What Chemicals Kill Mold?

Mold is dangerous, with the potential to cause sickness and respiratory problems. It can be found any place that has poor ventilation or is prone to moisture. This includes basements, laundry rooms, refrigerators, kitchens and bathrooms. Certain building materials have the right ingredients to attract spore growth, including cellulose substrates such as wood, ceiling tiles, paper products and cardboard. Materials containing other substrates also promote the growth of mold including insulation, paints, drywall, carpets and wallpaper.

Types

You can effectively clean mold by using a mold and mildew solution including Clorox, Safety Clean, Lysol, Super Clean or X-14. Other options are to create a bleach disinfectant with 1 cup of bleach to 10 cups of water or mix 1/2 gallon of white vinegar with 1/2 gallon of hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup boric acid, shake well and spray the area.

Precautions

When cleaning with a disinfectant solution, make sure the area is well ventilated. If you have allergies or react to mold, wear a face mask over your nose and mouth.

Mistake

Simply spraying a chemical or cleaner will not clean mold from surfaces. You must scrub until the mold spores are gone.

Prevention/Solution

Some people spray encapsulating mold paints, biocides or fungicidal products on moldy areas. That should only occur as a final preventative step, not as a cleaning tool.

Warning

If you're dealing with carpet mold, you must remove it completely. Pull up the tack strips as well, because they will likely contain mold, too.

Odors

Use baking soda or charcoal to remove mold's odor, if it's still present after treatment. Place bowls of baking soda or briquettes around the area to absorb the smell.

Resources

• American Environmental Health Foundation
• InspectAPedia has helpful info on using bleach to kill mold