How to Clean Mold and Mildew

What You'll Need

• Soap-Man Power Bleach
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Spray bottle
• Scrub brush
• Rubber gloves
• N95 mask

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Protect yourself

   Wear rubber gloves, an N95 mask, and eye protection. Open windows for ventilation. Mold spores are harmful when inhaled.

2. 2

   Spray the mold

   For non-porous surfaces, spray diluted Power Bleach and let it sit for 15 minutes. For porous surfaces, spray undiluted white vinegar.

3. 3

   Scrub the surface

   Scrub the mold with a stiff brush. For stubborn mold, apply a baking soda paste, scrub, and rinse.

4. 4

   Dry completely

   Dry the area thoroughly with fans or dehumidifiers. Mold returns if moisture remains.

Pro Tips

• TIPVinegar kills 82% of mold species and is better than bleach for porous surfaces like wood and drywall.
• TIPBleach kills surface mold on non-porous surfaces but doesn't penetrate porous materials where mold roots grow.
• TIPIf mold covers more than 10 square feet, the EPA recommends professional remediation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing bleach on porous surfaces like drywall, which kills surface mold but doesn't reach the roots. Mold returns within weeks.
• XMixing bleach and vinegar or bleach and ammonia, which creates toxic gases.
• XPainting over mold without treating it, which just hides the problem while mold continues to grow underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions