How do you remove mildew from bathroom ceiling?

Mildew on a bathroom ceiling can be an unsightly and frustrating problem. Mildew thrives in warm, moist environments, making bathrooms a common target. While mildew itself is not dangerous, it can eventually lead to mold growth, which can cause health issues and damage ceilings. The key to preventing and removing mildew from your bathroom ceiling is controlling moisture, eliminating the food source, and using cleaners and tools to fully remove existing mildew.

What causes mildew on bathroom ceilings?

Mildew grows when excess moisture meets a food source, such as dust, dirt, soap scum, dead skin cells, etc. Bathrooms tend to have high humidity levels from hot showers and baths. When moisture condenses on cool surfaces like ceilings and walls, mildew can start growing if dirt and grime are present. Leaks, condensation, and poor ventilation all contribute to dampness. Areas around vents, lights, and ceilings above showers tend to collect the most moisture and be prone to mildew.

How to prevent mildew on bathroom ceilings

Preventing mildew involves controlling moisture and limiting mildew’s food source:

• Improve ventilation – Use exhaust fans during and after bathing. Ventilate for at least 30 minutes after showering. Open windows if possible.
• Control moisture – Immediately fix any leaks. Insulate cold water pipes to reduce condensation. Use dehumidifiers and air conditioning to lower humidity.
• Limit dirt/dust buildup – Clean bathroom surfaces frequently. Dust ceilings to remove dead skin cells and other food sources.
• Allow air circulation – Leave bathroom and shower doors open after use so surfaces can fully dry.

With good moisture control and clean surfaces, mildew is less likely to get established.

How to remove mild mildew from bathroom ceilings

If you already have some mildew established, here are steps for removing it:

1. Protect yourself – Wear gloves, eye protection, and a face mask to avoid breathing in spores while cleaning.
2. Clean surfaces – Wipe down ceiling with a cleaner containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Spray on and let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
3. Increase ventilation – Run an exhaust fan and open windows to lower humidity while cleaning.
4. Scrub mildew spots – Use a stiff brush to scrub affected areas vigorously. A grout brush or old toothbrush works well.
5. Rinse thoroughly – Remove all cleaner residue which can provide food for returning mildew.
6. Allow to fully dry – Leave windows open and use fans to ensure ceiling dries completely.

For textured or porous ceilings, a pressure washer on a low setting may be needed to force cleaning solutions into crevices. Test an inconspicuous area first before pressure washing entire ceiling.

How to remove severe mildew from bathroom ceilings

For stubborn, widespread mildew issues:

1. Mix bleach solution – Make a cleaning solution of 1 part bleach to 4 parts water.
2. Apply to ceiling – Use a spray bottle or brush to liberally apply the bleach solution over all affected areas.
3. Let soak – Leave solution on for at least one hour so it can fully penetrate.
4. Scrub with brush – Use a stiff grout brush and scrub vigorously over entire area.
5. Rinse thoroughly – Remove all cleaner residue which can provide food for returning mildew.
6. Use steam cleaner – For extra cleaning power, use a steam cleaner on affected areas.
7. Repaint treated areas – Mildew can damage paint and stain ceilings. Repainting treated areas helps seal surface.

If the affected area is over 10 square feet, you may need to hire a professional mold and mildew remediation company. They have commercial equipment that can thoroughly clean and disinfect ceilings.

Home remedies for removing mildew from bathroom ceilings

If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, some common household products can also work to remove mildew:

• Vinegar – Equal parts vinegar and water helps kill mildew and can be rinsed easily.
• Baking soda – Make a paste with water and scrub on mildew before rinsing.
• Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda – Mix into a paste and let sit on mildew for an hour before scrubbing and rinsing.
• Lemons – Cut lemons in half and use to scrub mildew spots.
• Borax – Mix with equal parts water to make a mildew killing solution.
• White vinegar and borax – Mix together with water to increase cleaning power.

These methods may take more scrubbing but can help avoid bleach and other harsh chemicals. Be sure to test on a small area first.

Tips for removing tough mildew stains from ceilings

Some mildew stains can be difficult to remove fully from porous ceilings. Here are some tips for tackling stubborn stains:

• Increase bleach concentrations – For porous areas, try full strength bleach or a 1:3 bleach-to-water ratio.
• Apply baking soda paste – Sodium bicarbonate has stain removing properties. Make a paste with water and let sit 1-2 hours before scrubbing.
• Repaint treated areas – Bleach and mildew can discolor ceilings. Repainting after cleaning helps renew appearance.
• Use trisodium phosphate – Available as TSP cleaner, it helps break down stains and prep surfaces for painting.
• Steam clean – Rent or buy a steam cleaner to blast mildew and lift stains from textured ceilings.
• Replace drywall – For excessive damage, it may need to be replaced. Cut mildewed drywall back to the joists and install new.

Taking ceiling samples to a paint store can help identify stain-blocking primers for covering any remaining discoloration before painting.

When to call a professional for bathroom mildew problems

Consider contacting a professional mold remediation company if:

• Mildew covers over 10 square feet of ceiling area
• Significant staining remains after cleaning attempts
• There are recurring mildew issues
• Moisture problems causing mildew are unidentified or unresolved
• Respiratory issues occur during cleaning
• You plan to sell the home soon and need mildew removal certified

Professionals have training and commercial equipment to fully remove mildew, fix moisture problems, and prevent future growth. Their lab testing can also confirm mold removal if required for property sale disclosure.

How much does professional mildew removal cost?

Professional mildew cleaning costs $3 to $8 per square foot on average. Factors affecting price include:

• Ceiling area affected – Large areas take more time and supplies.
• Ceiling material – Smooth drywall is easier than textured or acoustic tiles.
• Access difficulty – High or obstructed ceilings cost more.
• Mildew severity – Surface mildew versus deeply absorbed stains.
• Location – Labor rates vary regionally.
• Additional services – Such as fixing leaks, replacing drywall, painting, etc.

Here are typical price ranges for professional mildew removal:

Affected Ceiling Area	Typical Price Range
10 sq ft	$30 – $80
50 sq ft	$150 – $400
100 sq ft	$300 – $800
500 sq ft	$1,500 – $4,000

Get multiple quotes to find the best rates. Look for companies experienced in bathroom mildew removal specifically.

Conclusion

Mildew in bathrooms can flourish in the humid environment but can be removed and controlled with the proper steps:

• Reduce moisture and ventilation issues to prevent growth.
• Act promptly when mildew first appears to make removal easier.
• Use cleaning solutions containing bleach, vinegar or other anti-mildew agents.
• Thoroughly scrub affected areas and rinse away cleaner residue.
• Fix any damage that may encourage mildew to return.
• Contact a professional for severe cases or if the root moisture problem is unresolved.

Implementing a diligent bathroom moisture control and cleaning routine can help avoid costly mildew headaches down the road.