Mushroom Growing In the Bathroom: Causes, Risks and Solutions (2024)

Believe it or not, there is a possibility that you may find mushrooms growing in your bathroom from the floor or in the walls (especially in the shower area).

Many people find it disgusting to see mushrooms growing in such a strange place (it’s your bathroom after all, not your garden)

I once saw mushrooms grow in the cage of my guinea pigs and I absolutely freaked out. So I can understand how you may feel if you suddenly see mushrooms growing in the bathroom.

But worry not. It’s something that can easily be explained and taken care of (and it’s more common than you may think).

In this article, I will provide answers to why mushrooms grow in the bathroom, the risks, and the ways to handle and avoid them.

Is it dangerous to have mushrooms growing in the Bathroom?

Is it dangerous – No, so no need to panic.

Are there any risks – yes, but again, no need to panic?

While there is no immediate risk, but this is an indication that you need to act quickly and make sure the reason for mushrooms growing in your bathroom is taken care of (and it’s not that hard).

Reason Mushrooms Grow In A Bathroom

Having mushrooms growing in your bathroom is a clear indication of a possible moisture issue. And if not tackled earlier, it may lead to mold infestations (which has a higher risk than mushrooms).

So while it’s not an alarming situation, it’s best if you act fast and take care of this.

Mushrooms are fungal spores from the mushrooms that can take root in moist places (such as bathrooms). And these spores are microscopic. In other words, they are small and light. Our naked eyes cannot see them because of their sizes.

However, being light makes it super easy to transport these spores. They are easily carried by small wind to any location. Plus they are also present in our window screens, clothing, and even on plants.

So now you know how mushrooms find their way into your bathroom. It was either unknowingly carried by you or via the wind to your home.

But there’s one point you should know. Mushroom does not just grow. Two single-celled spores have to come together before it can start growing.

Now here is another thing. And it’s also the reason mushrooms have the power to invade your bathroom.

Low light, high heat, and high humidity are conditions mushrooms require to thrive. Your living room can’t guarantee this condition, and that’s why mushrooms don’t grow there.

Now, what about the bathroom? Hmmm, perfect for mushrooms to thrive.

The bathroom has an adequate condition such as excess moisture, high heat, and low light condition, which are things mushrooms need to grow on bathroom floors, walls, and ceilings.

Just take a quick look at areas where moisture gathers. You might find something growing there.

How To Get Rid Of Mushrooms Growing Out Of Wall & Other Areas In Your Bathroom

Now let’s discuss ways to get rid of mushrooms that are already growing in your bathroom. How can you tackle this condition?

Pick mushroom from the floor

The first step is to wear rubber gloves on both hands and pick the unsightly fungi from the floor, ceiling, or wall. Then after removing the fungi, mix the bleach in water and clean the area thoroughly.

What happens if the mushroom returns after a while?

Ensure the affected area is properly cleaned with a powerful household disinfectant, particularly one that contains benzalkonium chloride. This chemical will help to destroy any mushroom spore that is remaining. You can also apply a fungicide if you feel there is a need to apply it.

Remove mushrooms from tiled walls

If your bathroom has a tiled wall, then you can use bleach chloride. But ensure there is no color grout to prevent it from fading. Now spray the cleaner into the affected area and allow it to remain there for at least 35-40 minutes. After that, you can scrub with a hard brush and rinse off with warm water.

However, if you don’t like the idea of using chemicals, you can go with a more natural product. Distilled vinegar can help tackle mold growth in your bathroom, and is the same process as when you are using a cleaner with bleach only that you have to apply the distilled vinegar and rinse off with warm water twice.

The reason most people prefer vinegar is not just because it is natural. It will also ensure you don’t experience grout discoloration or any form of deterioration.

A natural cleanser will also make sense when you are dealing with a mushroom that is growing on a painted wall.

Bathroom Locations Prone to Mushroom Growth

Walls and Floors

Mushrooms tend to grow in damp and humid areas, making your bathroom walls and floors prime locations for them to thrive.

Excess moisture may accumulate from leaks, improper ventilation, or constant exposure to water from showers and sinks.

Ceiling and Tiles

The ceiling and tiles in your bathroom are not immune to mushroom growth. Condensation can build up on the ceiling and tiles, providing a suitable environment for fungi.

Toilet

Mushrooms can grow near the toilet, especially if there is a leak or constant moisture present.

Shower and Drain

The shower and drain area are arguably the most susceptible to mushroom growth in your bathroom, as they are continuously exposed to water.

How To Prevent Mushroom Growing In A Bathroom

We have spoken about the dangers of letting a mushroom grow in a bathroom. The problem is not the mushroom but what having it grow in such a place signifies.

But there are ways you can prevent this from happening. And that I am going to reveal to you. You also have to take proactive measures to ensure it doesn’t happen.

Now let’s take about the things you need to do when a mushroom is already growing in your bathroom.

Many people would consider using a fungicide. It’s a regular thing. The fungicide might help to tackle the problem, but it would only be a temporary fix.

Yea, I said this because it’s a waste of time and effort trying to fix a problem temporarily. Know that the issue isn’t the mushrooms there. It’s the mold and mildew that are growing, which might be spreading faster than you think.

When you take a bath and spend a couple of minutes every day under this condition, you are already putting yourself at risk.

So, using a fungicide to treat mushrooms already growing in your bathroom isn’t enough. It won’t put an end to the fungal problem you might experience in the future.

