold, open up the space and ventilate it as much as possible. Try to stay away from the area until the disinfectant fumes have dissipated and the room dried.

Following the first three steps outlined above, here are some final cleaning procedures using various products:

Vinegar

Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it can be a cheap and effective treatment for many types of mold.  It is one of the best and most effective products that can help remove black mold from the bathroom ceiling .

1. Fill a spray bottle halfway with full-strength white distilled vinegar and spray it on the affected surface.
2. Leave the solution sit there for about 30 minutes
3. If additional scrubbing is required, mix one teaspoon baking soda with two cups of water. Fill a spray bottle with it, shake it up, and spray it on the mold. Scrub with a scouring pad or a brush.
4. Rinse with warm water before spraying with vinegar and allowing to dry.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Another product that can help you get rid of mold is hydrogen peroxide.

It has antimicrobial properties, which means it can kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mold spores.

When hydrogen peroxide is applied to these microorganisms, it kills them by breaking down their essential components, such as proteins and DNA.

1. Fill a spray bottle halfway with 3-percent hydrogen peroxide
2.  Spray it all over the moldy area until it’s completely covered.
3. Allow for a 10-minute cooling period, or until the hydrogen peroxide stops bubbling.
4. Using a rag or soft brush, scrub away the mold and hydrogen peroxide. Scrub gently at first to avoid damaging the surface beneath the mold, then scrub more vigorously as needed.
5. When you’re done, wipe the surface with a clean cloth or rag to dry it.
6. If necessary, repeat the process.

Lemon Juice.

Lemon juice is a natural germ and microbe killer with about 5% acid, making it effective as well as environmentally friendly in the fight against mold. Lemon juice is also less harsh and easier to clean up, as well as being inexpensive and readily available. It also has a pleasant refreshing scent.

1. Squeeze 3 to 5 lemons into a cup to make the solution. If you think the mixture is too concentrated, you can dilute it with a little water.
2. Using a sponge or piece of cloth, smear the juice over the moldy area. Allow at least five minutes for the product to  react.
3. Next, wipe it down with a damp cloth dipped in warm water. If any stubborn mold stains remain, simply reapply the lemon juice and scrape the surface.
4.  Natural black spot removers, like this one, are effective against mildew, making them great non-toxic alternatives to chemical black spot removers. They’re also safer for your family and the environment, as well as being less expensive than commercial alternatives.

 Bleach

Bleach is another effective mold-cleaning agent, but it has a disadvantage.

Bleach is only effective at controlling mold on hard, nonporous surfaces. This is due to the fact that when bleach is applied to porous surfaces, the chlorine quickly evaporates, leaving a large amount of water behind. Because the water soaks into the surface, the mold can thrive in this moist environment.

1. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of hot water, 1/2 cup of bleach, and 1/3 cup of laundry soap,
2. Combine the ingredients in a bucket and stir with a disposable stick, being careful not to let any liquid spill out. While the bleach will effectively remove the mold, it may also cause damage to nearby materials.
3. Put on rubber gloves and protective clothing to cover all body parts
4. Apply the solution to the surface with a sponge or a piece of cloth and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. After that, rinse the surface with warm water and dry it.

Ammonia

Ammonia is also another product that can be used to control black mold. However, like bleach, ammonia is only effective for controlling surface mold and only works on hard non-porous surfaces thus it is ineffective at killing mold growing in porous material such as wood or drywall.

1. Wear latex gloves, eye protection, and a mask, then make sure the area is well ventilated to avoid inhaling the putrid ammonia fumes directly.
2. In a bowl, combine ammonia and water 1:1 and soak up and apply the solution to the affected area with a sponge or piece of cloth.
3. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the treatment to take effect, then brush thoroughly if necessary and wipe away all signs of moisture with a clean cloth.
4. After that, rinse the area with warm water and dry it to remove any moisture, as mold may return if you don’t.

Toothpaste

Because of its cleaning and whitening properties, toothpaste is a good choice for removing black mold stains. It also has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of fungi, making it effective against black mold.

Solid white toothpaste is more effective than gel toothpaste at removing mold and does not leave a stain.

1. Start by simply squirting some white toothpaste onto the moldy area and spread it on the affected surface with a sponge.
2.  Scrub the  area gently with an unused toothbrush being careful not to scrub too hard on softer materials, and test-spot as needed. If the spots are stubborn, dampen the toothbrush bristles with water to completely remove the mold.
3. Once done, rinse the area thoroughly with warm water to wash off the toothpaste and mold dirt.
4. Finally, dry the place with an old towel or an absorbent cloth and leave the place ventilated.

You may notice that the black spots on the ceiling haven’t completely disappeared after wiping the surface clean. This is most likely due to the mold embedding itself in the paint and staining the ceiling.

If this is the case, you should consider repainting the ceiling with a moisture-resistant medium or high-gloss paint. This will help prevent moisture from penetrating the paint and thus microbial growth in the future. Prime the ceiling with an antimicrobial primer for even more resistance.

Prevention Measures & Tips

We all know prevention is better than cure. Preventing mold growth is much easier and saves you all the trouble encountered in having to deal with it once it is established.

Here are some prevention measures to keep your bathroom mold free:

• Clean your bathroom on a regular basis with mold-killing products.
• Take further measures to prevent black spot formation in the future, by keeping a spray bottle full of vinegar in the bathroom and spray your bath and shower after each usage.
• Install a mechanical vent fan if you’re looking for a more long-term solution. After you’ve finished your shower and exited the bathroom, turn on the fan for at least 20 minutes. You can install a timer switch to automatically turn off the fan if you forget to turn it on later.
• Make sure to keep the bathroom ventilated while it’s in use to help regulate moisture and prevent mold growth. Open the window or switch on the fan while showering, for example.
• Wipe down the walls and floor with a squeegee or an unused towel after use to speed up drying.
• Install a humidifier in your bathroom and use it to keep the humidity level below 50%, especially during the summer.
• Paint the bathroom  ceiling with mold and moisture resistant paint.
• Avoid using  rugs or carpets in your bathroom because they can trap moisture that promotes mold and mildew growth, and remove any water-damaged carpets.

Risks of Black Mold in Bathroom

Mold is an allergen, and everyone reacts differently to microbial growth that has been amplified. When determining whether this growth poses a threat to the occupants of a residential structure, there are several factors to consider.

Mold is not only unsightly, but it can also be harmful to your health. Mold can cause “nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation…or skin irritation,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even more concerning, inhaling mold spores can result in serious lung infections in people with weakened immune systems.