Strategies for Eliminating Mold from Toilet Base: Three Approaches

Strategies for Eliminating Mold from Toilet Base: Three Approaches

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It's safe to say that cleaning toilets is likely everyone's least favorite household chore, especially when it comes to dealing with mildew. Unfortunately, thanks to the moisture in your bathroom, mildew on your toilet base is a possibility.

For expert advice on how to eliminate mildew from your toilet base and maintain a hygienic and clean space for your bathroom needs, we've reached out to industry pros.

• Ryan Knoll is the founder of Tidy Casa, a home cleaning service.
• Michael Rubino is a mold and air quality expert, environmental wellness advocate, and founder of HomeCleanse.

Before You Get Started

Not only does mildew on your toilet base look unsightly, but it's also harmful to your health. "Prolonged exposure to mildew can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in many people," explains Ryan Knoll, founder of Tidy Casa. "Mildew also spreads, so ignoring the issue will only make it worse."

As mildew grows, it releases tiny particles called spores into the air. "Certain mildew species also release toxins called mycotoxins that are harmful to the human body," explains Michael Rubino, mold and air quality expert, environmental wellness advocate, and founder of HomeCleanse. "The longer the mildew is present, the more particles it will release into the air, making it easy to inhale the particles and trigger an immune response, leading to a lengthy list of potential chronic symptoms."

To prevent this exposure, it's essential to properly clean and remove the mildew. "The more mildew spores in the air, the more likely you are to develop issues elsewhere in the home," explains Rubino. "Mildew also decomposes organic matter, so if it gets onto your flooring, it will break it down."

When it comes to the toilet base, the inside is prime real estate for mildew due to the constant source of moisture. "That's where cleaning and air purification come into play," explains Rubino. "The cleaner the air, the less opportunity there will be for mildew spores to feed on this location. Also, the cleaner the toilet base, the fewer nutrient opportunities mildew can use to grow, such as mineral buildup and other organic matter."

If mildew is present outside the base, it could be due to a variety of reasons. The first and simplest is to determine whether the humidity in the room is too high. According to Rubino, you want to keep it between 35% and 50% because mildew can grow in humidity of 60% and above. "High humidity can also create condensation along the base," he says. "If this moisture build-up doesn't dry out within 24-48 hours, it creates an opportunity for microbial growth."

Before cleaning the inside and outside of your toilet base, it's always a good idea to test on a small area. Toilet bases are made from different materials, such as ceramic or porcelain, and each material reacts differently to certain solutions. "Strong chemicals, particularly on surfaces such as porcelain, are prone to corroding, discoloration, or some unwanted reaction," says Rubino. "You can avoid this problem by testing a small area out of sight. An even better alternative is to look at the manufacturer's instructions for their recommendations, as all toilets are different."

What You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Bleach
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Spray bottle
• Scrub brush
• Protective gloves
• Mask
• Clean cloth

Method 1: How To Remove Mildew From Toilet Base Using Vinegar And Baking Soda

1. Sprinkle baking soda around the base, focusing on putting the most in areas where the mildew is.
2. Spray distilled vinegar into the bowl using a spray bottle.
3. Let the mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Scrub the area with a scrub brush to remove the mildew.
5. Dry off the area with a clean cloth.

Method 2: How To Remove Mildew From Toilet Base Using Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Make a spray bottle mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water.
2. Spray the mixture onto the toilet base and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Scrub the area with a clean cloth, then dry it off.

Do not mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together. Clean with one or the other, and be sure to dry the area after cleaning, as mildew thrives in moisture.

Method 3: How To Remove Mildew From Toilet Base Using Bleach

1. Follow the instructions on the bleach label to mix a solution of bleach and water. If you don't have label instructions, the CDC recommends four teaspoons of bleach for every quart of room-temperature water.
2. Pour the bleach and water solution onto the mildew areas and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Scrub the area gently with a scrub brush.
4. Wipe away the mold and dry off the area with a clean cloth.

Don't over-apply bleach to your toilet base, as it creates harmful fumes and can corrode your skin and the base itself. Keep a fan running to disperse the fumes, and always wear gloves and a mask.

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Understanding Toilet Base Odor Elimination and Prevention

While Knoll suggests employing bleach to clean the toilet base, Rubino cautions against it. He explains, "I don't recommend using bleach on the toilet base as it might harm the surface and fail to tackle the mold and other contaminants effectively. Utilizing bleach on the toilet base leaves behind residual particles like dead mold and mycotoxins, consequently leading to prolonged exposure. Bleach also fails to address the roots of mold colonies growing on porous surfaces. A product with surfactants is necessary to lift particles from the surface for proper removal."

Maintaining a Fragrance-Free Toilet Base

Regular washing of the toilet with water and vinegar will ward off odors, but it will also eliminate germs and other substances that foster bad smells in the area, as per Knoll.

To minimize moisture in the bathroom and prevent mold growth, maximize airflow. This can be achieved by turning on the exhaust fan during showering and leaving the door ajar to replace damp air with outside air. Turn off the fan for 30 minutes following use to ensure complete removal of moisture. If your bathroom doesn't have an exhaust fan, open a window or door to enable air circulation. Alternatively, a dehumidifier can help maintain low humidity levels.

Seasonal Maintenance for Toilet Base

Immediately address any leaks in the bathroom to maintain a fresh and microbe-free area. Regular cleansing with a botanical cleaning product containing surfactants is the best approach to prevent mold and eliminate smells. Emphasis on air purification will assist in keeping the toilet smelling fresh by removing particles and gases from the atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What triggers mold growth around the toilet base? Moisture and bacteria contribute to mold growth around the toilet base. "Moisture from bathroom leaks or steamy showers in poorly ventilated areas bonds with the bacteria around the toilet base, resulting in mold development," says Knoll.
• How often should I clean the toilet base to preclude mold? Ideally, weekly cleaning is suggested. Mold does not grow on a clean toilet, so ensure regular maintenance every week. Should weekly cleaning be challenging, aim for bi-weekly cleaning at the very least.
• Can I substitute natural cleaning agents for bleach? "Certainly," advises Rubino. "I recommend a botanical cleaner like Benefect Decon 30. This employs natural ingredients and surfactants to tackle mold and other contaminants on surfaces, including bacteria. Always opt for botanicals, as harsh chemicals can harm you and your air quality."
• What should I do if mold persists after cleaning? If mold continues to resurface, it likely implies an underlying issue in the bathroom or home that encourages growth. "Under the toilet is a common area, or there might be a hidden moisture source, especially if you're actively controlling the correct humidity levels in the bathroom," says Rubino. "The engagement of a qualified inspector can help determine whether there's a moisture issue or hidden mold. Conduct an at-home dust test first, such as The Dust Test, to determine if mold prevalence is likely in your home."

Incorporating Southern Living's expertise, we can enhance our cleaning routine to maintain a hygienic home. According to the experts, regular use of vinegar and baking soda can effectively eliminate mildew from the toilet base, ensuring a clean and fragrant bathroom. Additionally, proper ventilation reduces moisture build-up, thereby preventing the growth of mold and mildew.

Furthermore, for individuals seeking an eco-friendly option, substituting bleach with natural cleaning agents like those recommended by Michael Rubino can be beneficial. These botanical products, such as Benefect Decon 30, perform just as well in removing mold while maintaining a fresh and safe living environment.

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