How to Clean Mould With Vinegar
Mould is a common household problem, and it can have serious health consequences if not addressed. If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to clean mould from your home, look no further than vinegar.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cleaning mould with vinegar, including the necessary items, step-by-step instructions, and tips for mould prevention.
If your mould problem is severe, you will need to consider enlisting the expertise of a professional mould cleaning service, such as Absolute Mould Removal’s affordable mould cleaning service in Perth.
Items You Need to Clean Mould With Vinegar
If you have encountered mould in your home, don’t worry! Distilled white vinegar is a natural, non-toxic, and effective solution that can help you tackle mould effectively. Below is an overview of what you’ll need to get started:| Gloves | Protective gear | Ventilation |
|---|---|---|
| Protect your hands with gloves while cleaning mould. Choose gloves made of rubber, latex, or nitrile to prevent any possible allergic reaction or skin irritation from touching the mould or the vinegar solution. | Wearing protective gear, such as safety goggles and a face mask, are essential to prevent any mould spores or splashes of vinegar from getting into your eyes and/or respiratory tract. | Ensure that the area you’re working in is well-ventilated to minimise inhaling mould spores or vinegar fumes. Open windows, turn on exhaust fans or use a fan to circulate the air in the room. |
| Distilled white vinegar | White vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that can fight and kill mould with its high acidic content. Be sure to use distilled white vinegar as other types of vinegar might not be as effective. |
| Spray bottle | A spray bottle will allow for even distribution and easy application of vinegar to the affected areas. |
| Scrub brush or sponge | You’ll need a scrub brush or sponge to get rid of stubborn mould. Soft-bristled brushes should be used for delicate surfaces like fabric or wood, while stiff-bristled brushes work best on tiles, grout mould cleaning, and other sturdy materials. |
| Paper towels or microfibre cloth | Have a stack of clean paper towels ready to wipe away the mould loosened during the cleaning process. You could also use a microfibre cloth to ensure a thorough cleaning without causing damage. |
Steps to Clean Mould with White Vinegar
Prepare the Vinegar Solution
Decant undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle. Other online resources may recommend using diluted vinegar, but this will reduce its effectiveness against mould.Apply Vinegar to Mould-Affected Areas
Generously spray the vinegar onto the mould-affected surfaces. Cover the entire mouldy area, along with a few inches around it to prevent the mould from spreading. Leave the vinegar on the surface for at least an hour.Scrub the Mould Away
After letting the vinegar sit for an hour, use your scrub brush or sponge to scrub away the mould. Be gentle on delicate surfaces and avoid damaging the material underneath the mould.Wipe Away the Mould
Use your microfibre cloth or paper towels to wipe away the mould and any remaining vinegar. Make sure the surface is clean and free of mould.Rinse the Area
If necessary, rinse the area with warm water to remove any vinegar residue. Don’t wet the surface too much as this will increase the moisture levels and may trigger mould regrowth. Be sure to dry the surface thoroughly afterwards to prevent any mould regrowth.Ventilate and Let the Surface Dry
Keep the area well-ventilated to speed up the drying process and minimise odours from the vinegar. Use a fan to increase air circulation in the room, and use dehumidifiers and extractor/exhaust fans if possible.
Tips for Using Vinegar in Cleaning Mould
- Some people find the smell of vinegar too strong during the cleaning process. To mask the vinegar smell, you can add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree oil, lavender oil, or lemon oil to the vinegar solution. These essential oils are also known for their antifungal and antibacterial properties, providing additional benefits to the cleaning process.
- Identify and eliminate the cause of mould growing in your home; this could be a burst or leaking pipe, or even water damage from a flood. You’ll need to fix the source of the problem or the mould will keep growing back. If you can, address the cause of the water damage or excess moisture before you start removing the mould.
- Different surfaces require different cleaning solutions, so make sure using vinegar is suitable for the surface you’re working on. Vinegar works well on both porous and non-porous surfaces; however, according to Homes&Gardens, vinegar should not be used on hardwood floors, stone countertops or floors, washing machines, or dishwashers. If you need to remove mould from any of these, it’s best to purchase products specifically made for that material, or consult a professional mould removal service.
- Mould spreads very easily, so always replace or dispose of any contaminated materials properly.
- Maintain humidity levels below 60% to prevent future mould growth.
Remember, if the mould infestation is extensive, or you’re unsure about how to handle it, it’s best to consult with a professional mould remediation company. Call our friendly professional team on 1300 902 362 or make a booking online.
Vinegar Mould Removal FAQs
Does vinegar kill mould and mildew permanently?
Yes. Vinegar kills common household mould, but it may not work on every type of mould.
Can vinegar kill black mould?
Yes. Vinegar can kill just over 80% of household mould, including black mould.
Can I mix vinegar and baking soda?
Yes. This is an effective mould-cleaning solution, which is often applied as a paste and left on the mould for about 15 minutes.
How long does it take vinegar to kill mould?
One hour, which is why you should cover the mould-affected area in white vinegar and let it work into the mould for at least 60 minutes before rinsing or wiping off the vinegar.
Can I leave vinegar on mould overnight?
This is not recommended. Vinegar can damage the material under the mould if left on for too long.
Is vinegar better than bleach for mould?
Vinegar is much better than bleach for removing mould because vinegar actually kills the mould. Bleach will only remove the colour of the mould, and it will eventually grow back. Moreover, bleach is a dangerous and toxic chemical, whereas vinegar is not.