The potential for water damage accompanying mold growth rises due to the stormy season and other moisture issues today. Mold spores can easily spread in different areas of your home. As a result, homeowners would search for an effective cleaning solution yet affordable mold removal. And one of the many answers found in— vinegar. But, can we really kill mold using vinegar?

What is Vinegar?

Vinegar gets its name from the Old French word “vin aigre,” which means “sour wine.” It is a gentle acid produced when alcohol-containing liquids like beer, wine, or fermented fruit juice undergo oxidation of ethanol.

Vinegar—A Great Household Cleaner

Vinegar has gained its popularity not only as a condiment and an ingredient but as an effective cleaning agent as well. Its potent acetic acid content makes it a great all-purpose household cleaner.

Moreover, it can be used as a mildew fighter, fabric softener, air deodorizer, soap scum dissolver, stain remover, lime descaler, and metal polisher. But, the big question is “Can we really kill mold using vinegar?”

Can We Really Kill Mold Using Vinegar?

Yes! We can kill mold using vinegar! Vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Studies have shown that white vinegar kills mold species by 82%. Its acetic acid has a strong ph of 2.5 yet it’s harmless to the environment and a non-toxic acid. It can disrupt spores and kill black mold and other certain types of mold in your home.

How To Kill Mold Using Vinegar

Vinegar is effective and it does kill mold. Try following the steps in cleaning in order to kill mold using vinegar:

• Wear protective gear such as a mask, rubber gloves, and goggles to protect yourself from mold exposure.
• Pour white distilled vinegar (not the diluted vinegar) into a spray bottle so as not to reduce its effectiveness in getting rid of mold.
• Apply the vinegar by spraying moldy areas thoroughly and letting it sit for one hour so the mold will completely absorb the vinegar.
• To clean the mold, create a mixture by combining one teaspoon of baking soda with two cups of water. Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle.
• Scrub the mold away after spraying the mixture of baking soda. Using a scouring pad or a scrub brush, scrub at the area of mold which has been sitting in the vinegar.
• Rinse using clean, warm water then wipe the area or surface once mold has been dislodged. Wipe the space using warm water then dry.
• Make sure that all mold has been killed by spraying the vinegar again over the affected area. Then let it dry naturally.

*For leftover mold, try using other products like hydrogen peroxide, baking powder, or borax to enhance its killing power.

How To Prevent Mold Growth in Homes

1. Don’t rinse the vinegar after you apply it. Just spray it and leave it to prevent future mold growth. Every few days, spray vinegar on surfaces in your bathroom and mop floors with vinegar to prevent mold in moist areas.

2. Check for any leaks in your home such as the roof. Fix or replace if necessary.

3. Fix any plumbing issues immediately to prevent spilling and dripping of water.

4. Check window seals and replace them if necessary.

5. Invest in a dehumidifier if possible especially if you live in a humid area.

6. Ventilate areas in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room to prevent mold from coming back. Open windows to allow air and sunlight into damp spaces to control mold. It is also best to turn on fans when you cook, shower, or do the laundry.

7. Regularly clean your air conditioner. Empty and clean drip pans as well to prevent mold from blowing into your home.

8. Remove carpets in rooms like bathrooms or basements that have a lot of moisture and replace if necessary.

Prevent Future Mold Outbreaks With Mold Remediation Professionals

Many homeowners can now answer this question– “Can we really kill mold using vinegar?” Once you discover mold growing in your home, vinegar can help in getting rid of them. Bleach can kill surface mold and on non-porous surfaces only but vinegar can kill the exposed moldy growth and membranous roots. However, if you have observed that even after several tries you still were not able to kill mold using vinegar, and if mold has covered a significant area of your home, call in our mold remediation professionals immediately.

Superior Restoration has the expertise and the right tools to get rid of mold spores effectively and completely. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may contact our local, Water Damage Irvine, for mold remediation services.