Mold is unsightly wherever it is. Whether it’s on walls or doors, this fungus can become a serious issue that is also challenging to clean. Mold can cause permanent damage to buildings. Therefore, if you have noticed mold on the ceiling of your home, you must treat it as soon as possible.
If you have noticed a vast number of small spots or large black patches forming on your ceiling, it’s not a good sign. First of all, the contrast of these marks with the backdrop of the ceiling tends to make them extremely visible and hard to miss.
Even more worrying are the health implications that come with the mold. A build-up of this fungus can have serious negative effects on your health so you need to combat it immediately.
If there is mold on your ceiling, it’s a clear indication that there is a problem. This could be down to a leak from the roof above or too much humidity inside the room. You need to take action as soon as you see mold on your ceiling.
If you are unsure of the ways to remove mold from a ceiling, you’re in the right place. Just by following a few simple steps below, you can effectively remove mold like commercial cleaners so your home can return to its former healthy and clean glory. We will also show you how to locate the source of this unwanted mold.
The Most Common Causes Of Mold on Ceilings
The number one cause of mold on ceilings is exaggerated amounts of moisture in the vicinity. This is usually caused by leaks that come from the roof or attic above the ceiling. Therefore, it is essential that you first inspect these areas for leaks to ensure excessive damage has not occurred.
Another common cause of mold growth is the insulation that has been improperly installed. This can lead to higher levels of humidity and an increase in mold formation.
Just by installing insulation properly, you can protect your home from mold contamination and severe forms of weather. Most importantly, you will be protecting yourself and your family from the health issues that can often arise with the onset of mold.
What Does Mold An A Ceiling Look Like?
In most cases, mold on ceilings appears as black marks. However, this shouldn’t be mistaken for soot build-up from fireplaces. You can differentiate the two by inspecting the markings more closely. If you find that there are filaments visible, then you most likely have mold.
If you find that the mold is thicker or worse in one part of the room compared to other areas, then it has probably been caused by humidity.
If you notice any stains on your ceiling, then it is probably leak-related. Mold caused by leaks tends to have a circular pattern as well and appears more like water stains.
Signs You Should Clean Mold From Your Ceiling
In general, you should tackle mold as soon as you notice it. The longer you leave it, the more harm you could cause to your health and those around you.
Furthermore, if mold continues to grow, it could cause structural damage and end up costing large sums of money to repair the ceiling and other areas where it has infested.
If you notice any kind of musty odor, then it is time to have a mold inspection. And, if you can see any visible traces of mold on your ceiling, you should clean it off immediately.
If not, it could lead to health problems such as skin allergies and even mold-induced asthma. In serious cases, you may need medical treatment.
If the elderly or children are exposed to mold for prolonged periods, this could become hazardous. In some rare cases, it could lead to very serious illnesses.
If you have detected mold on your ceiling, or anywhere in your home for that matter, you need to do something about it straight away. Let’s find out how to remove mold from the ceilings below.
Cleaning Mold Off Ceilings
Before you start tackling the pesky mold situation, you should set about fixing the cause of the damage first. This is typically down to water such as high humidity and leakages. Such water damage can lead to the growth of mold. If the source of the issue is not repaired, further mold contamination is likely.
Once you have fixed the water damage, it is then time to clean the mold from the ceiling. Before you start, you should ensure that you have an adequate respiratory mask, goggles, and gloves as protection against mold.
You should also close all vents and the door or doors to the room. This will stop any mold spores from spreading into other areas of your home. Also, make sure you open all windows in the room to limit the concentration of mold spores.
You will also need a step ladder, a sponge, a spray bottle for the cleaning solution, sandpaper, and, in some cases, a scraper if the ceiling is painted.
Below are a few effective methods to get rid of mold once and for all. All are considered cleaning solutions to help remove mold from ceilings and other similar surfaces.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the best and most proven ways of removing mold from surfaces including ceilings. Best of all, baking soda is safe to use around children and pets. Moreover, it even prevents further mold growth as it is capable of absorbing excess moisture.
Before mixing the solution, make sure that you are wearing goggles and gloves for protection against the mold.
Start by dissolving a teaspoon of baking soda into a spray bottle that is filled with water. Next, spritz the solution onto the area affected by mold.
Once you have sprayed the infected area with your baking soda solution, scrub the surface to remove the mold. Once the mold has been removed, wash the baking soda solution away with water.
For further protection against mold, spray the baking soda solution onto the area again. However, instead of rinsing it with water, leave it to dry. This will absorb any excess moisture and limit any mold growth.
Vinegar
Vinegar is regarded as a magic solution for so many issues. And, most of us have it readily available in our homes to tackle mold right away.
Before starting, put on your goggles, mask, and gloves.
Pour some vinegar into a spray bottle before spritzing it on the mold. This will disinfect any mold contamination and help to remove any mold stains. Once you have sprayed the moldy area, leave the mixture to sit on the surface for an hour.
Next, you need to wash the vinegar off with a little water. Then, leave the surface to dry naturally. If the vinegar smell is a bit too much and does not dissipate after some time, you should put a bowl of lemon water in the room. This should soak up that unwanted vinegar smell.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Another effective mold-killing solution is to use hydrogen peroxide. However, due to its potency, you should perform a patch test on a hidden area before tackling the ceiling beforehand.
Once again, wear all of your protective gear.
Next, place the hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray it onto the contaminated area. Leave the solution on the surface for ten minutes or so.
After ten minutes, scrub the area with a sponge to remove any stains. Then, wash the surface with water and let it dry naturally.
And that’s it. While you can buy commercial mold treatment solutions designed to kill mold, using homemade solutions is the cheapest way and often, just as effective.
In Summary
If you see mold on your ceiling, you need to remove it as soon as possible. Using homemade solutions, you can successfully clean mold from your ceiling and even help prevent it from growing in the future.
