Mold growing in homes or properties is a stressful issue for most homeowners. It affects not only the structural integrity of the home but the health as well. So to clear your home from mold, we will be sharing insights from one of the most frequently asked questions, “Does vinegar kill mold?”.

In the old days, since vinegar is a mild acid, it was used to clean ulcerations, treat sores, and fight infections. Nowadays, vinegar serves as a good and safer alternative for home disinfecting due to its antifungal and antibacterial effects. 

Moreover, vinegar has been an effective solution in getting rid of and preventing molds in your shower, kitchen, and other areas of your home. Vinegar can solve this issue for you as long as mold doesn’t cover a large area.

Facts About Vinegar 

• Vinegar consists mainly of water and acetic acid. The acetic acid is produced through a fermentation process of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. And this can take from a few months to one year.
• Vinegar can disrupt and stop mold growth and other organisms because of its strong pH level of 2.5.
• Types of Vinegar: white, apple cider, rice, wine, malt, balsamic, black, cane, and red vinegar.
• White vinegar is the most common and effective choice for mold. Although other vinegar like wine or apple cider vinegar has acetic acid, its sugar content promotes the growth of mold.
• Since vinegar has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is known to kill 82 percent of mold species including mold spores, and prevent mold outbreaks in the future.
• White vinegar is perfect for cleaning porous surfaces such as concrete, tiles, drywall, and wood.

 Does Vinegar Kill Mold?

Well, the answer is—Yes! Vinegar kills mold due to its acid content which has 5%-8% acetic acid. Therefore, it creates a harsh environment for mold spores and can fight off mold effectively though not all mold species. Moreover, vinegar can clean and disinfect surfaces and objects.

Using Vinegar to Eliminate Mold

Check the following steps on how to use vinegar in cleaning mold:

1. Wear your protective gear or equipment to prevent any irritation. Though white vinegar is an organic compound, it can irritate your skin after long exposure. So to prevent this, use non-porous or rubber gloves.

2. Use a spray bottle where you can pour undiluted white vinegar. Never dilute the vinegar with water so as not to reduce its effectiveness.

Warning: Never mix vinegar with bleach because you will end up with chlorine which can be dangerous.

3. Spray vinegar directly on the affected surfaces or areas. Make sure to cover the entire area with white vinegar. When a spray bottle is not possible, just soak a small cloth or towel in vinegar and use it to apply onto the mold-infested area. 

Let the vinegar stay for two hours to allow it to seep into the mold’s membranous areas. This will begin to break them apart. 

4. Begin to scrub or brush down the affected area. Dip the brush in warm water before scrubbing. Make sure that your brush could reach even the hidden corners of the room and get rid of mold.

5. Some cleaning experts agree that baking soda solution is good to brush the mold. To make the solution, just mix one teaspoon of baking soda in two cups of water.

Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are also good at removing molds but never mix them in one bottle or container. Combining them can create a corrosive acid that can irritate and harm the lungs, eyes, throat, and nose. You can use both in succession on a surface.

6. After removing the mold and cleaning up the surface, rinse off the surface or area with warm water. If there are still remaining mold stains, repeat numbers 3 to 5 until the stains are completely gone.

Ensure that windows are open to help with cross-ventilation.

The Best Time to Call the Experts for Mold Damage 

Seeing mold in your home can be a source of stress especially if you are mostly concerned about your family’s health. These health risks include sinus issues, coughing, fatigue, and even allergic reactions.

It’s hard to deal with mold especially if it has already spread in your home. This is the best time to call the experts from Superior Restoration. They can effectively kill black mold and other types of mold in your home especially if mold infestation covers a 10 square feet area or larger. 

 We will give you peace of mind. Please don’t hesitate to contact our local office today, Water Damage Ontario for mold removal services. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.