DIY Builds
Photo by Ekrulila Pexels Logo Photo: Ekrulila

How long to leave vinegar on mold?

Step 2: Apply the Vinegar Spray the mold directly, fully saturating it with the vinegar, and allow the vinegar to sit for at least an hour. Don't be tempted to scrub or rinse; the mold needs time to completely absorb the vinegar.

How do I make my wheelchair accessible in my bedroom?
How do I make my wheelchair accessible in my bedroom?

How to Make Your Bedroom More Wheelchair Accessible Doors and Doorways. ... Remove Impediments. ... Install Bed Lifts. ... Handrails and Grab Bars....

Read More »
What are the most insulated doors?
What are the most insulated doors?

Fiberglass. Fiberglass wins for the choice of the most insulative exterior door choice. While they fill a fiberglass door with foam much like a...

Read More »

A Guide to Cleaning Mold with Vinegar

Mold isn’t always bad. After all, without mold, we wouldn’t have penicillin and other antibiotics, mushrooms, or many varieties of cheese. But the mold you might find growing in your home isn’t usually the good kind. In fact, it’s often the kind that triggers respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies or even causes serious illness. Mold thrives in warm, dark, damp environments, so places like the shower, dishwasher, and washing machine can see mold growth from time to time. While a significant mold infestation is best handled by a professional restoration company, you have a powerful weapon against occasional mold growth in your kitchen cupboard: white vinegar. This humble household staple can kill more than 80% of mold species, including hazardous black mold. In fact, it’s more effective than bleach, which only kills surface mold and can actually make matters worse. Follow along as our cleaning experts from Merry Maids® explain how to kill mold with vinegar and keep it from coming back.

Using White Distilled Vinegar to Kill Mold

White vinegar is most commonly found with 5% acidity and works best undiluted, so don’t worry about mixing it with water first. However, because it is a mild acid, avoid using vinegar on aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone, as it may damage or cause etching in the finish.

Before you begin, gather the supplies you’ll need:

White vinegar

Empty spray bottle

Baking soda

Scrub brush or scouring pad

Mask, gloves, and goggles

Step 1: Protect Yourself

Direct contact with mold can be dangerous, especially if any spores become airborne during the cleaning process. Additionally, vinegar’s acidic nature can be irritating to the skin. For safety’s sake, wear non-porous gloves, goggles or safety glasses, and a mask that covers your mouth and nose.

Step 2: Apply the Vinegar

Pour enough undiluted white vinegar into the empty spray bottle to cover the area of mold growth. Spray the mold directly, fully saturating it with the vinegar, and allow the vinegar to sit for at least an hour. Don’t be tempted to scrub or rinse; the mold needs time to completely absorb the vinegar.

Step 3: Create a Baking Soda Scrub

Can I put a car in a shed?
Can I put a car in a shed?

However, you can use a shed for single vehicle storage. Sheds do come in large enough sizes to fit small vehicles comfortably. A 12x24 shed offers...

Read More »
How much will an 80lb bag of concrete cover?
How much will an 80lb bag of concrete cover?

An 80 pound bag of concrete, 2″ thick, will cover 3.6 square feet. An 80-pound bag of concrete, 4″ thick, will cover 1.8 square feet. An 80 pound...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

After an hour or more, you can use a baking soda solution to scrub away any remaining mold and stains. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and two cups of water to an empty spray bottle (if you don’t have an extra spray bottle, pour out any leftover vinegar and use that one). Shake vigorously until thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Scrub Away Remaining Mold

Spray the baking soda solution directly onto the mold and any mold stains and scrub with the scrub brush or scouring pad. Baking soda acts as an abrasive agent, helping to dislodge persistent mold and remove stains. After scrubbing, rinse the area with clean warm water. Make sure you are still wearing your protective gear for this step to prevent unnecessary exposure.

Step 5: Finish with a Final Spray

After scrubbing and rinsing the area clean, give the area one last spray of vinegar. Alternatively, if you’re using one spray bottle and still have some baking soda solution left, feel free to spritz that instead. Allow the area to air dry. This last shot will help eradicate any lingering mold and prevent it from growing back. Don’t worry about the strong vinegar odor—it will fade on its own after a couple hours.

Preventing Mold Growth with Vinegar

You don’t have to wait until you spot mold growth to use vinegar against it. For warm, damp areas prone to mold, like the bathroom or laundry room, add vinegar to your cleaning routine to stop an infestation before it starts. Store a spray bottle of vinegar in the bathroom and mist it over the shower stall after taking a shower, or add vinegar to your mopping solution to prevent mold growth on the floor. Looking for a clean you can see and feel? Reach out to Merry Maids® for an estimate on house cleaning services and take back your time.

How close to my neighbor can I build a house?
How close to my neighbor can I build a house?

The building distance limit depends on the structure you intend on building. It usually ranges between five to 15 feet. It is important to...

Read More »
What can I put in my yard to keep snakes away?
What can I put in my yard to keep snakes away?

Ammonia is a common snake repellent. Snakes hate the smell of ammonia and won't come near it. Soak rags in ammonia and place them in unsealed...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
What works better than landscape fabric?
What works better than landscape fabric?

Best Landscaping Fabric Alternatives Wood chips. Bark mulches. Pine needles. Shredded leaves. Grass clippings. Compost. Newspaper. Cardboard. More...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What smells do mice dislike?
What smells do mice dislike?

Peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, pepper and cloves. Mice are said to hate the smell of these. Lightly soak some cotton balls in oils from one or...

Read More »