Mold loves moisture. And when your home is moist, expect to notice mold growth on walls, ceiling, and even in places like your bathroom and basement. Many medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to mold spores can cause health problems like allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Some household cleaners may do the trick. But if you prefer to use non-toxic products, white vinegar is one of the recommended natural home remedies. Indeed, white vinegar can effectively kill mold.

What is Vinegar, and Does it Kill Mold?

Vinegar is a sour-tasting liquid that contains acetic acid. It is generally produced through fermenting rice, cane, malt, cider, wine, or beer.

White distilled vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can be used as a treatment for many types of mold. It carries between 5 and 8 percent acetic acid and has a pH of 2.5. White vinegar’s mildly acidic attribute can kill about 82% of usual types of mold. It can also help prevent mold from reoccurring in the future.

Is Vinegar Better to Use than Bleach?

Bleach is thought to be good at removing mold. However, EPA doesn’t recommend using a bleach product to kill mold. Why? Because it only eliminates visible mold, not the membrane underneath the surface. Mold membrane will just dig deeper into the substance to keep away from the said cleaning chemical.

In addition, once mold identifies the bleach as a hazard to its life, it grows back stronger and expands even bigger.

If you want to ask how long it takes for vinegar to get rid of mold, the answer will be depending on the degree of mold growth. Typically, we let the vinegar sit for an hour or two before scrubbing the mold away.

You can remove small mold patches with white vinegar on your own. However, if the moldy area is over 10 square feet, you will have to seek assistance from mold removal specialists.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Experts don’t recommend using vinegar to kill mold on waxed wood, natural stone, cast iron, or aluminum. Remember that vinegar is acidic, and its acidity level can impair these surfaces.
• Never mix white vinegar with bleach. If you do, it will produce hazardous chlorine gas that can harm your breathing once inhaled.
• Never mix hydrogen peroxide with white vinegar. It forms a particular chemical reaction called peracetic acid. It can injure your eyes and skin.

How to Get Rid of Mold with White Vinegar

The presence of mold in your home is indeed irritating. Consider trying the steps below to exterminate mold with white vinegar successfully.

Step #1: Wear Protective Equipment

Remember that prolonged exposure to vinegar can still cause skin irritation even though it’s an organic compound. So we highly encourage you to wear rubber gloves, goggles, a mask, and clothing that shields your arms and legs.

Step #2: Fill up the Spray Bottle with Undiluted White Vinegar

Never dilute the vinegar to water if you desire to notice more effective results.

Step #3: Spray Abundantly Onto the Areas of Mold

Spray the vinegar freely onto the affected areas. You can also use a towel or rag and a bucket to treat the moldy sites. Immerse your towel or rag into a bucket filled half with white vinegar and apply it directly to the mold colonies.

Once you have applied the vinegar, wait for one to two hours before scrubbing it away.

Step #4: Pick a Scrubbing Brush to Scrub the Mold Away

Time to scrub after one or two hours. Don’t forget to submerge your brush in warm water every time you scour the treated sites.

To remove the mold growth more, you can apply a baking soda solution. Into a spray bottle, combine one teaspoon of baking soda and two cups of water. Shake it and spray generously onto the affected sites. Then scrub it down with a scouring pad or a brush.

Step #5: Rinse the Surface with Warm Water

After you scrub the mold away, rinse the treated area with warm water. If there are leftover mold stains, redo steps 3, 4, and 5 until the stains are gone.

Vinegar leaves a strong odor that stays for a few hours, mainly when used in a large amount. So make sure the location is well-ventilated until the pungent smell is gone.

Positives of White Vinegar for Mold Removal

• It’s an organic compound, so it’s friendly to the environment.
• It’s harmless to use around humans and pets since it’s non-toxic.
• It’s adequate to use on porous and non-porous materials.
• It isn’t costly and is easy to find in most stores.
• It kills about 82% of mold species.

Negatives of Using White Vinegar to Eliminate Mold

• It has a strong and peculiar odor that is hard to get rid of in rooms without proper ventilation.
• Still, 18% of mold species live and remain.
• It does not kill all mycotoxins.

Hire a Professional For Mold Removal Services

Mold infestation is annoying. But before you decide to remove the mold colonies in your home, identify the cause first. And if the reason is excess moisture, do your best to find the source and make repairs if you can. If the task is too complex for you, it’s time to contact a professional.

Superior Restoration is always ready to serve you. Our trained specialists are available in emergencies 24/7.

If you want to know more about our water damage and mold remediation services, feel free to contact us anytime.