How to Clean Mold With Vinegar And Baking Soda?

Mold can wreak havoc on your home. It often appears because of excessive moisture, and sometimes it starts growing in places where you would least expect it – like grout or under the sink. Many people have resorted to bleach to get rid of it but have been left with an overwhelming odor that has made their space even more unpleasant to use. 

A few years ago, I built my home. We upgraded the garage into a bedroom and built on a new bathroom. Unfortunately, there was not sufficient air circulation above the shower to let it dry. I started to notice mold growth soon after.

I would scrub away the mold, from above and inside the shower constantly but couldn’t seem to kill it, even on the surface, or keep it clean.

Knowing how dangerous black mold can be, this was something I knew I had to get rid of quickly. I began researching ways to resolve this issue.

I didn’t want to spend unnecessary money or use caustic materials in my home, so I searched for natural, effective ways to fix this problem. Fortunately, found out that I can clean mold with hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and baking soda.

Using Vinegar and baking soda is the most effective natural way for removing mold in your home. To do this, mix vinegar with baking soda in the spray bottle. Spray your mixture heavily onto the place where you have mold and allow it to sit for an hour before scrubbing it away.

Read on and find out the exact steps on how I used it and some other useful tips for removing mold out of your home.

What Does Black Mold Look Like?

The best way to identify black mold is by its color. Other types of mold and mildew that may occur are often pink, grey, white, or brown. A region that is moist for 72 hours or more is also likely to develop black mold.

It is very dangerous and can cause health problems in people. It can grow in moist environments, such as basements and attics, and often looks black or green.

NOTE: Most mould species are killed by vinegar; but, if you feel your problem is black mould, you should get professional help to avoid a deteriorating situation.

For cleaning mold from non-porous surfaces, below are a few suggested natural methods.

Which Is The Best Spray To Remove Mold

It can be removed in a variety of ways. You can either make your own remedies or purchase branded sprays. Below are my top three picks for the best spray to remove mildew:

1. RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

RMR-86 is the perfect solution for getting rid of those pesky stains. It is a fast-acting, ready-to-use formula that targets deeply embedded stains lingering in your home especially bathroom tiles and grout lines.

The process is straightforward: Simply spray this product on the affected area and watch the stains disappear within just a few minutes.

It makes you feel confident by removing ugly-looking and harmful bacteria from every nook and cranny of your home. Moreover, it is great to use in the kitchen, toilet area, drywall, and vinyl shower curtains. It kills fungi from its root. I highly recommend this product if you want to keep your space clean for a long time.

Pros 

• Potent – Removes molds within minutes
• No need for scrubbing – Just spray and then rinse with water
• Can be used on multiple surfaces such as drywall, tile, grout, wood, concrete
• Restores surfaces to brand new – affordable and time-saving

Cons 

• Has a strong odor
• Might be harmful to your eyes, skin and lungs – must be cautious
• Can damage cloth color of paint or clothes

2. Mold Armor – Mold & Mildew Killer

Mold Armor is another perfect solution that will not only remove mildew stains quickly and easily but will also form a barrier against it and prevent it from appearing again.

The best feature of using this product is that you won’t have to scrub or wait forever for results – it works in seconds.

You can use it on multiple surfaces both indoors and outdoors. It is ideal for use in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or basement. You can even use it on boats, RVs, grills, and more.

The good thing about this product is that it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals so it won’t damage your surfaces. Plus, it has a fresh scent that will leave your space smelling clean and fresh.

Pros 

• Potent bleach formula – Works within minutes
• Removes black mold and protects against it
• Made in the USA
• Versatile – can be used on multiple non-porous surfaces

Cons 

• Has a strong odor and creates fumes
• Not safe to be used around children and pets
• Does not work well on silicone and may damage the paint

3. Concrobium Mold Control

It is a three-in-one solution that cleans, prevents and eliminates mold and mildew stains. The active ingredient in Concrobium Mold Control is a patented molecule that encapsulates and crushes the whole spore which means there’s no chance for regrowth. Plus, it leaves behind an invisible antimicrobial shield.

