Have you ever lifted the top of your toilet tank to find it’s covered in mold? Is your toilet bowl in the same condition? Mold can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and is not very particular about what it grows on. Different types of mold grow in different places, but most molds follow the same living needs. Mold needs a food source, optimal temperature, and moisture to continue living and thriving. This makes your bathroom the perfect place for mold growth. No wonder why your toilet tank and bowl have been taken over by our little fungus friend!

It is very important to inhibit the growth of mold in your toilet tank and bowl for health reasons. While some molds are more dangerous than others, it is better not to take the risk and let mold continue to grow and spread within your home. Some common health risks that mold presents include: 

• Rashes
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Allergic reactions (like hay fever)
• Asthma attacks 
• Serious lung infections, like pneumonia

What Causes Mold Growth in Toilets?

Understanding why mold grows in your toilet tank and bowl can help you prevent it from returning. Mold thrives in damp, dark, and warm environments, making your toilet an ideal breeding ground. Here are some of the most common reasons mold develops in your toilet:

• Infrequent Use: Toilets that are not flushed regularly allow stagnant water to sit, creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow.
• High Humidity Levels: Bathrooms with poor ventilation trap moisture, encouraging mold growth on toilet surfaces.
• Mineral Deposits in Water: Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can create a film in the toilet bowl that mold clings to.
• Organic Matter Buildup: Dust, hair, and even microscopic particles in your toilet water can serve as a food source for mold.

By addressing these underlying causes, you can reduce the likelihood of mold returning after cleaning.

Home Remedies Help 

Oftentimes, there is no need to run out to the store and grab as many tough cleaning products as you can. This is because you already have the supplies you’ll need right in your pantry! Below are three common household supplies that can help get rid of toilet tank and bowl mold, without you needing to spend a dime on additional supplies.

Method #1: Vinegar

To get rid of toilet mold with vinegar, the first thing you will need to do is pour 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and another cup of vinegar in the tank with the water. This then assures that both your bowl AND tank will be cleaned. Next, sprinkle baking soda on the inside of your toilet. Don’t be afraid to spread it into the toilet water and under the rim of the bowl. Now let this sit for about an hour or so. Once you come back after letting the vinegar and baking soda sit, it is time to scrub! Use your toilet brush to brush the inside of your toilet bowl, making sure to use the vinegar/toilet water to scrub as well. Let the toilet sit for another 15 minutes, and then come back and flush. Once this process is complete, allow your toilet to sit unused for a few hours. Continue to add one cup of vinegar to the toilet water a few times a week to keep the mold at bay. 

Method #2: Bleach

Bleach is one of those products almost everyone has in their house. It is a great cleaning product known for how tough it can be on stains or any other unwanted substances. It is also great for getting rid of toilet mold! The first step to eliminate mold growth using bleach is to fill a disposable bottle with 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. It is important to dilute the bleach with this much water so you don’t turn your toilet bowl yellow! Next, pour the solution into your toilet water, and all around the bowl. Flush the toilet once, and then use a brush to scrub the solution and hit all those tough-to-reach spots. Finally, you can pour a cup of undiluted bleach into the toilet tank. Continue to do this once a week for a few weeks if necessary. 

Method #3: Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is good for more than sterilizing cuts-it can kill mold too! If you’ve got hydrogen peroxide in your household cabinet, you are more than ready to tackle that toilet bowl and tank mold. Pour a cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet bowl. Use a toilet brush and scrub the entire bowl. Make sure to get underneath the rim! Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for 15 minutes without flushing the toilet. You might begin to sit little bubbles since hydrogen peroxide tends to bubble up a little where killing bacteria. Finally, flush your toilet bowl. Continue this process once or twice a week for a few weeks to keep the mold from regrowing.

Preventing Mold Growth in Your Toilet

While cleaning your toilet is essential, prevention is key to stopping mold from coming back. Here are some effective ways to prevent mold growth in your toilet tank and bowl:

• Keep the Bathroom Well-Ventilated: Run an exhaust fan or open a window during and after showers to reduce humidity.
• Flush Regularly: Even in unused bathrooms, flush the toilet at least once a week to prevent stagnant water buildup.
• Use a Toilet Tank Tablet: Drop-in tablets containing bleach or antimicrobial agents can help keep mold at bay.
• Clean on a Routine Basis: Regularly scrubbing your toilet bowl and tank prevents mold spores from taking hold.
• Fix Leaks Promptly: Leaking pipes or a faulty toilet can increase moisture, which mold thrives on.

By incorporating these habits into your cleaning routine, you can significantly reduce mold growth and keep your toilet fresher for longer.

When to Call a Professional for Mold Removal

If you’ve tried home remedies and the mold keeps returning, it may be time to call a professional mold remediation service. Persistent mold growth could indicate a deeper issue, such as:

• A plumbing leak that is increasing moisture in your bathroom.
• Hidden mold colonies behind walls, under flooring, or in vents.
• Toxic black mold (Stachybotrys), which can cause severe health issues.

BioClean Brings a Deeper Clean 

At BioClean, we know what a deep clean really means. We have been successfully helping customers in the Connecticut and West County area since 1988, and would be more than happy to help keep your home clean as well. Contact us today at (203)-800-9817 for more information. We look forward to speaking with you!