Is vinegar or bleach better for killing mold?

Is Vinegar More Effective Than Bleach at Killing Mold? Vinegar truly is better than bleach at killing mold. The EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill or remove mold, except in special circumstances. In most cases, “a background level of mold spores will remain” after the application of bleach.

familyhandyman.com - What to Know About Cleaning Mold with Vinegar | The Family Handyman

Can you put a plastic shed base on grass?

How do you prepare ground for a plastic shed base? Choose an area that's suitable for your shed base: While you can lay it on grass, you should...

Last updated Aug 22, 2021

Is a room addition worth it?

Merging the new with the old, expanding your home is an excellent opportunity to increase the living space, functionality and the value of your...

Last updated Apr 19, 2022

Promotion

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

Learn why white vinegar removes mold better than bleach.

Looking for a way to get rid of mold? Then, pick up some vinegar, which is one of the most powerful mold killers around. According to ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning, the mild acid in vinegar kills about 82% of known molds and can help prevent future outbreaks. You can clean small amounts of mold with vinegar yourself, but know when to call professionals. Besides a crisis, such as a flooded home, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises hiring professionals when the moldy patch covers about 10 square feet or larger.

Is Vinegar More Effective Than Bleach at Killing Mold?

Vinegar truly is better than bleach at killing mold. The EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill or remove mold, except in special circumstances. In most cases, “a background level of mold spores will remain” after the application of bleach. “Bleach only kills surface mold, not the membrane underneath,” according to ServiceMaster. “That means the mold will grow back. In fact, recognizing the bleach as a ‘threat,’ the mold will grow back even stronger.” When bleach is used on porous surfaces like drywall or wood, mold membranes will move deeper into the surface to avoid the chemical.

What Kind of Vinegar Should You Use to Kill Mold?

First, save the apple cider vinegar for salad dressing. To clean mold, use regular white distilled vinegar, typically sold with five percent acidity. You can also use “cleaning vinegar” with its six percent acidity. Both are effective at killing mold. Generic brands are as effective as name brands. Cleaning vinegar is sold online and at many home improvement, discount and grocery stores.

How Long Does it Take for Vinegar to Kill Mold?

Depending on the amount of mold, let the vinegar sit on the mold at least 60 minutes before wiping or scrubbing.

How Do You Use Vinegar to Clean Mold?

To safely and effectively clean a small area of mold, ServiceMaster advises the following: Add full-strength white distilled vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on the mold. Let it sit for at least an hour before wiping away mold. If you need follow-up scrubbing, combine one teaspoon baking soda with two cups of water. Pour it into a spray bottle, shake and spray it onto the mold. Scrub with a brush or scouring pad. Rinse with warm water, then spray again with the vinegar and let it dry. To protect yourself from mold and its spores, wear gloves, a mask and goggles. Gloves also prevent any skin irritation from the vinegar.

Where Not to Use Vinegar to Kill Mold

Because of vinegar’s acidity, it can damage some surfaces. We don’t recommended using vinegar on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron or aluminum.

Shop Now

Can firewood get moldy?

The way we stack, and where we stack our firewood is extremely important in ensuring the proper conditions so mold cannot grow. That's why it is...

Last updated Apr 14, 2021

What is the average length of a garage?

A standard one-car garage is between 12′ and 16′ wide and between 20′ and 24′ long, for a total of between 240 sq ft and 384 sq ft, on average. A...

Last updated Feb 8, 2021

Promotion

What type of foundation is best for a shed?

What is the best shed foundation? A gravel pad (crushed stone) with a lumber perimeter is the best shed foundation option in most cases. We recommend gravel shed foundations because they provide a stable base for your shed to rest on and do a great job of draining water away from the bottom of your shed.

siteprep.com - Shed Foundations: The 13 Top Options - Site Prep

Sheds have exploded in popularity over the past several decades. From being simple, DIY outbuildings, sheds have evolved to include workshops, offices, and even living space. What do all these buildings have in common? They all need some type of shed foundation to support them! Thankfully, the number of shed foundation options is beginning to catch up to the variety of sheds. Here are the 13 top shed foundations that you should consider for your outbuilding. However, if you’re not interested in reading the full list, we’ll save you some time and give you our recommendation for the best shed foundation right away.

What smell do spiders love?

While human food is not in their natural food chain, spiders are easily attracted to human food scents. Also, the insects that spiders eat seek out...

Last updated Jun 6, 2018