The first step in how to get rid of black mold in a hot tub is to identify the extent of the damage. In this article about mold removal, you will learn how to remove black mold by yourself.
Furthermore, you will learn about the causes of black mold growth. This would inform you about what you need to pay attention to in mold prevention.
Black Mold In Hot Tubs
Black mold is a notorious type of mold. It devastates many parts of your home, including your hot tub.
Look into how it grows and how to deal with it with this article.
What is black mold?
First, let’s clarify what black mold is. Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) is commonly seen in clusters and is typically greenish-black.
Not all strains of black mold are toxic. However, the toxic strains exude mycotoxins which can be problematic for humans.
The effects of mycotoxins range from poisoning to immune deficiency. They especially like growing on food, which makes them all the more dangerous because of possible ingestion.
However, this article will focus more on black mold’s growth in hot tubs, which may interrupt your relaxation time.
How does black mold grow in hot tubs?
Black mold growth in hot tubs grows the same way as with other places of mold growth. They need to meet certain conditions before they settle and proliferate.
However, meeting the criteria is not exactly difficult for them. Hot tubs are a well of moisture, which makes it easier for mold to grow on them.
The moisture-rich environment of your bathroom is the main reason why you see mold growth in it often. Another criteria for mold is a food source.
Mold feeds on several things, like drywall, wood, and dust. Mold never really runs out of food sources, so you have to deal with the excessive moisture instead to eliminate them.
To prevent mold spores from settling on your surfaces, here’s an article on eradicating mold spores that may help.
What are the causes of black mold growth in hot tubs?
Apart from the above-mentioned conditions of black mold growth, here are other reasons:
Heat
Mold can survive in a broad range of temperatures. They especially are fond of warm temperatures (about 73° Fahrenheit).
There is a way to kill mold through temperatures, too. Here is an article about the temperature where mold gets killed in food that may enlighten you about the topic.
Minimal light and sealing issues
If your hot tub does not get enough light and is rich in moisture, then it will be heaven for mold. Especially if your tub has broken seals on its side and a plumbing issue on the walls to boot.
What are the effects of black mold?
After learning about the different causes of black mold, we’ll look into its effects. As mentioned above, black mold is notorious among homeowners, and rightfully so.
Black mold tends to spread and colonize quickly, which makes it challenging to deal with them. Moreover, it tends to result in health problems.
Since the bathroom is a shared space, your family members may be exposed to black mold on the hot tub. Prolonged exposure to black mold is known to have a broad range of adverse health effects, ranging from allergies to more long-term problems.
Apart from adverse health effects, black mold also leads to weakened home structures. They weaken the place they settle on because they use it as a food source, too.
Removing Black Mold In A Hot Tub
We’ve established that black mold is harmful to have in a household, hence why you should eliminate black mold as soon as possible. Here are the steps in removing black mold in a hot tub.
Step #1. Dry your hot tub
Moisture is one of the conditions that lead to mold growth; hence, you have to keep your tub moisture-free to remove mold. Wipe down the tub’s surface and ventilate the room.
Also, inspect the seals of your hot tub. The cracks on the tub’s caulk may give rise to mold growth, so it’s better to be safe.
Step #2. Bleach solution
You need a powerful solution to deal with black mold, making bleach the perfect compound to kill black mold. Before making the mixture, protect yourself by wearing goggles and rubber gloves first.
After that, combine bleach and water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the bleach-water mixture on the mold-affected areas of the hot tub.
Step #3. Scrub
After spraying the tub with the bleach-water solution, scrub it with a plastic brush. Then, rinse the hot tub with clean water, but do not oversaturate the area.
Inspect the area if there are still mold stains. If mold is still present, repeat steps two and three.
After you remove all the mold stains, dry the hot tub. Ensure that the bathroom is free from excessive moisture.
Conclusion
You are now aware of how to get rid of black mold in a hot tub by yourself. However, if the damage seems extensive, do not hesitate to contact a professional.