March 9, 2025, 2:41 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
When unsightly black stains form in joints, on seals, or fittings, mold is often the cause. The risk of spores is particularly high in wet areas such as bathrooms. Prevention is key here to prevent an outbreak. But what really helps, and what should you look out for when it’s already too late?
Once mold has found its way into the bathroom, it is difficult to get rid of. The black mold stains with which the uninvited guest announces itself are not only a visual blemish but can also have severe consequences for your health. It is, therefore, important to prevent the fungus from the outset. To do this, it is important to know how mold develops and which climatic conditions are conducive to it.
How Mold Develops in the Bathroom
In no other room in the house is the humidity as high as in the bathroom, especially if people regularly shower or bathe there. Warm, moist air rises and settles on tiles or other cold surfaces.
If you don’t ventilate properly afterward and ensure sufficient air circulation, you automatically create the perfect conditions for black mold. Poor sealing in the shower or other structural defects can also contribute to moisture becoming trapped and not being able to dry properly.
This Is How Harmful Mold Is in the Bathroom
A mold infestation, no matter how small it may seem, is always a health hazard. In the worst case, mold can cause skin problems, allergies, or respiratory diseases if it is not removed quickly. The mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and neck, as well as the lungs, in particular, suffer from irritation, as numerous studies have confirmed in the past.
The Robert Koch Institute also stated in a communication from the commission “Methods and Quality Assurance in Environmental Medicine” that allergic reactions, irritation, and chronic bronchitis are the most common consequences of exposure to mold spores. In addition, damage to the building fabric can occur if the mold is not removed in time and eats through joints into the masonry.
Preventing Mold — Here’s How
The Consumer Advice Center offers five tips to prevent mold in the household:
- Check regularly
- React quickly
- Heat correctly
- Ventilate sufficiently
- Furnish cleverly
Points three and four, in particular, can be applied to the risk of mold in the bathroom. Finding an appropriate indoor climate is not that easy, especially when moisture comes into play.
Regular burst and cross-ventilation can help transport the moist air outside and dry out damp areas. Adequate heating, especially in the winter months, also ensures that moisture evaporates and the air remains drier. The Consumer Advice Center recommends maintaining an ideal humidity level between 40 to 60 percent. Anything above this can encourage mold.
What to Do If It Gets Moldy?
If the precautionary measures were not successful and the mold has secured its place in the bathroom, it is important to investigate the cause. In most cases, the black spores appear on joints or seals and can be traced back to too much moisture. Special care should then be taken in these areas, and further measures should be taken. If mold appears in the shower, for example, you can use a squeegee to remove drops from the shower walls and also rub them dry with a microfiber cloth.
As soon as you notice an infestation, you should remove it quickly to prevent more serious damage. The dark stains can be easily wiped away with a cloth and a small amount of dish soap or cleaner.
Hydrogen peroxide can also kill invisible fungal residues, but gloves and an FFP2 mask should always be worn when using it, as it is corrosive even in small quantities. It is advisable to avoid using other aggressive anti-mold sprays. The consumer advice center warns that they contain substances that are not only harmful to aquatic organisms but can also cause dangerous contact reactions.
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Tenants Have These Obligations in the Event of Mold in the Bathroom
Basically, the following applies: In the event of a major infestation of mold, residents of a rented apartment are legally obliged to contact the landlord immediately. However, the German Chamber of Labor advises that all spores, regardless of size, should be documented in writing. This is the only way to protect yourself for the future if a small infestation develops into a major problem. It also gives the landlord the chance to hire an expert for mold removal or remediation work in good time.