Can you use vinegar to kill mold? 5 things experts want you to know

Finding mold in your home may be a common experience, but that doesn’t make it any less stressful. Luckily, vinegar can be a highly successful mold eradicator under the right circumstances.

Having mold inside the home is more than just a nuisance. It can pose health risks as well. Breathing trouble, worsened asthma, and allergic reactions can all occur as a result of mold, which is why it’s so important get rid of mold promptly. 

If you find mold inside your home, it’s likely your first instinct will be to find a household cleaner to take care of the problem. Unlike knowing how to use bleach in the laundry or as a way to sanitize bathroom porcelain – mold is more complex. Our mold and cleaning experts have explained everything you need to know about cleaning with vinegar to remove mold and prevent further growth.

Can you use vinegar to kill mold?

When it comes to your home, you’re likely to find mold in or around in damp areas, and anywhere else that moisture may accumulate. Which is why it's essential to know how to clean mold in the shower, bath, sinks, laundry room, basement, kitchen, dishwashers and from windows, to prevent this issue becoming more serious. 

Even if you know how to clean a bathroom and cleaning a kitchen is top of your daily to-do list, mold may still be a challenge you need to deal with. That's because mold is often a symptom of a damp problem – which is also one of the causes of cracks in walls and is cited as one of the most undesirable home decor features that put home buyers off.

1. How vinegar works to kill mold

'Vinegar is a versatile, eco-friendly, and effective solution for preventing and treating mold in the home,' says Michael Golubev, CEO of Mold Busters. 'Its natural properties make it a safer alternative to harsh chemicals, suitable for regular use in maintaining a mold-free environment.'

'Vinegar, especially white distilled vinegar or cleaning vinegar, serves as a natural and cost-effective solution for mold removal,' explains Michael Gottron, owner of Germicidal Maids.

This is because these kinds of vinegar contain roughly 5 to 8% acetic acid, which is known to have antifungal and antibacterial properties, according to the National Library of Medicine. 

'Its acetic acid content creates an inhospitable environment for mold growth, disrupting its structure,' says Michael Gottron. 'This also inhibits its return, making it a safe and eco-friendly option for maintaining a mold-free environment.'

2. What you will need

• White distilled vinegar or cleaning vinegar
• A spray bottle
• A cleaning brush
• A microfiber cloth
• N-95 or comparable face mask
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Tyvek Suit (or consider wearing old clothes that can be disposed of)

3. How to use vinegar to kill mold

Killing mold with vinegar is a simple process with only a few key steps:

1. First, mix equal parts vinegar and water and transfer the vinegar into a spray bottle, then spray a generous amount of the solution directly onto the moldy area. 

2. 'Let the vinegar sit for at least 1 hour, allowing the vinegar to penetrate and kill the mold,' advises Hashi Mohamed, president of Ivy Cleans.

3. Afterward, scrub the area with a brush to remove any remaining mold residue. Then, rinse the surface with a clean damp cloth and let the area dry completely to prevent further mold growth. Immediately discard the cloth and brush you used to clean the area. 

If the mold and smell linger after this process, you may want to consider using cinnamon to prevent mold alongside your vinegar solution or bringing in the professionals. 

4. Pros of cleaning mold with vinegar

Michael Golubev explains the benefits of using vinegar to banish mold:

Preventive use: Vinegar can be used as a preventive measure in areas prone to mold growth. Regularly spraying a vinegar solution in damp areas like bathroom ceilings and basements can help inhibit mold growth.



Air quality improvement: Regular use of vinegar in cleaning can improve indoor air quality by reducing mold spores. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.



It's eco-friendly and safe: Vinegar is a safe, non-toxic alternative to chemical mold removers, making it an excellent choice for households with pets and children.

Combining with other natural ingredients: For enhanced mold-fighting power, vinegar can be combined with other natural ingredients like tea tree oil or hydrogen peroxide. However, always test on a small area first to ensure no damage to surfaces.

5. What not to do with vinegar

Vinegar is safe to use on most surfaces, but there are a few you may want to avoid. Soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, and window coverings aren’t effectively cleaned with vinegar. Similarly, stone surfaces and wood flooring can be negatively affected by vinegar as it can dull stones and break down the finish on the wood. 

FAQs

Does vinegar work on all types of mold?

Vinegar is effective on many types of mold, especially the most common types of household molds like Aspergillus and Cladosporium. However, it may not be effective on all species.

For extensive mold infestations or when dealing with toxic black mold, it's best to consult a professional to ensure safe and complete removal.

Can I mix vinegar with other cleaning agents for better results?

It's important not to mix vinegar with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. These are cleaning products you should never mix, as they can produce harmful chlorine gas when combined.

Vinegar works well on its own or diluted with water, but you could also add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree or lavender. These have antifungal properties and can enhance the vinegar's ability to fight mold.

How often should I use vinegar to prevent mold?

To prevent mold from returning, regularly applying a vinegar solution to areas prone to dampness. Spray the vinegar solution once a week in high-risk areas like bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and around windowsills. After you've allowed the solution to sit for 15-20 minutes, wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth.

It's also a good idea to ensure you have proper ventilation in spaces prone to mold and try to reduce humidity levels where possible

Can vinegar remove mold stains?

While vinegar is effective at killing mold, it might not completely remove mold stains. For persistent stains, you can scrub the area with baking soda or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Apply the baking soda paste to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse with water.

When should you call a professional to deal with mold?

Some mold breakouts do require professional help. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that if the moldy area is larger than 10 square feet, you should leave the cleaning to the experts. Additionally, the EPA suggests making sure the professionals you hire are well-versed in dealing with mold eradication and water damage to make sure the problem is completely taken care of.

'Remember that while vinegar can be effective for small, surface-level mold problems, it may not be suitable for more extensive mold infestations or mold infiltrating porous materials like drywall or insulation,' explains Hashi Mohamed, president at Ivy Cleans. 'In such cases, seeking professional mold remediation services is advisable to ensure thorough removal and prevent potential health risks.'

If the affected area is smaller than 10 square feet, it is highly likely you’ll be able to deal with the issue on your own.

Is vinegar or bleach better at killing mold? 

While it is possible to use bleach to kill mold, experts agree that vinegar is a much better option. Unlike bleach, vinegar can effectively kill the mold at the root, making it less likely to return. Vinegar is also less toxic than bleach, making it a better choice for household use.  

It should be noted that vinegar cannot kill every type of mold, according to a study from 2015. It is highly effective at getting rid of Penicillium chrysogenum, which is most commonly found in damp areas, but not Aspergillus fumigatus, which is typically found in plant matter and soil. While the former is most commonly found in homes, contact an expert if you have any doubts about the specific type of mold you’re dealing with.