Mold in Toilet bowl - yes, now it's an obsession.
#1
Mold in Toilet bowl - yes, now it's an obsession.
For 5 years now I've done everything and tried every suggested method to kill the mold that continually grows in my toilet bowl - it's only in 1 of the 2 toilets in my house, and it's the toilet that gets the most use.
I have shut off the water supply, filled the tank and bowl with vinegar and let it sit for 5-6 hrs. completely cleaned/scrubbed down all "reachable" surfaces and then flushed and restarted water supply. Mold did not reappear for approximately 6 weeks, but it DID reappear.
I have done the same procedure using bleach/water and mold was back within 3 weeks.
From what I've observed, it is only in the bowl and not in the tank - though I've cleaned both. When it appears in the bowl, it seems to start in the front where the siphon jet is, and then the opening of the trap, though it has also grown at the waterline and when I've flushed an empty bowl of water I've seen a kind of coating on the surface of the sides of the bowl.
I have just about reached the point where I'm ready to just buy a brand new toilet because I think the mold "colony" must be in some area that can not be reached to scrub. As it is, if I go for more than 3-4 days with out scrubbing the bowl completely (hands & knees with scrubber sponge and scouring powder) the mold is back. Does anybody have any suggestions? Before I go spend $$$ on a new toilet?
I have shut off the water supply, filled the tank and bowl with vinegar and let it sit for 5-6 hrs. completely cleaned/scrubbed down all "reachable" surfaces and then flushed and restarted water supply. Mold did not reappear for approximately 6 weeks, but it DID reappear.
I have done the same procedure using bleach/water and mold was back within 3 weeks.
From what I've observed, it is only in the bowl and not in the tank - though I've cleaned both. When it appears in the bowl, it seems to start in the front where the siphon jet is, and then the opening of the trap, though it has also grown at the waterline and when I've flushed an empty bowl of water I've seen a kind of coating on the surface of the sides of the bowl.
I have just about reached the point where I'm ready to just buy a brand new toilet because I think the mold "colony" must be in some area that can not be reached to scrub. As it is, if I go for more than 3-4 days with out scrubbing the bowl completely (hands & knees with scrubber sponge and scouring powder) the mold is back. Does anybody have any suggestions? Before I go spend $$$ on a new toilet?

#3
Is the "mold" or what ever above or below the water line?
Mold needs something to grow like wood or paper, there isn't any of that in a toilet so new or old the environment is the same.
Wondering if it's a water issue where some type of rust stain builds up with time!
Mold needs something to grow like wood or paper, there isn't any of that in a toilet so new or old the environment is the same.
Wondering if it's a water issue where some type of rust stain builds up with time!
#4
What is your water source . . . . your own well or a municipality ?
If the organisms are present in the incoming water, then I doubt that changing toilets will do much.
I never had much growing in my toilet(s); but I did like to present a fresh look in the my Office Washroom, which was frequented by the public, so I used these disinfectant tablets in the tank:

Maybe it just dyed the organisms blue ?
If the organisms are present in the incoming water, then I doubt that changing toilets will do much.
I never had much growing in my toilet(s); but I did like to present a fresh look in the my Office Washroom, which was frequented by the public, so I used these disinfectant tablets in the tank:

Maybe it just dyed the organisms blue ?
#6
The reason I don't think it's a water issue is that I do have 2 toilets and this only happens in the one that is used most frequently. The Mold, which is black, grows below the water line. When I scrub it, it breaks up in feather-like bits, I will try to post pictures of these as well.
I have spoken to my local water department, and they tell me that there is no possible way that the water they are providing is causing this.
I have no reason to think it is rust stains as there is nothing rusting in the bowl or tank.
I have spoken to my local water department, and they tell me that there is no possible way that the water they are providing is causing this.
I have no reason to think it is rust stains as there is nothing rusting in the bowl or tank.
#7
I have tried these and there was growth despite these being present. Also I have pets and while I make every effort to make sure the toilet seat is always left closed, I'm not the only one using the toilet and can't be everywhere all the time and these are highly toxic to animals.
#8
Do you close the door on this bathroom all the time? How about the other one? Closing the door on a small bathroom can cause stale air to accumulate and possibly mold growth, but I have never seen it happen, and I have a small bathroom, but I don't keep the door closed.
#11
I just read the most bizarre thing on a website that it happens when you have a diabetic in the house - my husband IS diabetic. But still nothing about how to get rid of it.