How to Gently Remove Mildew From Bathroom Ceilings

Mildew can spread from the ceiling to other surfaces in your bathroom.

Mildew is a type of mold spore attracted to areas with lots of moisture and little air ventilation, making bathrooms prime targets for mildew growth. Mildew first appears as small spots ranging in color from black and brown to green, but the spots quickly expand and merge. Strong chemicals such as bleach kill mildew, but if you are concerned about using chemicals in your home, choose a natural and gentle solution. Completely natural, food-grade and non-toxic, white vinegar is capable of killing mildew spores.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mask
• Goggles
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Scrub brush
• Paper towels
• Garbage bag

Instructions

1. Close the bathroom doors and open a window to encourage any mildew spores you agitate to move outside rather than another room.

2. Put on a dust mask if the mildew on the ceiling is thick. For some people, mildew spores can cause an allergic reaction that the dust mask can prevent. This is generally not necessary if only a few mildew spots appear on your ceiling.

3. Put on goggles to protect your eyes from dripping white vinegar.

4. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of white vinegar and water.

5. Spray the solution over the mildew growth on the ceiling. Use a ladder, if necessary, but cover the ladder feet with towels so they don’t scratch your floor.

6. Let the white vinegar sit for 10 minutes to give it time to soften the mildew.

7. Scrub the mildew off the ceiling, using a nylon-bristled scrub brush. Work until the mildew is gone. If the growth is tough, apply more vinegar and let it sit for another 10 minutes before scrubbing again.

8. Wipe the area with clean paper towels and immediately discard in a garbage bag. Seal the bag and take it outside your home so mildew spores don't get airborne and attach to the ceiling.

9. Open the bathroom door and let the bathroom air dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t attempt to clean the mildew if you are pregnant, elderly or have immune or respiratory weaknesses, as mildew can cause more serious issues.

References

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Mold--General Information
• Mrs. Clean: Getting Rid of Mold and Mildew