How to Kill Mold With Vinegar

Mold-free bathroom

Mold is unsightly and a health hazard too. Areas that stay warm and moist are great environments for mold, and your bathroom and kitchen are prime targets. Mold can be hard to get rid of, but there is a natural mold-busting ingredient that, with a little elbow grease, can beat the mold and keep it under control. Vinegar is a mild acid and antibacterial that will help you kill mold. It's also safe and easy to use.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Bucket
• Scrubbing brushes
• Sponge
• Rubber gloves
• Pump sprayer
• Mask

1. Identify the area you need to treat and select brushes accordingly. You'll need a stiff brush that will fit into any tight corners.

2. Prepare a bucket of hot water to which you've added a generous helping of dishwashing liquid.

3. Clean the area thoroughly with a sponge, soap and water.

4. Fill a pump sprayer with full-strength vinegar.

5. Saturate the area with vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes.

6. Scrub the area with a stiff brush and wipe clean with a sponge.

7. Repeat the process until the mold has been removed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need a little help getting rid of mold and mildew stains, try scrubbing the area with a mixture of 1 tsp. of vinegar mixed with 2 tsp. salt. Try using an old toothbrush to scrub with. It's small and gets into corners well. Rinse the toothbrush in vinegar or alcohol afterward, and keep it in your toolbox for future mold busting projects.

• Don't worry that the vinegar smell will linger. The sour vinegar odor typically dissipates within a couple of hours.

• Vinegar can remove mold from hard surfaces like counter-tops, sinks and tubs as well as soft surfaces like linen, leather and carpeting.

• Have a spot where mold and mildew keep coming back? After a thorough cleaning, zap the area with a hairdryer set on high, but be careful not to melt anything.

• Mold can be a health hazard. Wear a mask if you can. At the very least, work in a well-ventilated area and remove any dirty clothing promptly.

• Vinegar is non-toxic, but it can still be a skin irritant. Wear rubber gloves to minimize direct contact.

• Vinegar has a strong smell. If you're sensitive to it, keep the windows open while you work.

• Some molds can be very dangerous to your family and pets. If you have mold in the walls or flooring of your home as a result of a water leak, contact a professional before tackling any cleanup project.