It is versatile enough to be used on multiple surfaces such as drywall, wood, tile, grout, concrete, fabric, and more. Additionally, unlike other cleaners, this one is safe to use around children and pets and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.

Pros 

• Covers stains perfectly – no scrubbing or rinsing needed
• Non-toxic, free from bleach and harsh chemical
• EPA verified mold remover
• Odorless solution
• Can be used on multiple surfaces

Cons 

• The bottle does not have a spray hose
• A bit expensive solution

What Are The Best Natural Products To Kill Mold?

While there are many products available in the market that can effectively kill mold, not all of them are safe to use. If you’re looking for a natural and safe solution then here are some of the best options:

1. Harris Cleaning Vinegar

Harris has been around since 1992 and has a range of high-quality home cleaning products. This product is made of 100% pure vinegar that can kill mold and mildew from any surface quickly and easily.

It is a powerful cleaner that will take care of even the dirtiest surfaces. It’s safe to use on almost anything such as tile, grout, glass, concrete, brick, or fabric and is easy to apply.

Unlike natural vinegar, it contains essential oils that give off a very pleasant smell.

If you’re looking for a natural cleaning solution that can keep your home mold, grease, and dust-free then I highly recommend this product.

Pros 

• No harsh chemicals included
• Pleasant scent – smells like oranges
• All-purpose cleaning vinegar – use on anything that needs cleaning from kitchen accessories to bathroom walls to jewelry or anything you name it

Cons 

• A bit soapy
• Can be a bit expensive solution for some people

2. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

No household is complete without baking soda. It has a very strong cleaning power but is gentle enough to use on multiple surfaces without damaging them. Additionally, it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or fumes, making it a safe option to use in DIY projects.

Moreover, Arm & Hammer is another trusted brand that has been around for years. The positive feedback from its customers shows the effectiveness of this product. I highly recommend this baking soda because it’s quite an effective yet affordable solution to your mold woes.

Pros

• Eliminates mildew quickly
• Can be used as a deodorant
• Multi-purpose household cleaner – an all-in-one solution
• No-toxic and safe to be used around children and pets
• Easy to clean – no to very less scrubbing required
• Reasonable price

Cons

• It has a fragrance – Might not be suitable for scent sensitive people

How to Use White Vinegar to Kill Mold? 

White vinegar is one of my favorites. Is a very versatile product that can be used in a variety of ways. Mold removal is no exception.

Make Sure You Have What You Need:

• A clean, empty spray bottle
• White vinegar (distilled is best but any type will do)
• A scrub brush
• Towel or cloth
• A bucket of clean, warm water
• A funnel for pouring white vinegar (optional)
• Gloves
• A breathing mask
• Googles

Step 1: Safety First: Make Sure To Protect Yourself 

As with any cleaning project, it’s important to take the proper safety precautions before you begin. When dealing with mold, it’s especially important to wear gloves, a breathing mask, and goggles. This will protect you from coming into contact with mold spores which can be harmful to your health.

Note: If you are exposed to mild acid for an extended period, it can harm your skin. Plus, using an N-95 mask is recommended.

Step 2: Prepare Your Solution 

For this, you’ll need a clean, empty spray bottle and distilled white vinegar. If you’re using a funnel, pour the vinegar into the bottle. If not, be very careful not to spill any as you pour it in. You can dilute the vinegar with water if you choose, but undiluted vinegar is more effective.

Step 3: Soak The Moldy Area With Vinegar 

Spray the vinegar onto the spot where you see a mold problem. Make sure you spray it an inch or two beyond the area where you observe mold. This will help prevent it from spreading and will also eliminate any mold lying beneath the surface.

Let the suspected area soak in vinegar for about an hour and allow it to completely kill the spores.

Step 4: Scrub Away With A Brush

Take your scrub brush and give the area a good scrub. This will help remove any leftover residue. If the mold is particularly stubborn, you may need to let the vinegar solution sit for a little longer.

Keep a bucket of water beside and make sure to rinse your brush. If you do not rinse it often, you may leave stains and trace amounts of mold on the surface you are cleaning.

