Black Mold in Toilet Tank – Is it Dangerous, Causes, Removal & Everything Else!

Black mold in your toilet is the ugliest and scariest sight. But don’t worry, you can remove it easily and prevent it from returning.

In this article, we will discuss all the things you need to know about black mold in the toilet. This article will cover

• Black Mold Dangers
• Causes of Black Mold
• Black Mold Removal & Prevention

Black Mold in Toilet Tank – Is it Dangerous, Causes, Removal & Everything Else!

Is Black Mold in Toilet Dangerous?

The mold in the toilet is generally not harmful. However, it can be dangerous if you inhale the spores. People allergic to mold are at a greater risk because it can set off respiratory problems. It hits the trigger points and can lead to infections in the eyes, skin, lungs, and other organs.

Healthy adults will not be affected by mold in the toilet unless they inhale the spores or come in close contact. On the flip side, babies, older adults, and pregnant women are susceptible to allergies and respiratory problems. People with weak immune systems must also avoid using toilets infected with mold. The immediate measure is to wear a face mask while using the toilet seat.

What Causes Black Mold in Toilet Tank, Bowl, and Bathroom Walls?

There is nothing in particular that triggers mold growth. It springs up in dark and humid places, and your toilet tank and bowl are the hotspots for mold growth. The black mold usually starts growing within 24-48 hours. It develops into a colony if the washroom is unused for a few days or not cleaned regularly.

Black mold is a fungus, and it grows fast. This is why emptying your toilet’s tank and bowl is recommended if you plan on not using it for a few days.

The mold also appears on walls of bathrooms that don’t have ventilation or exhausts. Wet washroom walls act as breeding grounds for mold spores, which soon travel to cover large portions of walls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mentions that mold grows in humid places. You must try to keep your bathroom walls dry and ensure proper ventilation.

Another reason behind black mold in the toilet tank is the high concentration of iron, manganese, and calcium in water. Your toilet tanks are more susceptible to mold if you have hard water at home or use untreated well water. Iron and manganese bacteria flourish in these areas because they feed on iron or manganese in the water. The brown-black slime in the toilet tank is the bacteria colony multiplying exponentially due to lack of light and ventilation.

How to Remove Black Mold from Toilet Tank and Toilet Bowl?

Toilet tanks and bowls are different. Your toilet’s tank has metals and plastics. It is recommended not to use abrasive substances in toilet tanks.

Black Mold Removal from Toilet Tank

For this method, you’ll need vinegar, gloves, and a face mask. Wearing protective gear is critical if you are allergic to mold. Follow the steps below to clean mold from the toilet tank

• Open the toilet tank top and pour 2-3 cups of undiluted vinegar. Do not use bleach or any cleaning liquid that has bleach in it.
• Let the vinegar sit for 10-20 minutes. Grab your scrubbing brush and start scrubbing the inside of the toilet. Scrubbing is the best way to remove mold from any surface.
• If the mold has been there for a few weeks or months, you’ll require vigorous scrubbing.
• Flush the toilet and let it fill with water.
• Look for any leftover mold, scrub it and then repeat the process.

Black Mold Removal from Toilet Bowl

Wear long rubber gloves, safety goggles, face mask, and ensure proper ventilation while cleaning the toilet bowl. Follow the steps below to clean the toilet bowl.

• Flush the toilet bowl to clear any poop in it. It is best to clean the toilet bowl after cleaning the tank.
• Pour a bucket of water to lower the water level in the bowl. It will expose the mold ring for effective cleaning.
• Clean the toilet bowl using a toilet brush and toilet rag. OXO Good Grips Toilet Brush is an effective and affordable brush to clean toilets.
• Repeat the above steps until there is no mold left.
• The next step is to disinfect the toilet bowl. You can go for a homemade disinfectant or choose a commercial toilet bowl cleaner for removing mold.

DIY Solutions: Add one cup of bleach to the toilet bowl and close the lid for at least an hour. Flush the toilet and clean the toilet bowl with a diluted bleach solution (1 cup in 1 gallon).

You can also use borax to kill bacteria and remaining mold spores. Borax is abrasive, but it is harmless on porcelain. Add 60 grams of borax to half liter water and clean the toilet bowl.

Commercial Cleaners: You will need to use two cleaning products to remove the remaining mold from your toilet bowl; a powerful mold remover and a bowl tablet. RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray is a scrub-free formula and kills mold instantly.

You can then use toilet bowl tablets to keep the toilet clean after removing mold from it.

