I've been living with these splotchy walls in my bathroom for years, and I'm starting to worry if I'm breathing in some dangerous mold. They don't seem to be getting worse despite my daily showers, but they're definitely unsightly. I don't want to just cover it up with paint if it's hazardous. What should I do to remedy the situation?
5 Answers
I would recommend using a mold-killing spray or vinegar to clean it up before painting. Just a heads up though, if your bathroom doesn't have proper ventilation, it could come back. Most common molds aren’t overly dangerous, but wearing a mask while cleaning is a good idea.
Honestly, I'd be surprised if that isn't mold. It looks like it could be a mold situation based on your description. You might want to tackle it before it becomes a bigger problem.
You can buy a mold test kit for cheap! Swab a few samples and send them to a lab to find out exactly what you're dealing with. That way, you can figure out the best way to get rid of it. Avoid relying on landlords or remediation companies for tests—they might have biased interests.
It sounds like you might be dealing with mildew, which thrives in humid environments. Try wiping it down with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution to clean it, and consider installing a bathroom fan or keeping a window open to prevent it from coming back. Painting over it might be tempting, but if the source of moisture isn't fixed, it'll likely return.
In my experience, I had a bathroom with terrible ventilation, and I had to use bleach wipes on the walls and ceiling weekly to keep the mold splotches at bay. Installing a fan or opening a window during and after showers could help a lot.