Additionally, this step may also take some time and will most likely be messy. Wearing gloves and an apron or old clothes while scrubbing is a good idea.

Pro Tip: Once you're finished scrubbing, wash your clothes with warm water. Add 1/4 cup of vinegar to your laundry to further ensure all the lingering spores are killed.

Step 5: Wipe Down Or Rinse 

Once you’re finished scrubbing, take a clean cloth or towel and wipe down the area to remove any residual vinegar. If the mold problem is particularly bad, you may need to repeat steps 3-5.

You may also rinse with clean water, but this isn’t always necessary. In some cases, it’s actually better to leave the vinegar solution on the surface to create a protective shield.

Step 6: Dry And Ventilate 

Be sure to dry the area completely before you put anything back in place. Leaving any moisture behind will only create a ripe environment for the mold to grow in the future.

Furthermore, open any windows in the room to create ventilation. This will ensure that the fumes from the vinegar don’t build up and become overwhelming.

Pro Tip: Turning on a fan or using a dehumidifier will help speed up the drying process.

How to Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Control Mold Growth?

There are several ways to use vinegar and baking soda:

1. Use a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar in a spray bottle
2. Mix equal parts of water, vinegar, and baking soda in a spray bottle 
3. Make a paste out of the water, vinegar, and baking soda
4. You can use straight vinegar or straight baking soda

What You’ll Need:

• Water
• Empty Cups
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Spray bottle
• Scrub brush

Using Baking Soda to Kill Mold

Baking soda is a natural antibacterial. When used alone, it can be effective at killing and preventing mold growth.

1. Combine equal parts water and baking soda to make a paste.
2. Apply the paste. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. This will give the baking soda time to kill the mold spores.
3. Use a scrub brush to scrub the paste into the affected surface.
4. Use a cloth to wipe the space, then ventilate the area well to let it dry completely.

Using Baking Soda Together With Vinegar

Sometimes using vinegar solution does not remove the mold completely. Alternatively, you can use baking soda + vinegar solution for more effective results.

1. In a cup, mix equal parts water, vinegar, and baking soda.
2. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake it gently.
3. Spray it heavily on the mold and allow it to sit for 30 -45 minutes.
4. Use a brush to scrub away the residue

Note: if there is a strong odor and dark color to your mold, please have it assessed by a professional, for your safety.

Vinegar Or Bleach: Which Is Better to Remove Mold?

There are several ways to clean mold, but the most common and effective methods are either using vinegar or bleach. But which is better?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors:

1. The type of mold you’re dealing with
2. The surface the mold is growing on
3. Your personal preference

Similarities 

• Both bleach and vinegar are household products you likely already have in your home.
• Both are affordable and effective.
• Vinegar is a naturally antimicrobial substance that can kill 82% of mold species.
• Bleach is also an effective mold killer. It can kill up to 99.9% of mold species.

Differences 

• Vinegar is non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets.
• Bleach is very toxic and can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and other health issues. It is ineffective on a porous surface because the chlorine does not come in contact with the mold easily and hence does not kill mold spores. Moreover, bleach traps moisture inside porous materials causing the mold problem to be even worse.
• Unlike vinegar, bleach can damage carpets and upholstery,

Related questions

When to call Professionals to remove mold from your home?

If you have a serious mold problem, or if it is black or emits a strong odor, it’s best to call in a professional. They will be able to assess the situation and take care of it safely and effectively.

Does hydrogen peroxide kill mold?

Hydrogen peroxide is a common disinfectant. It is effective at killing a wide variety of mold species, including black mold. This solution is more effective on hard surfaces such as tile and glass.

Does vinegar kill black mold?

Vinegar is another great mold killer and can be used on both porous and non-porous surfaces. It can kill up to 82% of mold species. Additionally, it does not release any harmful toxins.

Does apple cider vinegar kill mold?

Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used for this purpose. It is a natural disinfectant because of its antimicrobial properties. Just apply a generous amount of ACV and let it soak for about 1-2 hours. Later wipe off with a clean cloth.

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