How To Remove Mold On Bathroom Popcorn Ceiling
Owning a home is a point of pride for many families.
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But if you’re a homeowner, you know all too well the massive investment upkeep requires. There are many factors that may contribute to that need for constant upkeep, and you may be surprised to learn that the popcorn ceiling is a big one.
Popcorn ceiling, also known as stucco or acoustic ceiling, was a popular choice for residential properties between the 1930s and 1990s, largely due to the convenience it provided homeowners. Popcorn ceiling is textured, which makes hiding repair work or any sort of damage much easier than non-textured finishes. The bumpy texture also provides some acoustic cushioning, which was an added bonus for growing families.
With its many benefits, the textured ceiling carries a few downsides. The major drawback? It is a prime surface for mold to grow.
If you have discovered mold on the popcorn ceiling in your home’s bathroom, don’t fret! With some intentional preparation and a bit of work, your home will be mold-free in no time.
How To Clean Popcorn Ceiling Mold in The Bathroom
First step — Don’t panic!
While finding mildew in any part of your home can be greatly distressing, there are specific steps you can take to remedy the problem. When in doubt, you can always seek guidance from professionals in the field, like us.
If you’re feeling brave enough to tackle it on your own, here is the essential guide to removing mold from the popcorn ceiling in your bathroom.
Check for Asbestos
Whatever you do, do not skip this step! Depending on when your house was built, there is a chance your popcorn ceiling contains asbestos. Until around 1980, a mineral called asbestos was a common ingredient in textured ceilings and has since been linked to the development of lung cancer.
While modern construction uses Styrofoam or other safe materials instead of asbestos, it is better to double-check before beginning any DIY projects with your acoustic ceiling. If you suspect asbestos is present, get in touch with us.
Gather Personal Protective Equipment
A key ingredient in many fungus-killing products is bleach. Because of that, you’ll want to collect protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a face mask before getting started.
While it may seem a bit overboard, ensuring safety in the cleaning process is an investment in the health of you and your family.
Prep Your Workspace
If you’ve ever tried to paint a ceiling, you’ll know how tricky it can be to prevent paint from dripping all over your floor and furniture.
Mold removal is no different. To protect the rest of your home from bleach stains, throw down a plastic tarp in the bathroom to cover all surfaces.
You’ll also want to carefully dust or vacuum the ceiling to prevent the buildup of any dirt during the cleaning process. Use a sturdy ladder to reach as needed.
Give the Ceiling a Preliminary Cleaning
Now that you’ve collected all of your essentials and prepped your workspace, it’s time to get cleaning.
You’ll want to begin with a preliminary wash of the infected area. Using a mild detergent, such as dish soap, and water, carefully wash the mold-ridden ceiling with a sponge or rag.
This will encourage the mold to release from the ceiling which will make it easier to completely remove. Let dry fully before moving to the next step.
Make & Apply the Solution
Now comes the main event. It’s time to make the solution with real mildew-fighting power.
While you can purchase specialty products for this purpose in stores, it is remarkably simple to make a DIY solution that is just as effective and far less expensive.
Fill an empty spray bottle with a 1:10 ratio of bleach and water. We’ll go over some other effective solutions later on, but this is one of the best. Thoroughly spray the anti-fungal solution over the affected ceiling areas, using a sponge to gently dab the solution into the crevices. Let it soak into the surface for about 30 minutes.
Clean, Rinse, Dry
Once dry, use warm water and a cloth to carefully wipe the ceiling clean. If you still see mold, you can spray it down again with the DIY solution and repeat these steps.
When the ceiling is clear of all mold, simply give it time to dry. Open any windows and doors to the bathroom to encourage ventilation and remove the smell of bleach from the room.
Patch Up with Paint
The final step is to touch up the ceiling in any damaged spots. You can patch up any areas that are missing paint and finish with a texture spray.
What Works Best On Bathroom Popcorn Ceiling Mold
While we suggest using a bleach and water solution, there are other options that may be preferable, especially if you are particularly sensitive to bleach.
A common mold-fighting powerhouse is distilled vinegar. You can use white vinegar on its own or dilute it with water for a less intense smell. Additionally, undiluted hydrogen peroxide may be effective, as would a solution of baking soda and water.
No matter what route you go, it is likely that you can create a DIY solution from common household products you already have. Save yourself a trip to the store and some cash by taking a whack at a DIY anti-fungal solution first.
How Can I Prevent a Mold in The Bathroom Ceiling?
As with most problems, the wisest option is to invest in prevention. An ounce of proactive thought will go a long way and can save you a massive headache and financial liability down the line.
Because bathrooms, similar to basements, have high levels of humidity, they are particularly prone to nasty mold. The most basic preventative move you can take is to promote proper ventilation with fans, open windows, or dehumidifiers. Remove excess water from surfaces after you shower, and let towels air dry in your bedroom or outside to decrease humidity.
But that’s not all you can do!
One of the best proactive moves you can make is choosing mildew-resistant paint for your bathroom ceiling and walls. This specialty paint can be found in spray-on canisters, making it easy to apply to popcorn ceilings.
Containing FDA-approved anti-microbial components, this type of paint is incredibly effective at preventing mold from growing. Make sure you never apply it over pre-existing mold, though, as this will not solve the problem long-term.
Final Considerations
If a textured ceiling is your jam, more power to you! There are many benefits to having a popcorn ceiling in your home and the style carries with it a nostalgic nod to styles of the mid-1900s.
But you can embrace these beloved trends without the downsides.
Managing bathroom mold can be simple if you follow this step-by-step removal guide and invest energy in preventing a future outbreak. If you feel in over your head or would rather leave it to the experts, our trusty team at All Dry USA is here and eager to help.
We’ve been in business for over a decade and have countless success stories under our belt. At All Dry USA, no problem is too big to tackle. Reach out today for a quote.
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.