If you thought mosquitoes, spiders, fleas, and other insects were the only creatures that could invade your home, think again. Mold can enter your home too, and once it finds its way in, it can be a real hassle to kick out.
You see, mold thrives in damp, dark, and humid environments, and that makes showers, toilet seats, floors, and several other surfaces around your home the perfect breeding ground for it.
Now, no matter where it’s growing, one sure thing is that you have to get rid of it. That will help you avoid any serious health problems from prolonged exposure to mold. But the big question is: Can you flush mold down the toilet? Well, let’s find out!
Can You Put Mold Down The Toilet?
Unfortunately, you cannot flush mold down the toilet. The mold consists of small strand-like filaments that are known as hyphae, which are dangerous to humans and the ecosystem alike. As such, avoid flushing mold down the toilet as it can affect the quality of water in the long run.
Mold is a type of fungi that is made up of tiny spores. These spores are so small that they can easily travel through the air and into your home. Once they find a damp and humid environment, they grow and multiply.
Now, the bathroom is a perfect place for mold to thrive since it’s usually damp, humid, and doesn’t have much ventilation. That’s why you often find mold in showers, bathtubs, and toilet seats.
And while it’s possible to get rid of this pesky invader safely, don’t flush it down the toilet. Otherwise, you will contaminate the water supply.
As the mold hyphae travel through the pipes, they can end up in lakes, rivers, and other water bodies where they can attract catastrophic consequences.
Can Mold Grow in Pipes and Filters?
Yes, mold can grow in pipes and filters provided that these areas provide the favorable condition for the fungi to thrive. But again, it’s worth pointing out that it’s uncommon for mold to grow in pipes and filters.
You see, like the crops you plant on your farm, mold will only thrive when certain conditions are met. They need a moist and humid area, food source, darkness, oxygen, and the right temperature.
Now, your pipe’s interior and filters might be dark, moist, and humid, but they are not an ideal place for mold to grow because of the lack of food sources. But if there’s something inside those pipes and filters that mold can feed on, the fungi can grow there.
Actually, even without the food sources, you can expect mold growth on the inside of your pipes and filters, but only to some extent. So yes, always keep a keen eye on the indicators that your water has mold growth.
Some of the signs that your water has mold include:
- Mold growth in other areas
- The strong moldy smell when you open the taps.
- Water tastes stale
- Hair smells moldy after taking a shower
- Dirt-like substance around your toilet.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to have your water checked by a professional. That way, you can be sure whether or not there’s anything wrong with it.
Can Mold Clog Drains?
Yes, mold can clog your drains. As the mold hyphae grow, they tend to form a network that can trap dirt, hair, and other debris. Always act with speed when you notice that mold is growing in your drains.
So yes, other than sitting on your bathroom walls, toilet seats, and pipe interiors, mold can also clog drains. Actually, if you notice that your drains are getting clogged more often, it might be time to check for mold growth.
And like we always say, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you think that mold is the cause of your clogged drains, then don’t hesitate to contact a professional. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Fortunately, there are several ways of getting rid of mold in drains. You can use a mold removal product, bleach, or vinegar. But before you start using any of these products, always read the instructions carefully.
And if possible, it’s best to wear gloves and a mask when handling mold. That way, you can avoid any side effects of fungi on human health.
Can Mold Grow on Concrete?
Mold can definitely grow in and on concrete. Concrete has the necessary conditions that this fungus needs to develop on it. In fact, mold is a huge problem for construction professionals and anyone else who deals with big buildings because it loves to grow on concrete.
If you ask anyone in the architecture, engineering, and construction fields, they will tell you that mold is one of the most difficult problems they face in their professional life.
The thing about mold is that it can cause a lot of damage to buildings. As the mold hyphae grow, they can break down the concrete, leading to cracks and other structural problems.
But again, it’s worth pointing out that mold comes in different colors, including white, making it likely for some people to confuse it with efflorescence. As such, before you conclude that your concrete has mold growth, ensure that the white matter you see isn’t efflorescence.
You can tell the difference between mold and efflorescence by spraying water on the matter. If it goes away, then it’s efflorescence. But if the matter darkens or doesn’t go away, then it’s most likely mold.
Once you’ve confirmed that it’s mold, the next step is to remove it. Whether to do the removal yourself or get a professional to do it will depend on the size of the affected area.
Where the area is large, getting a professional to do the job is always the best option. But if the mold growth is small, then you can try and remove it yourself using a fungicide.
Fungicides will kill the mold spores. However, it may leave some unsightly stains on the concrete surface. Luckily, you can easily get rid of them by HEPA vacuuming, sandblasting, or power washing.
Can Mold Make You Sick?
Yes, mold can make you sick, especially if you are asthmatic, have allergies, or have other underlying lung-related conditions. However, if you don’t have any of these conditions, getting sick from mold is not likely.
So yes, the next time you see mold growing in your home, it’s important always to address the problem as soon as possible. Unless you have a suppressed immune system, mold exposure will likely not make you sick, but that doesn’t rule out the fact that it’s an enemy to your well-being.
Mold can cause issues ranging from headaches to skin irritation to respiratory problems. Some of the clinical signs of mold exposure include;
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Skin rash
- Lung irritation
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
If you aren’t sure whether what you are having in your home is mold, contact an expert. They will be able to assess the situation and recommend the best way to respond to it.
And if you do find mold in your home, it’s important to clean it up as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more it’s likely to become dangerous to your health.
How Can You Remove Mold From The Toilet?
You can remove mold from the toilet by using steam cleaner or vinegar and baking soda. Avoid using bleach for the task as it can be dangerous to your toilet.
In other words, we have a variety of ways to get rid of mold growing in your toilet.
Let’s take a quick look at the two options;
Option 1: Using Steam Cleaner To Remove Mold
Yes, you read it right. A steam cleaner could very well do the trick when removing mold from your toilet. All you need is a steam cleaner and some vinegar.
Procedure:
- Steam the affected areas using a high setting to loosen the dirt.
- Make sure you also pay attention to the toilet seat hinges and other areas.
- Spray vinegar solution to the loosened dirt to wash it down your toilet bowl. You will want to use the stream setting of a spray bottle for this process.
- Flush the toilet
- Repeat the process if you can still see some mold.
Option 2: Using Vinegar And Baking Soda
If you’re using vinegar and baking soda, you’ll also find mold elimination pretty straightforward.
Procedure:
- Spray vinegar solution onto the affected area.
- Sprinkle some baking soda over the vinegar.
- Close the lid and wait for about an hour for the mold to erupt.
- Use a gentle toilet brush to scrub the mold.
- Close the lid and leave for 15 minutes.
- Flush your toilet – and that’s it!
So yes, always remember we have several ways to remove mold from your toilet. Thankfully, these two methods use common ingredients that you can find in your home. With a little elbow grease, you should be able to get the job done!
Sure, we earlier discouraged flushing mold down your toilet. However, vinegar and baking soda can be a safe and effective way to clean it. The two ingredients will break it down, so what you’ll be flushing down the toilet is harmless.
Final Verdict
Mold is a serious issue, and you should never take it lightly. If you see any signs of mold in your home, find the solution to it as soon as possible. Just be sure always to wear gloves and a mask when cleaning mold, as it can be harmful to your health.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority! And if the mold is in a particularly bad state, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals.