How to Get Rid of Mold on Ceiling Tiles + Tips And Tricks For Removal

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Mold is a nasty and unsightly problem to have to deal with. Mold is a destructive force in any home, causing damage to both health and building materials. One of the most frustrating places to get mold is on your ceiling tile. This is because mold on a ceiling tile can often indicate much worse problems on the horizon.

Here is everything you need to know about mold on your ceiling tiles. You will learn how mold gets on them, how to get rid of it, and how to keep it from returning.

Causes of Mold on Ceiling Tiles

Roof Leak

If you have dislodged or damaged tiles on your roof, then there is a chance that a leak could develop. When there is a leak, moisture accumulates in your attic, the wooden structure of your attic, and yes, even the ceiling. With moisture accumulation comes mold growth. It's better to understand the benefits of attic air regulation before it's too late.

Plumbing Problems

If your home has two floors with an upstairs bathroom, then it stands to reason that the cause of mold on the ceiling would be plumbing problems. When there is a leaky or improperly installed pipe, the moisture accumulates. Mold only needs two things to grow: moisture and nutrients. The leaky plumbing supplies plenty of moisture, and the material of the ceiling tiles provides the nutrients.

Bathtub Overflow

Using the same scenario as before, let's say you have a bathroom on the second floor of your home, and that bathroom has a bathtub. Sometimes accidents happen, and sometimes that accident is that your bathtub overflows because you were distracted while the water was running.

A bathtub overflow is typically a lot of water in one area, and whatever water doesn't get soaked up by a towel in the cleaning process can quickly make its way to your bathroom's baseboards. From the baseboards, it makes its way to the ceiling. Once the water is in the ceiling tiles, it is only a matter of time before the mold accumulates.

Humidity from Cooking

Anyone who cooks extensively in the kitchen knows that when you boil water, you get a lot of steam. Steam rises, and when it does, it can hit your ceiling. When the steam reaches your ceiling, it reverts to being purely a liquid and can stick to the ceiling tiles. Mold on your ceiling tiles is bad enough, but mold on your kitchen's ceiling tiles is even worse.

What Are Ceiling Tiles Made Of?

How mold spreads on ceiling tiles is not exactly something you can set your watch by. You have to know the kind of mold you are dealing with, and almost more importantly, you have to know what materials the tiles in your ceiling are made of.

Mold has difficulty having any real effect on synthetic, non-porous materials. It also must be said that tile materials vary, and mold will respond differently.

  • Mineral Wool
  • PVC
  • Fiberglass
  • Gypsum
  • Perlite
  • Clay
  • Cellulose
  • Starch
  • Metal
  • Glass
  • Wood

Each of these materials has their strengths and weaknesses against mold. The ones composed of natural materials will have a harder time against mold than their synthetic counterparts.

How to Clean Mold From Ceiling Tiles

What You Need

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Cleaning mold from ceiling tiles is easy, but if it exceeds 10 square feet, call a removal expert because you likely have more damage than you suspect.

Vinegar and baking soda are stronger, safer cleaning solutions for fungus, so you will likely not need anything stronger.

Clean The Tiles

Cleaning your ceiling tiles is dependent on what type of ceiling you have.

Drop Ceiling Tiles

If your tiles are simply drop-in tiles made of mineral fiber (commonly found in basements and commercial buildings), then you want to be very gentle with them and use as little liquid as possible. They are easily damaged, but they're also easy to replace. In many instances, you'll be better off replacing these.

Residential Ceiling Tiles and Planks

You should follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions if your ceiling is made of higher-end tiles, such as the WOODHAVEN line from Armstrong Ceilings. This usually involves wiping with a damp cloth and without using anything abrasive, such as baking soda.

When You Should Replace Ceiling Tiles

If the ceiling tiles are porous (such as mineral fiber tiles), they should usually be replaced. Trying to clean them too much by making them wet can warp and damage them further, so once the structural integrity of the tile is compromised, replace it with a new one.  

Are There Mold Resistant Ceiling Tiles?

While not necessarily mold resistant, vinyl and PVC ceiling tiles aren't something mold can feed on and aren't porous, so they're easier to clean than mineral fiber ceiling tiles. You can check a wide variety of tiles like this one on Amazon.

How to Prevent Mold on Ceiling Tiles

If you want to prevent mold on your ceiling tiles, you must ensure that you keep them separate from moisture. There are a few ways to do that.

Inspect Your Roof

You must first inspect your roof to prevent mold growth on your ceiling tiles. Any damaged or missing tiles need to be replaced. This will prevent any leaks that can lead to mold growth.

Use Vent Fan While Cooking

When you are cooking you should always be sure to use your kitchen's vent fan. This will vent out any steam that occurs while you cook, further preventing any mold build-up.

Be Mindful of Upstairs Plumbing

Your upstairs plumbing and its condition are integral to the fight against mold. Check for any leaky pipes near your toilet and vanity. Aside from that, you should also be mindful when filling your bathtub with water.

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