[PremierPDS]

Hi everyone

I'd really appreciate your help on something... I went to price a job today for a lady that said she wanted some mold removing from her bathroom ceiling. In our initial telephone call she said 'it's only a couple of little patches'. When I got there today to price the job the ceiling is absolutely covered in thick black mold (far from a couple of patches).

Anyway... what's bugging me is that the bathroom is tiny (just a bath and sink) with just one tiny window. Having step ladders in there means that the door will have to be closed while we're working and therefore little ventilation for chemical cleaning. The stuff I would usually use for this sort of job is very effective but really potent stuff and I'd hate to see the effect of prolonged exposure. I have decided to do this job myself as I wouldn't expect any of my staff to do it (just before you all start shouting at me). I have masks and goggles etc but I'm wondering if any of you super cleaners have any other suggestions on how to remove this mold without leaving me with breathing difficulties for the next 2 weeks lol!!!

Many thanks
Nickie x

[John Kelly]

Nickie, its not the cleaning fluid you want to be scared of but the spores from the mould. These can cause serious lung damage and even brain damage.
First of all whats caused this is lack of adequate ventilation in the bathroom. This has caused the ceiling to become damp everytime the bath/shower/sink is used. This creates a microclimate which is ideal for the mould to flourish.
The black surface mould is easily removed just using a damp cloth, however the stuff on the surface is only a fraction of the mould. Most of the fungus is in the plaster or plasterboard. You therefore have to then kill it to prevent re-contamination. There are many products designed for this which aren't that toxic as the stuff you use sounds.
You can even get away with a dilution of hydrogen peroxide. Don't use bleach as contrary to popular belief it is not a good mould killer.
All of your work would be futile however if she doesn't address the ventilation issue.

[PremierPDS]

Hi John

Sorry, maybe I didn't explain myself too well. It is definately mold caused by condensation and I spot tested removing a small patch while I was there. Like you suggested I did speak to her about proper ventilation in the bathroom and told her that even if we were to remove it, it would reappear if she didn't address the issue. She said she's having an extractor fan fitted next week which would at least provide some ventilation and hopefully prevent reoccurance.

I'm also aware of the toxicity of certain molds but I'm told that moisture created black mold does not usually cause problems to healthy people although it can aggrevate certain skin conditions and asthma. Fortunately I belong to the fit and healthy group so if I use the right equipment for the job (masks, gloves and goggles etc) I'm sure all will be well. I just thought there may be some easier way of doing this job. I'll look into diluted hydrogen peroxide thing though- anything truly is a help and thanks so much for tip!

Many thanks
Nickie x