Just a Pro Tip: Many people complain that mold comes back soon after a good cleanup. Please note that it is important to disinfect the entire washroom, not just the toilet seat and the tank. Clorox Disinfecting Mist is good for home toilets and leaves a pleasant smell behind. It is easy to use and doesn’t need any preparation before use.

How to remove mold in the toilet below the water line?

You can use bleach, vinegar + baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or a commercial cleaner to remove below the water line.

Black Mold and Diabetes – Is there any link?

You may have heard many people saying the frequent occurrences of mold in your toilet bowl may indicate that you are suffering from diabetes. However, there is currently no scientific evidence that directly supports that claim.

Mold feeds on extra sugar that is present in diabetics’ urine. If you clean your toilet regularly and there can be no other reason behind mold reappearance, you must consult your doctor about this.

You can read more about the connection between diabetes and mold in the toilet bowl here.

Many people on Reddit mention that the frequent reoccurrence of mold on toilet bowl is due to diabetes.

Can urine cause mold in the toilet?

No. Urine doesn’t cause mold in the toilet. Mold thrives in a sugary environment, but there is no direct link between urine and mold appearance. A lack of cleaning and ventilation causes mold.

Mold Prevention Tips

Mold can grow in every dark and humid place. It can grow inside your refrigerator, stove, cupboard, or even on your car’s seats. A few tips can prevent its growth or slow the reoccurrence after cleanup.

• Regularly cleaning your bathroom at least once a week is what it takes to keep mold away.
• Inspect your toilet tank bi-weekly to see if it has mold growth.
• Sprinkle the borax powder in the toilet to keep mold away. You can also use toilet bowl tablets to keep them hygienic.
• Add cleaning tablets in the toilet tank to prevent mold from coming back. The tablet sits in the tank and releases a small amount of chemical every time you flush.
• Ensure proper ventilation in your washroom. Use exhaust fans to remove moisture and humidity. Make sure that the exhaust is running while you shower, and leave it running for a few minutes after you are done showering.
• Make sure you wipe and drain all the water on the floor and use a hand wiper to clean bathroom walls.
• Check for any leaks in your bathroom’s plumbing system and toilet. Add a few drops of a colored dye to the toilet tank and wait 2-3 hours. If the water in the bowl is colored, you have a leak to repair.
• Throw away absorbent or porous materials like floor tiles and mats if they become moldy.
• Don’t paint moldy walls in your bathroom. Clean and dry before painting.
• Put bleach in the toilet bowl if you plan to go on a long vacation. Or you can also throw a couple of toilet bowl cleaning tablets in the bowl.

You may also want to read: what is the best cleaning solution for ceramic tile floors?

What to wear while removing mold in the toilet?

There is no specific dress code for removing black mold from your toilet or any other home area. Plastic gloves and a face mask are a must. You can also go for a respirator if there is heavy mold growth. People allergic to mold must also wear safety goggles.

Make sure you do the removing part in your old clothes so you can dispose of them if you get in touch with mold. Here’s a detailed guide on safety precautions while removing mold.

Is the black ring in the toilet black due to mold?

The black ring in your toilet bowl does not look awful; it can be harmful too. The most common reason behind the black ring’s formulation is mold. Other reasons include hard water buildup, sewer organisms, bacteria, and not cleaning the toilet.

Read more: Pink Ring Stains in Toilet Bowl – Causes, Removal & Prevention

Can I use Hydrogen Peroxide to kill black mold in the toilet?

Yes. Hydrogen Peroxide is a powerful disinfectant and sterilizer. Pour a cup into the toilet bowl and give it a good scrub with a toilet brush. Let Hydrogen Peroxide sit for 15-20 minutes without flushing the toilet. Bubbling is normal when using hydrogen peroxide to clean black mold. Flush your toilet and repeat the process if the mold is still there.  You can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean vinyl floors.

How to clean mold from the toilet seat or around the toilet base?

The process of removing mold from the toilet seat is the same. However, we recommend using a cleaner free from chlorine, ammonia, acids, or petroleum-based cleaners. Seventh Generation is a great choice for removing mold from the toilet seat.

What does mold in the toilet look like? Pictures of Black Mold in Toilet Tank

Mold may take various shapes and colors. There is no set pattern or growth style for mold to grow. Black mold is the most common in toilets. You can also see green, grey, orange, or pinkish mold in the toilet tank, bowl, or seat. The cleaning process doesn’t change if the mold color is not black.

Final Words

We have discussed everything you need to know about mold in toilets. This article will help keep your toilet clean, hygienic, and fresh.