- As a plant, mold must have water and nutrients to survive. It can find nutrients in any organic matter. Because mold can eat anything, even dust, it can grow on virtually any surface. Joint compound also contains organic matter that the mold can eat. If the joint compound gets wet, which it surely will in a bathroom, mold will quickly grow there. Microscopic mold spores are constantly floating through the air. You can work to lower the amount of spores in your home, but you can never completely eliminate them.
- You can prevent mold on your joint compound by purchasing joint compound that contains chemicals that resist mold. These chemicals create a barrier that will kill mold upon contact. This type of joint compound is particularly important for use in a bathroom. You can also work to prevent overall mold growth by installing a better bathroom fan or using a small dehumidifier in your bathroom. You can take shorter showers, and keep a window open when you are showering. Mold spores reproduce quickly once they form visible mold growth. Cleaning mold growth as soon as you notice it will prevent it from spreading to your joint compound.
- Clean mold with one of many mold cleaning solutions. Some of these are bleach based while others are white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide based. Bleach is the most common solution, but it is toxic if ingested. Use white vinegar if this is a concern. To use any solution, apply it to the moldy joint compound and let it sit for several minutes before scrubbing it off. Take care not to soak the joint compound. Rinse the area with clear water, and dry it thoroughly.
- Some varieties of mold can cause serious illnesses in certain people who have respiratory or immune system weaknesses. Though these issues are uncommon, they are possible and are more likely if you are elderly or pregnant. Symptoms range from headaches to infections to a loss of memory.
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