Mold is a fungus that grows on wet surfaces. It can grow in almost any area of your home, including the bathroom. Mold can produce allergens and irritants and should not be inhaled.
The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to remove mold from your toilet bowl.
If you notice mold in your toilet bowl, you can take the steps below to remove it and prevent its return.
What Causes Mold in Toilet Bowl
Mold spores live everywhere, including on the surface of household objects such as clothing or bedding. When these spores land on damp surfaces they begin to grow and reproduce until they become visible as colonies of mold.
A common place for mold to grow is around drains or pipes where water has pooled due to clogs or slow drainage.
Is Mold Permanent in Toilet Bowl
Mold is not permanent in your toilet bowl. Mold can be difficult to remove from surfaces like your toilet bowl because it is so deeply embedded within the material itself.
There are several different types of mold that grow on bathroom surfaces such as around the rim of the toilet bowl or between tiles on walls and floors.
Can Urine Cause Mold in Toilet
Urine itself does not cause mold to grow in toilets; however, if you leave urine sitting around for long periods of time (months or years), then it can create an environment that is favorable for mold growth.
How to Get Rid of Mold in Toilet Bowl Below Water Line
Toilet bowl mold removal is not a difficult task, but it is something that you should do as soon as possible.
There are several different ways that you can remove toilet bowl mold. Some of these methods include using bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or even baking soda and vinegar. You may need to try more than one method before you find one that works well for your particular situation.
Method #1: Vinegar
Vinegar is an excellent tool for removing toilet bowl mold because it has a very sharp smell and taste that will prevent anyone from drinking the water.
In addition to smelling bad, vinegar also has antibacterial properties which makes it an ideal choice for killing any bacteria or spores that might be present in your toilet bowl water line or beneath your seat lid.
To use vinegar, mix half a cup of white distilled vinegar with one gallon of water in a spray bottle and spray on the affected areas in the toilet bowl. Hold your breath while spraying and don’t inhale fumes from the mixture as it can irritate your lungs and throat.
Then let it sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush (or toothbrush) dipped in warm water. Once everything has been scrubbed off, flush the toilet several times until all traces of vinegar are gone from your toilet bowl.
Method #2: Bleach
Bleach can kill mold spores, but some types of bleach are better than others. Chlorine bleach is the most common type, but there are other bleaches that work just fine, such as oxygen bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
You should never mix chlorine bleach with other cleaning agents because they can produce toxic fumes. Always read the instructions on the label before using any type of cleaner on your toilet.
It’s also important to make sure that you clean all areas around the toilet so that no mold spores remain behind after treatment.
Method #3: Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant and bleach alternative that can be used on porous surfaces such as porcelain, ceramic, tile and grout, enamel, plastic, and more.
It’s safe to use on nearly every surface in your home but keep it away from fabrics since it may cause bleaching or fading.
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the affected area using an atomizer or spray bottle until all of the stains have disappeared completely then wipe clean with a dry cloth or paper towel.
How to Prevent Mold in Toilet Bowl Below Water Line
Mold can be a problem in bathrooms, and it’s especially hard to remove from a toilet bowl below the water line. The low humidity and moisture of this area of the bathroom make it an ideal place for mold to grow.
You can prevent mold in your toilet by keeping it clean and disinfected and by using bleach or vinegar to kill any existing mold. You should also regularly wipe down the toilet seat with a disinfectant wipe, as this is another area where mold can grow.
Mold Prevention Tips:
Keep your toilet clean by scrubbing it once a week with an all-purpose cleaner, such as bleach or vinegar. You can also use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean between the tank and bowl if you have one.
Flush your toilet twice each time you use it to rinse away urine and other debris that could help promote mold growth.
