How to Clean Mold

What You'll Need

• White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda
• Stiff brush
• Spray bottle
• Rubber gloves
• Mask

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Wear protective gear

   Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning mold. Mold spores can cause respiratory issues.

2. 2

   Spray with vinegar

   Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and spray directly onto the mold. Vinegar kills 82% of mold species.

3. 3

   Let sit for 1 hour

   Allow the vinegar to penetrate and kill the mold. The longer the contact time, the more effective.

4. 4

   Scrub with a stiff brush

   Scrub the moldy area with a stiff brush. For grout or porous surfaces, scrub harder to penetrate the pores.

5. 5

   Apply baking soda paste for stubborn spots

   For severe mold, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply, let dry, then scrub and rinse.

Pro Tips

• TIPVinegar is more effective than bleach on porous surfaces because it penetrates deeper. Bleach only kills surface mold.
• TIPNever mix bleach and vinegar -- this creates toxic chlorine gas.
• TIPIf the mold area is larger than 10 square feet, contact a professional mold remediation service.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XMixing bleach and vinegar, which produces toxic chlorine gas.
• XUsing bleach on porous surfaces, which only kills surface mold and lets it return through the porous material.
• XCleaning mold without protective gear, which can cause respiratory issues from spores.

Frequently Asked Questions