Can UV Light Kill Bathroom Mold?
Yes, UV light can kill bathroom mold. UV-C light consists of 100 to 280 nm wavelength and it effectively penetrates into the mold spores and destroys the DNA structure of the mold. This process kills the molds and stop the spreading mold in the bathroom as colonies.
UV light effectively kills the molds on the surfaces while it takes time to kill deeper-level growth molds. Normally, mold can be destroyed within 10-15 minutes using UV lights.
Bathroom mold are mainly 4 types. Among them, black mold is the notorious type of mold because it produces various health impacts to humans.
Mold grows as colonies on organic matters such as wood, paper, soap scum, body oils, dust, and other debris that accumulate on surfaces in the bathroom. Mold can grow on the bathroom areas such as walls, ceilings, tiles, and other surfaces.
Mold growth areas are musty smell and black color. Hence after killing the mold, the areas should be cleaned and repaired. In order to avoid this, you should prevent mold growth rather than killing them using UV lights.
How does UV light Kill Bathroom Mold?
UV light kills bathroom mold by effectively destroying the DNA of mold spores. It prevents the mold growth and spreading over the organic materials. When mold is exposed to UV-C light, the high-energy beams penetrate the cell walls of mold spores. It causes mutations or completely destry the mold DNA. As a result of this mold spores are destroyed before they can colonize on the organic surfaces in the bathroom.
UV-C light can kill various types of mold in the bathrooms, such as black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium. These molds types commonly grow on the bathroom walls, sink areas, shower and toilet areas which consist of higher moisture content in the bathroom.
UV light will take 10-15 minutes to kill the mold in the bathroom. The killing rate depends on the intensity of the UV lamp, the distance from the mold, and the duration of exposure. UV light can kill mold in several minutes when it is directly exposed to the UV beams. But deeper or more embedded mold will take longer exposure to UV light.
UV-C light is most effective in killing mold on surfaces that are directly exposed to the rays. This includes areas like the bathroom shower, bathtub, sink, tiles, and other flat surfaces where mold and mildew commonly grow in the bathroom.
UV light may not be as effective in killing mold in areas that are shaded, blocked, or porous areas in the bathroom. Because UV light does not penetrate materials like wood or dry walls which are harbour materials for the molds. Hence molds which are behind walls, under tiles, or deep within grout lines may not completely kill due to it is not exposed to UV rays.
What is UV Light?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. The wavelength of UV light is 100 to 400 nanometers (nm) and is classified into three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC light. UV-C light consists of 100 to 280 nm wavelength and it is mostly effective in mold killing.
What is Mold in the Bathroom?
Bathroom mold (Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium) is a microscopic fungus that reproduces through organic materials in the bathroom. Molds grow as colonies on organic materials such as wood, paper, soap scum, body oils, dust, and other debris that accumulate on surfaces in the bathroom. Less ventilation, higher humidity, and less sunlight can increase the mold growth in the bathroom.
Bathroom molds are mainly 4 types such as
- Black Mold (Stachybotrys chartarum): Black mold it the most notorious type of mold, known for its potential to cause serious health issues. It is often found in hidden areas, such as behind walls or under bathroom floors.
- Aspergillus: Aspergillus is a common mold type in bathrooms. Aspergillus can appear in various colours, including yellow, green, and black. It typically grows on damp walls, ceilings, and around air vents in the bathroom.
- Penicillium: Penicillium is often found on wallpaper, decaying fabrics, and other organic materials in the bathroom. It can spread quickly and is known for producing a strong, musty odor to the bathroom.
- Cladosporium: Cladosporium can appear black, green, or brown and often grows on wood surfaces, grout, and painted areas in the bathroom.
Mold produces musty smell, and dark or grey patches on the walls, ceilings, tiles, and other surfaces. Mold colonies are different in color such as black, grey, blue, and yellow. Mostly Mold can grow in the bathroom grout lines, around the edges of bathtubs and sinks, on shower curtains, and behind toilets.
How to Prevent Mold Growth in the Bathroom?
These 5 ways help to prevent mold growth. Preventing mold growth is always better than killing mold.
- Waterproof bathroom surface: You should waterproof bathroom surfaces such as walls, and floors to prevent water leaks and seepage to the materials. When answering the question How to waterproof a bathroom, you should install a waterproofing membrane on both bathroom walls, and floors. You can install liquid waterproofing and sheet waterproofing membranes in the bathroom.
- Improve ventilation in the bathroom: Bathroom ventilation can be improved by installing a bathroom exhaust fan and using it during and after showers helps to remove excess moisture from the air. As well as open doors and windows as much as possible to receive more air from the outside.
- Use a dehumidifier in the bathroom: Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air in the bathroom. It makes the environment more dry and it prevents mold and mildew growth on the organic matter.
- Fix leaks in the bathroom: Any water leaks from the faucet, showerhead, or plumbing under the sink, can create a damp environment where mold can thrive. By fixing leaks in the environment can control the bathroom humidity and prevent mold growth
- Keep surfaces dry in the bathroom: Keep bathroom surfaces dry which helps to stop mold and mildew growth in the bathroom