Without proper remediation, mold growth on the back of the shower wall can affect both the aesthetics of your bathroom and your health. Use the information in this manual to eliminate mold growth behind the shower wall in a secure and efficient manner.
Step 1: Safety first
Before you get started cleaning mold from behind the shower wall, make sure you have the proper protective gear on hand. Use protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a face mask. Mold spores make it difficult to breathe, and shards of shattered tile and other debris may injure you. Additionally, ensure sure there is enough ventilation.
Step 2: Remove the shower tiles and wall board
With a pry bar, carefully remove the tiles from the wall. They won’t be as prone to cracking and shattering as a result. The drywall must be pried away from the studs before it can be removed. All the screws and nails must be removed as well. If a stud is rotten, it must be removed from plate to plate and the whole stud must be replaced.
Step 3: Treat the mold with vinegar
Hydrogen peroxide and water at a 3% concentration can kill any mold you find on the wall. Mold and fungi are effectively eradicated by this remedy. Vinegar applied to the studs will eliminate any mold or mildew there. Surface mold may be eliminated with bleach, but the underlying source must be treated separately. Nonetheless, vinegar is effective in this regard.
Step 4: Replace the backer board
The backer board must be repaired if it is to be saved. The tile may be reused if it is in good condition, or it can be replaced with a vinyl surround to prevent further cracking. Backer board repairs should include enlarging the damaged area and removing any remaining mold. Use the appropriate protective gear, as discussed in Step 1.
Step 5: Prevention
To prevent mold from spreading in the future, use a high-quality caulking and grout sealer. These items are designed to withstand prolonged submersion in water without developing mildew. If the caulking and grout sealant are in excellent condition, water won’t seep behind the tiles.
In conclusion, if mold is growing behind the shower wall, you should remove the affected tiles and wall board, treat the mold with vinegar, and then reinstall the backer board. If the shower is frequently cleaned and the caulking and grout sealant are of high quality, mold shouldn’t return. Be healthy and safe when dealing with mold growth behind the shower wall.