The Part Of Your Bathroom That You May Be Forgetting To Clean

Cleaning the bathroom isn't likely on anyone's list of preferred household chores, and everyone has a slightly different process when it comes to keeping it tidy. While you may be a whiz at scrubbing toilets and cleaning bathtubs, there is one part of the bathroom you are probably skipping with every cleaning session: the ceiling. 

This may come as a surprise as you likely don't look at the ceiling while in the bathroom, let alone clean up there. However, your bathroom ceiling isn't an out of sight, out of mind situation. In fact, failing to clean the ceiling can result in a mold problem that is not only unsightly, but also potentially hazardous to your health. Have you noticed black spots or splotches on the ceiling above your tub or shower? If so, a problem has already formed. According to The Spruce, mold should be removed as soon as it's discovered. Taking the time to ensure your entire bathroom is clean, including the ceiling, can reduce household stress and keep your family safe. 

Bathroom walls and showers are an attractive environment for mold and mildew. Specifically, black mold is a frequent house guest that loves a bathroom's frequently warm and damp conditions. A bathroom's lack of natural light and low air circulation also facilitates mold growth, especially in hard-to-reach spots like the ceiling. If you've looked up and seen its telltale black spots, do not panic. You can easily clean your bathroom ceiling without having to hire a professional or purchase expensive solutions.

According to How To Home Tips, one cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to rid your bathroom ceiling of mold is white distilled vinegar. So grab some undiluted white vinegar, fill a spray bottle, and carry out your plan of attack. Spray the entire ceiling with the vinegar, not just areas where you visibly see mold. Let the vinegar soak for at least an hour and then rinse it off with water. A handheld shower head is perfect for this, but you can also use a second spray bottle with warm, clean water if one is not available. Repeat the process if necessary.   

You can dry the ceiling with a towel or thick cloth. If your ceiling is heavily textured, you will need to pat dry to avoid damaging it. Are you crunched for time or nervous about balancing on that ladder for too long? A hair dryer or leaf blower are also effective and quicker drying options.

In some cases, vinegar might not get the job done. Black mold can be quite stubborn and unhappy about the idea of leaving your inviting bathroom ceiling. Step up your cleaning game with a stronger solution of detergent and bleach. As recommended by Love to Know, spray or scrub the area with a mild detergent and warm water, and allow it to air dry. Next, mix 1/4 cup of bleach with 1 quart of water and apply. Allow it to soak for approximately 20 minutes and then repeat.

You can reduce chances of a resurgence by treating the ceiling after it is cleaned and dried. To do this, mix some Borax and warm water in the spray bottle and cover the entire area with it. Unlike the vinegar or bleach, this solution does not need to be rinsed but is instead left in place to prevent future mold growth.

Worried about mold returning? Regular ceiling cleaning can keep this culprit away. While this forgotten area can be time-consuming and difficult to reach, making it a part of your routine can reduce some of the exhausting scrubbing strength needed to fight black mold once it's settled in.