Below are steps you need to take to prevent mushrooms from growing in your bathroom.

Consider humidity levels

The first thing to consider is the level of humidity your bathroom has. If it’s high, then nothing will ever prevent mushrooms from taking their spots in your bathroom.

Even toxic mold can develop under high humidity. High humidity can also destroy your bathroom’s underlying wooden structures too.

So what can you do in this kind of situation? Make sure there is proper ventilation, simple!

You can install a suitable ventilation fan in your bathroom. This fan helps remove humidity.

Keep your towels dry

Your towel needs to dry as quickly as possible after use. It can serve as a breeding ground for mushrooms or mold. So keep it in an area with proper ventilation.

That way, it would dry faster and ensure you don’t give room for mold to develop.

You should also consider washing it properly often. Don’t wait for when it’s dirty before taking action. Always keep your towel clean.

Fix leakages

Your bathroom should not remain wet always.

When not in use for some time, bathrooms become dry. However, if yours isn’t this way, then there is a problem. It could be that the seals around your bathtub or toilet are leaking.

If this is the case, then have them fixed as quickly as possible. Don’t wait for mushrooms or mold to the buildup before you take action.

Have them repaired by a plumber. And if there is are cracks on the flooring, then ensure they are fixed so that water won’t stay there for long.

The Risk Factor Of Having Mushrooms Grow In Your Bathroom

Before we go deeper into discussing the risk of having mushrooms grow in your bathroom, let’s consider a common safety concern.

You might be eating mushrooms and feel the one growing in your bathroom would be safe too.

Well, I hate to be a carrier of bad news, but please, for the sake of your health, never consume any mushroom that grows in your bathroom.

Also, even if you have a poisonous mushroom growing in your bathroom, know that’s not the main underlying issue. In other words, the mushroom is not the threat. It’s just there because the environment is conducive and it happens to be transported there by you or the wind.

In short, many mushrooms don’t cause harm. I mean a plethora of them out there, but those that grow indoor and outdoor.

Now, what’s the real danger when mushroom starts growing in your bathroom?

Well, we talked about this before but let me repeat it. The real danger is that your bathroom has a severe moisture problem. And if you don’t act, then don’t be surprised when the more severe and threatening problem occurs.

The thing is excess moisture that gave rise to the growth of mushrooms in your bathroom can also support the growth of mildew and black mold.

Black mold also called Stachybotrys chartarum, is a type of microfungus known to produce its conidia in slime heads. This mold mushroom is devastating. It can cause sneezing, chronic coughing, chronic fatigue, eye irritation, persistent headache, and mucous membranes of the throat and nose.

So, you can see that mildew and mold can be dangerous. And for the records, both flourish under the same condition where the mushroom grows.

Mold mushrooms cause shortness of breath, including asthma-like symptoms. But these upper respiratory problems are not the only conditions that it causes.

One can also experience lower respiratory problems too. These include tightness of one’s chest, which can be very discomforting. Mold mushroom growing in the home might also cause an individual to develop asthma, even if he or she doesn’t have it.

Another scary thing about black mold spores is death. When an individual is exposed to it for too long, the spores can shut down one’s organs, damage the brain, or incapacitate the immune system. And all of these can result in sudden death.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes mushrooms to grow in bathrooms?

Mushrooms typically grow in bathrooms due to the moist and humid conditions. Thepresence of moisture and humiditycreates a perfect environment for fungi, including mushrooms, to thrive.

Another reason is the warm temperature in bathrooms, usually between 77 to 86 degrees, which further encourages mushroom growth.

What are the potential risks of having mushrooms in the bathroom?

While mushrooms themselves might not pose an immediate danger, they can indicate other issues such as black mold, which can be harmful to your health.

Additionally, in rare cases,poisonous mushroomsmay grow on bathroom surfaces, posing a risk to your health.

What are the best solutions to remove mushrooms from the bathroom?

To remove mushrooms from your bathroom, you should first determine the cause of their growth. Begin by addressing any sources of excess moisture and humidity by repairing leaks, ventilating your bathroom properly, and regularly cleaning damp areas.

You can also use fungicides or bleach to eliminate the existing fungi and sanitize the affected areas.

Is domicile cup fungus harmful?

Although domicile cup fungus is not typically hazardous to your health, it can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues in some individuals.

Additionally, this type of fungus can weaken surfaces, leading to potential structural damage in your bathroom.

How do I identify different types of bathroom mushrooms?

Identifying bathroom mushrooms can be challenging due to their variety and similarities.

The best approach is to consult a professional or a mycologist, who can help you to identify the specific type of mushroom growing in your bathroom. Taking pictures and noting the color, size, and appearance of the fungi will aid in accurate identification.

Can mushrooms in the bathroom cause health issues?

Yes, the presence of mushrooms in your bathroom may indicate the existence of black mold, which cantrigger health problemssuch as allergies, respiratory issues, and other complications.

Also, when poisonous mushrooms are involved, contact or ingestion can lead to severe symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to address any mushroom growth in your bathroom promptly.

Conclusion

I hope you now understand why making sure that mushroom growing in the bathroom does not happen. The thing is mushroom growing is not the problem.

But the conditions in which a mushroom grows, particularly indoors, also favors the growth of mold and mildew.

So make the right decision today to protect your health. Ensure you don’t have mushrooms growing anywhere in your bathroom. If you do, then refer to the tips on this post to fix them.

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