If you have a small amount of mold on your bathroom ceiling (as in fig. 1), you can probably handle it yourself. Use whatever you normally use for cleaning (except bleach). Spray it on and let the cleaner do the work. The typical dwell time, the time you should let it absorb into the sheet rock, is about ten minutes. You may need to spray it a few times. Then use a sponge with a scrubbing side to remove it. This may cause some damage to the surface of the sheet rock a little.
If you’re project is slightly bigger (as in fig. 2), you should probably let us handle it.
Why not use bleach? If you spray bleach overhead, it will fall back down into your eyes or face. When you are in the emergency room, having your eyes flushed out and the doctor asks you, “who told you to do that?” The answer better not be Google.
Below is information from the warning labels from two of the popular mold remediation products; MMR and GMP. Both are bleach based (Sodium Hypochlorite) Mold and Mildew Stain removers that some contractors are using in attics. These are not products that I recommend or use due their high toxicity. S
Note: Clorox bleach is a 5.25% solution of Sodium Hypochlorite mixed with water. MMR and GMP products are 7.00%. When the bleach evaporates, the water left over feeds the mold root system. This will actually eventually cause the mold spores to grow back, usually in larger numbers then what you started with.
The key thing to remember for either DIY or professional mold removal – no bleach based products.
PRODUCT NAME: MMR Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
MANUFACTURER: Healthy Home Solutions, LLC.
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Sodium Hypochlorite
Signal word: Danger
Hazard statement(s):
H315 – Causes skin irritation
H318 – Causes serious eye damage
H401 – Toxic to aquatic life
Harmful if swallowed
PRODUCT NAME: GMP Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
User Instructions: Not recommended for Household use.
CAUTION: Use appropriate precautions when using GMP Mold and Mildew Stain Remover. This is a commercial strength stain remover with chlorine like aroma that comes with an odor masking agent (fresh rain).
Product Use: This product is manufactured for Commercial/Industrial use.
Avoid contact with strong acids, releases Chlorine gas