Mushroom is a popular addition to various foods like pasta or pizza.
But the image won’t be that pleasant when you have it growing in your bathroom.
It is known that mushrooms grow in a dark and moist environment, yet many homeowners have been discussing mushroom growth in their bathrooms.
Generally, bathrooms provide a perfect environment for such growth.
However, this is not a normal thing to happen in all bathrooms.
So, the slightest growth of this fungus is not only unattractive but can also be bad for your health.
The mushroom bathroom is considered hazardous.
If you experience the same problem in your bathroom, we are here for you.
We’ll dive deep into the common causes and suitable fixes.
So stay tuned to learn how to eliminate the mushrooms in your bathroom.
Why Do You Have Mushrooms in the Bathroom?
Mushrooms are famous for growing outdoors.
So, it is not normal for them to grow indoors.
So, having them in residential bathrooms is a cause for major concern.
These fungi grow the most where moisture is relatively high.
So, it is common for them to grow on bathroom walls, especially near the shower.
Also, they may grow on bathroom ceilings.
So, the keys behind it all are the dampness and dark atmosphere found in all types of bathrooms.
1. Increased Heat
In the wild, mushrooms need heat to grow and produce new spores.
Anywhere lower than 5 degrees Celsius won’t have growth of these fungi.
Ideally, temperatures between 25 and degrees Celcius 31 will encourage the reproduction of bathroom mushrooms.
So, if you have a hot bathroom, it will provide ideal temperatures for the ongoing fungi growth and spread.
Typically, your bathroom will be hot if its window faces the bright sun most of the day.
Also, it will remain hot and humid if it lacks proper ventilation.
Another cause for increased heat in a bathroom is the presence of a functional water heater.
Also, spending too much in a hot shower will increase a bathroom’s temperature.
2. Excessive Moisture
Mushrooms are no exception to all types of fungi and mold.
All of them thrive in humid conditions.
For bathroom mushrooms, a moist atmosphere provides them with sufficient nutrients.
So, there is no wonder they spread in the bathroom of all other home rooms.
3. Poor Light
This is another growth requirement for mushrooms.
Mushrooms can indeed grow naturally outdoors, where there are bright light conditions all day long.
However, they grow well in darker areas.
Thriving in darkness might be associated with an elevation in humidity levels.
And again, this type of fungus grows best in warm conditions.
4. Wood Floor
Another noticeable feature in the mushroom’s growth pattern is that they preferably thrive on organic materials.
This is why a wood floor in a bathroom provides an ideal environment for their growth.
Any natural wooden floor will maintain heat, humidity and moisture for a long time.
Suppose you have hardwood in your bathroom; mushrooms will spread rapidly.
Moreover, it will cause severe damage to the expensive floor over time.
5. Improper Ventilation
A poorly ventilated bathroom develops more moisture quickly.
After hot showers, the bathroom atmosphere will remain damp and moisture will build up.
6. Leaving Damp Objects Behind
As you may know by now, damp environments are the main culprit in the growth of bathroom fungi, including mushrooms.
Hanging wet towels and clothes on the bathroom towel rack is common.
This is not a healthy habit as it increases the humidity levels inside your bathroom.
7. Inspect Out For Leaks
Water leaks inside a bathroom will ensure that mold and mildew flourish rapidly.
Leaks will constantly keep your bathroom damp.
The excess moisture will constantly provide the mushroom with food and water required for stable and quick growth.
8. Cracked Walls
By default, bathroom walls are made to resist water.
The secret lies in the type of paints used to cover them.
The paints are water-resistant.
However, the protection is gone if the walls get cracked or damaged for any reason.
These cracks will host the excess moisture that encourages the formation and spread of these fungi.
How to Remove Mushrooms in Bathroom?
The presence of mushrooms in your bathroom is not a good thing at all.
It can ruin its appearance and increase allergic reactions, as the grown fungi are poisonous mushrooms.
Unlike what you may think, fixing a mushroom is easy.
All it takes is to remove the fungi efficiently and disinfect the area.
In this section, we will discuss the best methods for removal and other methods for repairing the causes.
1. Wear Protective Gloves
The best way to approach poisonous mushroom spores is to wear rubber gloves.
The majority of mushrooms growing indoors will trigger allergies.
Typically, touching any fungus with bare hands threatens your well-being as it is toxic.
Locate all the fungi and collect them from shower curtains, bathmats, bathroom floors and walls.
The mushroom in the bathroom takes many forms and colors.
For instance, there are white mushrooms, which are known for their bright color and smooth appearance.
Black and brown mushrooms are often considered more toxic than yellow mushrooms.
Also, the black mushrooms aka Black mold, are distinct by their sludgy appearance and extremely dark color.
So, regardless of the color, it is always better to use gloves and dispose of them once you remove all the nasty molds.
2. Brush the Walls and Floors
Consider bringing a brush while eliminating the mold growth by collecting each fungus you spot.
A brush will significantly help in removing any signs of mushroom growth.
3. Use Chlorine Bleach
In some instances, fungal spores are not always easy to spot with the naked eye.
So, applying some bleach on the walls is better if they are covered with tiles.
A bleach chloride will act as a disinfectant and a way to kill the remaining fungi.
You will create a mixture of bleach and water to create an effective cleaning solution.
Mix a cup of chlorine bleach with 3 cups of water.
4. Refurbish Your Bathroom
Gradually, the widespread of mushrooms in your bathroom will lead to severe damage to your floor if not dealt with properly.
The excessive moisture encouraging mold growth is a natural nemesis of wood.
Over time, the expensive floor will deteriorate.
You can put an end to this scenario if you refurbish your bathroom.
Bringing down the walls and floor will reveal the presence of internal leaks and hidden water damage.
5. Install a Ventilation Fan
The trapped moisture will never make your bathroom dry.
So, if you have a window in the bathroom, it is better to keep it open after showers.
Installing a ventilation fan is a more practical and faster solution.
6. Remove Damp objects
Another important strategy in fighting mushrooms in the bathroom is constantly removing damp fabrics.
So, after your showers, hang the damp towels and clothes outside to dry out.
Also, remove any wet bathroom surfaces, like mats, until completely dry.
7. Fix Water Leaks
Water leaks are easy to fix if you find the right cause.
In most instances, leaks are not easy for homeowners to DIY troubleshoot.
So, consulting with a professional plumber to determine and fix these leaks is recommended.
However, ignoring this problem will ensure higher moisture levels in the bathroom.
This way, mold, and mushrooms will keep growing continuously.
8. Fix Cracked Walls
Inspect the bathroom walls thoroughly, especially those along the shower.
The tiniest voids will facilitate the multiplication of mold and fungi.
You can consult with a contractor about these cracks.
It might be a part of a refurbishing task, as the floor typically develops mold simultaneously.
9. Disinfect With A Fungicide
Following a thorough cleaning routine for your bathroom is essential for fighting black mold fungi and other types of mushrooms.
You can opt for a Disinfectant Spray Cleaner that can kill fungi without affecting the pH levels of the wall tiles.
A disinfectant can guarantee the cleanliness of the bathroom surfaces and their safety for your children.
To ensure the efficiency of the spray, avoid all the above-discussed causes.
This is how you may say goodbye to the irritating bathroom mushrooms.
Paul Wilson is a highly skilled plumber with over ten years of experience in the industry. He holds an IDPH license and takes pride in his ability to tackle many plumbing issues and successfully complete even the most challenging projects.
