Mold On Bathroom Popcorn Ceiling (How To Fix It)

Last Updated on July 30, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

Fix mold on a bathroom popcorn ceiling by wearing protective gear, identifying and fixing moisture sources, cleaning the area with mild detergent, gently removing mold, applying a mold-killing solution, and repainting or sealing the ceiling. For extensive mold, seek professional assistance.

Tools Require For Fixing Bathroom Ceiling Molds

When dealing with bathroom ceiling mold, it’s important to ensure safe and efficient removal. A variety of tools can help complete this project smoothly, while adequately addressing the root problem to prevent future mold growth. 

1. Protective Equipment

• Masks: Molds release spores that are potentially harmful when inhaled, hence, wearing N-95 or P-100 masks is strongly advised.
• Eye protection: Safety goggles should be employed to protect eyes from mold spores and debris during cleaning.
• Gloves: Protective gloves ensure that hands and skin are safe during direct interaction with mold and cleaning chemicals.

2. Mold Removal Solutions

• Bleach: Bleach is a highly effective fungicide capable of killing mold and lightening the stains it leaves.
• Vinegar or Baking Soda: For environmental-friendly options, vinegar and baking soda act as natural fungicides.
• Commercial Mold Removal Products: Products specifically designed to eliminate mold are available, which are exceptionally efficient in dealing with stubborn mold growth.

3. Sprayer

• A sprayer is necessary for evenly distributing the cleaning solution onto the ceiling, enabling effective reach into corners and crevices.

4. Scrubbing Brushes

• Hard bristle brushes are excellent for scrubbing away resilient mold growth and stains.

5. Plastic Sheeting

• Protect surrounding areas from falling mold spores and debris by using plastic sheeting.

6. Ladder

• A sturdy ladder is crucial to safely reach high areas on the bathroom ceiling.

7. Dehumidifier

• Post-cleaning, a dehumidifier aids in reducing moisture levels, making the environment less suitable for mold growth.

Steps For Fixing Bathroom Ceiling Molds

Step 1: Check For Asbestos 

This step is vital, and you shouldn’t skip it in any way! Asbestos is a mineral primarily found in textured ceilings, like popcorn ceilings. So, it is good to check whether your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos as it has been linked to lung cancer cases.  If you aren’t sure whether your popcorn ceiling is asbestos-free, it’s good to call an asbestos remediation company and have your roof tested before starting the cleaning process. 

Step 2: Get Yourself Personal Protective Equipment

Most ingredients used for mold removal can cause serious health problems, especially for individuals with a weakened immune system and respiratory issues. So, it is good to have some protective gear before you begin cleaning mold off the bathroom ceiling. 

Here are some of the protective equipment you should have:

• Disposable work clothes
• Nitrile rubber gloves 
• Disposable shoe coverings 
• Wrap-around goggles 
• OSHA-approved respirator 

While it may seem expensive to acquire all this gear, ensuring safety in the cleaning task is a significant investment in your family’s health. 

Step 3: Protect The Rest Of The House 

If you have once or twice been involved in painting a ceiling, you probably know how it is hard to prevent paint from spreading all over your floor and furniture.  Mold elimination is no different. To protect the rest of the house, cover bathroom surfaces and floors with plastic sheets. Close outlets so spores don’t spread all over the place while cleaning the ceiling. If the weather is calm, keep the bathroom window wide open as you continue your cleaning work. 

If you want to vacuum the ceiling to avert any dirt accumulation during the cleaning process, use a sturdy ladder to reach it as required. 

Step 4: Give The Ceiling A Pre-wash 

Given that you have gathered all your essentials and protected the rest of the house, it’s time to start cleaning. Get started with a preliminary wash of the infected area. Use a mild detergent, such as dish soap and warm water to wash the mold-ridden area with a rag or sponge prudently.  This will loosen the mold from the popcorn texture; thus, making it effortless to remove. Ensure it dries completely before moving to the next step. 

Step 5: Make And Apply Necessary Solutions

Now it’s time for the main event. Make the solution with the right mildew-fighting power.  As much as you can buy specialty products for this purpose in respective stores, it is pretty easier to make a DIY solution that is very effective and much cheaper. Pour bleach and water into your spray bottle in a ratio of 1:10. There are other effective solutions you can use, but this is one of the best. 

Thoroughly spray antifungal solution over the bathroom ceiling. Use a rag or sponge for dashing the solution into crevices. Allow it to soak onto the surface for at least 30 minutes. 

