“Expert Shares Tips to Make Your Bathroom Mold-Proof – and Why Bleach Isn’t the Answer”
If mold feels like an unbeatable foe in your bathroom, a mold expert has stepped forward with practical advice to help you create a mold-proof space. TikTok user Torrie Thompson (@drtorriethompson) recently went viral for her simple yet effective strategies to eliminate mold and prevent its return – without relying on bleach.
On Dec. 5, Thompson posted a video that quickly gained traction, amassing over 541,000 views. In the video, she shared actionable steps for keeping mold at bay and explained why bleach might do more harm than good.
How to Mold-Proof Your Bathroom
Thompson’s primary advice? Consistency in cleaning.
“I want you to keep your bathroom the cleanest it’s ever been,” she urged. “No more deep cleaning once a month.” Instead, she recommended regular maintenance to stop mold before it starts.
Next, she tackled the root cause of mold: moisture. “You don’t want the humidity to get high,” she explained. To combat this, Thompson suggested running the bathroom fan during and after showers or using a dehumidifier to minimize moisture in the air.
For bathrooms already battling mold, Thompson emphasized avoiding bleach. “All bleach does is remove the top layer—the colored part—of the mold, while the strongest spores survive. Then you’re left with super mold that grows back even stronger,” she warned.
Instead, she recommended using distilled vinegar or non-toxic mold cleaners to eliminate spores and prevent regrowth.
Is Vinegar the Best Mold Solution?
When it comes to mold removal, the choice between vinegar and bleach is a topic of debate. While bleach can sanitize nonporous surfaces, it often fails to address mold embedded in porous materials, leaving spores that can regrow. This is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) typically does not recommend bleach for most mold removal tasks.
Vinegar, a safer and non-toxic alternative, has proven effective against certain types of mold. A 2015 study found that vinegar (4.0%-4.2% acetic acid) effectively stopped some mold species, like Penicillium chrysogenum, but was less effective against others, such as Aspergillus fumigatus.
For severe mold infestations (areas larger than 10 square feet), the EPA advises consulting a professional to ensure thorough and safe remediation.
What Viewers Are Saying
Thompson’s video sparked a lively conversation in the comments, with many viewers echoing her advice.
“[Thumbs up emoji] You’re 100% correct. I’ve been a professional cleaner for years, and I don’t use bleach. People don’t believe me when I tell them that,” one commenter shared.
Another added, “Finally, someone says vinegar instead of bleach!!”
Others shared their own mold-fighting methods:
- “I installed a fan in my bathroom and never had mold issues again after disinfecting and repainting.”
- “I use a UVC lamp in the tub once a week for 15-20 minutes – no mold since.”
- “I’ve read peroxide works well for cleaning mold too.”
While the expert insights resonate with many, they also highlight the importance of finding the right solution for your specific mold problem.
