Surface mildew versus mold in materials
Spots on caulk and grout that wipe off are usually surface mildew a household cleaner can handle. Growth that keeps coming back through paint, soft or stained drywall, or mold around the base of a toilet or behind a vanity usually means the material itself has been wet.
Common causes
Showers without a working exhaust fan, failed caulk or grout that lets water behind tile, slow leaks at the toilet seal or supply line, vanity drain leaks, and condensation on exterior walls and ceilings.
How bathroom mold is removed
For growth limited to a small area, cleaning may be enough. When drywall or the backer board behind tile is affected, contractors set up containment, remove the affected material and clean the framing under HEPA filtration.
- Containment of the bathroom from the hallway and rooms beside it
- Removal of mold-affected drywall, ceiling sections or baseboards
- HEPA vacuuming and cleaning of framing and subfloor
- Drying of any wet cavity before it is closed up
Keeping it from returning
A working exhaust fan vented outside, run during and after showers, and sound caulk and grout do most of the work. Fixing a fan, plumbing or tile is a separate job for the right trade.
Before the call
Note where the growth is, whether there has been a leak, and whether the exhaust fan works. Avoid scrubbing large areas of growth yourself.
Questions
Can I just bleach the bathroom ceiling?
Bleach can lighten surface staining but does not reliably remove growth that has rooted into drywall or paint. Recurring growth usually means the material needs removal.
Will the contractor retile the shower?
No. This service covers mold removal. Tile, drywall and plumbing repairs are separate trades.
Is mold testing part of this?
No. Testing and inspection are a separate specialty and are not part of what this site connects you with.