Step 6: Clean, Rinse, And Dry

Once dry, wipe the ceiling surface with a cloth and warm water. Ensure to change the fabric and water frequently. You can re-spray the area with the antifungal solution and repeat the above steps severally if you still see mold. 

Once the ceiling is clear of all molds, give it time to dry—open windows and doors to the bathroom for ventilation and remove the smell resulting from the bleach. 

Step 7: Patch And Paint 

The final step is to touch up the damaged area of the bathroom ceiling. Make sure to patch up any spots missing paints and wind up the task with a texture spray.

Other Ways Of Mold Removal 

Use Of White Vinegar

White vinegar is acidic and best for removing, cleaning, and sterilizing 82% of bacteria from nonporous, porous, and black mold surfaces. It ought to be used safely, given that its odor can evaporate fast from most surfaces. 

In your spray bottle, fill undiluted distilled white vinegar baking soda, water, and undiluted 3% hydrogen solution to clean the popcorn ceiling. Adding water to white vinegar makes it less effective because it’s only 20% acetic acid. Give the moldy surface some time to saturate with the solutions. Finally, clean the spot with water and give some time for the surface to dry. Within a few hours, the smell of vinegar will be no more. 

Use Of Baking Soda

Baking soda is well known when it comes to relieving heartburn and absorbing odors. It is safe for you and your pets, and you can use it to remove black molds. 

Pour a one-quarter tablespoon of baking soda into the spray bottle and add water to dissolve it.  Now spray the mold surface with the solutions and scrub with the brush to eliminate the mold. Repeat the spraying process and space for drying without cleaning it to prevent decay from regrouping again on your roof. 

What Are Some Of The Mold’s Common Health Dangers?

Molds cause health problems such as inflammation of the lungs, sinus infections, allergic reactions, and pain in the chest. Individuals facing conditions like emphysema and asthma are more vulnerable to mold-related illnesses. If you are under chemotherapy treatment, then you should avoid any contact with mold. However, it doesn’t mean if you are free from any illness, you are exempted from health problems caused by molds.  

See a doctor if you think you have a health problem arising from mold exposure. A doctor will take you through several tests to diagnose and prescribe a suitable treatment for you. For complete recovery, you need to clean up the mold in your popcorn ceiling to avoid further exposure. 

Ways Of Preventing Mold From Growing In The Popcorn Ceiling?

Molds are attracted to moisture. So, having good ventilation will be a crucial thing to fighting mold. Once you take a shower, it is always good to turn on the bathroom fan. Also, in cooking spaghetti sauce (the one that requires seethe throughout the day); switch on the fan over the stove. 

Open your windows for proper air circulation. You need to turn off the air conditioner and turn on the dehumidifier. This will help prevent any condition that causes condensation of moisture which attracts mold the most. 

1. Ensure there is no leak around your plumbing. Prevent any water from outside from getting inside your house through leaking pipes. Preventing wetness in your home at all costs ensures you do not have molds on the ceiling. 

2. Vacuum regularly. Molds feed on the dust, so it is good to get your home dust-free. You can do this by cleaning your home regularly using the right tools. 

3. Ensure your HVAC system is professionally cleaned. Regular maintenance keep mold away and brings in indoor air quality. 

Can You Paint Over Mold On The Bathroom Ceiling?

Yes, but it is best to paint over the surface once the required steps and precautions are done. Painting in places of high humidity like kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms with mildew and mold-resistant paint primer prevents the re-occurrence. Only paint over mold or mildew that is non-hazardous. 

There are several paint products on the market that are meant to work best in high-humidity areas. Using the correct type of sealants, primers, and paints appropriate for bathrooms and kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms where the humidity level is high is your first defense mechanism. You will avoid repetitive mildew and mold problems. 

What Is The Average Cost For Mold Removal?

According to research done by HomeAdvisor, the average cost per square foot of mold removal is between $10 and $25.  Removal for space under $10 square feet can be as cheaper as $50, and a larger one can be costly as $6000. Removing mold can be expensive if the homeowner is aware of how it takes root. This is especially true for warmer climates, whereby increased moisture is there all over the year. 

Final Thoughts 

Though the popcorn ceiling requires a regular cleaning process to prevent mildew and mold growth, you need to remove them once it happens. You can follow the steps highlighted above or apply baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and many more. If the situation is worse, hire professionals to remove black stains and molds, especially on the ceilings of the bathrooms given that it is the moistest place in your house.

References:

https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/house-cleaning/tips/how-to-clean-popcorn-ceiling/
https://www.alldryus.com/mold/remove-mold-on-bathroom-popcorn-ceiling/