Mold and mildew in my bathroom

mogdemon

So, my bathroom needs a deep-cleaning.

The rub is that my OCD+GAD is the reason it's gotten this bad. I've got the therapy, medication, and anxiety-mitigating techniques covered on my end; I've been on the upswing since I started treatment last year. It just makes cleaning the bathroom one of those tasks that I avoid not because I'm lazy, but because I'm afraid. But there comes a point where I can no longer avoid the problem, since mold is not something I'm okay with.

The mold is growing on the tile floor around my toilet and trash bin. The mildew is, well, naturally where water can sit for a while. Shower curtain liner, surrounding the drain, sink tap, shampoo bottles, etc. And there's also an orange-ish "halo" surrounding where the base of my toilet meets the floor. (Is it caused by a leak? Condensation from when the shower runs?) Another thing that's always annoyed me is the persistent lint that gathers on the toilet and sink, even if I've recently cleaned. I've got hair everywhere (I have long, straight hair). I'm most worried about the mold, mildew, and the I-don't-know-what around my toilet.

Ideally I'm looking for tips on strategies and products that are easy to use/simple. Both cleaning and prevention. I realize that when I let things go to hell like this, it's less easy and more scrub one spot on your hands and knees for 10 minutes--but, maybe there's some products I haven't heard of that work really well.

I Zimbra

Ask a Clean person has addressed cleaning a nasty bathroom and getting rid of mold & mildew. I've always found her cleaning advice to be pretty solid.

Iruka

There's a lot of good advice in those linked blogs.

I would say if the initial cleaning is the problem, a one time maid service can help break the cycle. Get someone in there to nuke your bathroom, and then maintain it afterwards. If you live in a city, there are probably a lot of these services to choose from, and if you can get someone to take a small job, you could probably do it relatively cheaply. I haven't looked in a long time, but there used to be million groupons for this type of thing.

Buy rubber gloves that are decently long and thick, so you don't feel like you are getting crud all over you. I have a pair of rain boots that I use in the shower just so I can stand in there and scrub the walls and not feel like I'm getting cleaning products on my feet. Go to the hardware store and get some decent brushes and squeegees, something on a pole to give you some distance.

localhjay

Using Bleach mixed with water is good, or Comet. Obviously be very careful when using Bleach as it is harmful and stains clothes badly. I usually wear a trash bag, gloves and a crappy bathing suit. You can even buy a medical mask to wear if you're extra paranoid. Take the bleach solution (you don't need much bleach, like two caps full per gallon). Spray down all problem areas and scrub well with a hand brush. Rinse off everything with water when you're done.

Also, using warm or hot water will work a bit better. I tend to procrastinate until it's almost too gross, but nothing beats the feeling of a pristine bathroom.

Siska

Hydrogen peroxide is pretty good for cleaning mold and can help with bleaching set in stains too (although not quite as good as actual bleach). Plus you don't have to worry about leaving behind harmful residue because it breaks down into water and oxygen. It can bleach the color in clothing too, so don't wear your favorite pants while using it. You can usually find it in the first aid section in pharmacies.

mogdemon

I Zimbra wrote: »

Ask a Clean person has addressed cleaning a nasty bathroom and getting rid of mold & mildew. I've always found her cleaning advice to be pretty solid.

OK, wow, that actually made me feel a lot better knowing that things could be a LOT worse and there are still ways to handle even that big of a mess!

This is a great source, thank you.

@Iruka and @Local H Jay I cannot believe I never thought of rain boots or a trash bag. I've always worn socks and pjs/workout wear and then thrown all that in the laundry+showered afterwards.

WiseManTobes

Vinegar and Dawn dish soap, 1 cup vinegar, warmed, and about 1/4 cup of the dish soap.

Spray on, let soak for about 10-20 minutes, then should wipe off easily after it soaks.

edit: can substitute the Dawn for most brands of hand washing dish soap, I just find dawn works the best in this specific combo.