How to Use Vinegar to Get Rid of Mold: What Works (& What Doesn’t)

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Plus, which surfaces to use vinegar on & which to avoid
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Black mold and other common household molds aren't just unsightly, they're also bad for your health. If you're not keen on using harsh chemicals to clean it up, vinegar is a natural, non-toxic alternative that actually works. Keep reading to learn how to kill mold with vinegar safely , where to use (and where not to use ) vinegar to remove mold in your home, how to prevent mold growth , and more. We'll also include helpful tips from professional house cleaning and mold remediation experts.

Does white vinegar kill mold?

Yes, white vinegar can effectively kill off mold. To remove mold, spray undiluted distilled white vinegar directly onto the moldy area and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Scrub the mold away with warm water and a brush suited to the size of the area. Lastly, wipe the surface clean with paper towels.

Section 1 of 7:

Removing Mold with Vinegar

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  1. Vinegar is a natural and organic material, but long-term exposure to it can cause irritation to your skin, eyes, and lungs. Protect your hands and wrists by wearing long rubber gloves. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask to guard your eyes, nose, mouth, and throat against the vinegar fumes. [1]
    • For added protection, wear an N95 mask instead of a regular dust mask. N95 masks filter out mold spores and other small particles, so you don't have to breathe them in.
  2. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted distilled white vinegar and spray the moldy area thoroughly. Be generous in how much you use to be sure that there is enough vinegar to break up the mold. [2]
    EXPERT TIP

    "If you use vinegar to kill mold in the bathroom, don't spray it on a shower or on tiles made of unsealed stone, as it could cause etching."

    Marcus Shields

    House Cleaning Professional
    Marcus is the owner of Maid Easy, a local residential cleaning company in Phoenix, Arizona. His cleaning roots date back to his grandmother who cleaned homes for valley residents in the 60’s through the 70’s. After working in tech for over a decade, he came back to the cleaning industry and opened Maid Easy to pass his family’s tried and true methods to home dwellers across the Phoenix Metro Area.
    Marcus Shields
    House Cleaning Professional
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  3. House cleaning professional Bridgett Price says allowing the vinegar to soak into the mold makes it easier to clean up and "takes a lot less elbow grease." [3]
  4. Find a brush that is the appropriate size for the job. You may want a large scrub brush to cover more surface area, or a small toothbrush to reach into cracks and corners. Next, scrub the area of mold that has been sitting in the vinegar until the mold is gone. Clean your brush off in a bucket filled with warm water as you work through the moldy area. [4]
  5. After removing the mold from the surface, dampen paper towels and use them to wipe the area clean. Allow the area to dry, then check it for lingering mold spores or stains. If you still see some mold, repeat the steps above until it's completely gone. [5]
    • If the vinegar alone isn't working, mix 1 tsp (5.69 g) of baking soda with 2 cups (0.5 L) of water in a spray bottle, then spray the solution onto the mold. Scrub the area with a brush, then wipe it clean with paper towels.
    • Keep in mind that the vinegar will likely leave an odor, but it should fade within a few hours.
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Section 2 of 7:

Where to Use Vinegar to Kill Mold

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  1. Use vinegar on moldy glass, plastic, porcelain, stainless steel, or vinyl. Undiluted vinegar is safe to use on almost any material that isn't wood, granite, marble, or some other type of stone. Spray it on plastic, stainless steel, and glass to kill mold on these surfaces. You can also apply it to mirrors, non-stone tiles, grout, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers. [6] Cleaning guru and chief hygiene professional at Pro Housekeepers, Jennifer Rodriguez, says that vinegar is even safe to use on vinyl floors. [7]
    • For regular, everyday cleaning, use a cleaning solution made of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water. The water will dilute the vinegar so it's not as harsh.
Section 3 of 7:

Where Not to Use Vinegar to Kill Mold

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  1. Avoid using vinegar to kill mold on wood, granite, or marble surfaces. Undiluted vinegar can scratch or break down the finish on certain materials over time. For that reason, experts don't recommend using it to clean mold from hardwood or stone floors or countertops, especially if they're unsealed. Avoid cleaning wooden furniture or baseboards with it for the same reason. [8]
    • Vinegar is also not an effective cleaning agent for moldy wood. According to certified mold assessor and home inspector from Sonic Home Inspections, Mike Kapur, there are only 3 ways to remove mold from wood. Those methods include: [9]
      • Sanding the moldy area away
      • Cutting out the moldy wood and replacing it with new material
      • Painting the moldy wood with fiber lock paint to seal it in, so it will die off.
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Section 4 of 7:

When to Call a Professional

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  1. Call a professional if the mold covers more than 10 sq ft (0.93 m 2 ). In general, if the mold covers less than 10 sq ft (0.93 m 2 ) of space on a surface, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it's safe to tackle it yourself. [10] Consider calling a professional mold remediation service to kill mold in areas that you're not sure how to clean or repair yourself, like wood or stone.
    • If you have serious health issues (like a respiratory problem such as asthma), that's also a great reason to hire a professional to come and remove the mold. That way, you don't have to expose yourself to the mold any further than necessary.
Section 5 of 7:

Other Mold-Killing Household Cleaners

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  1. 1
    Borax Borax is a type of salt considered safe for household use as long as you don't inhale or ingest it. It kills mold by disrupting its pH level, allowing it to break down. Mix 1 cup (204 grams) Borax with 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water in a spray bottle, then spray it on the moldy area. Brush the solution into the mold, then wipe the area with paper towels. [11]
  2. 2
    Hydrogen peroxide 3% hydrogen peroxide is usually used for cleaning wounds. But its antifungal and antibacterial properties also make it a great household mold remover! Spray it directly onto the mold, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe the mold away with a damp paper towel. [12]
  3. 3
    Lemon juice Lemon juice isn't as effective a mold removal agent as vinegar, but some people like to use it because it's all-natural and leaves a pleasing scent. To start the cleaning process, rinse the moldy area with a microfiber cloth or brush dipped in mild soap and warm water. Then spray or squeeze lemon juice onto the mold and scrub it. When you're done scrubbing, wipe up any residue. Repeat the process if mold remains. [13]
  4. 4
    Tea tree oil Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal agent that can kill mold. Add 2  tsp (9.9 ml) of the oil to 2  c (470 mL) of water or 2  c (470 mL) of distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Then spray it directly onto the mold and let it penetrate for 1 hour. Scrub or wipe the area to finish cleaning it. Clean the area again if you still see mold. [14]
    • Make sure the tea tree oil contains at least 30% Terpinen-4-ol and at least 10-15% Cineole.
  5. 5
    Bleach To kill mold from non-porous surfaces like glass, plastic, and metal, housecleaning expert Joe Tavarez suggests using bleach. Bleach is a chemical cleaning agent that gets rid of surface-level mold. However, many people don't like to use it because it produces toxic fumes that can make it harder to breathe. It's also not food-safe.
    • Make a bleach-based mold-killing agent by combining 1  c (240 mL) of household bleach with 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water.
    • Never mix bleach with vinegar or any other cleaning agent! The combination will produce extremely toxic fumes that could burn your skin, eyes, nose, and throat. [15]
    • How soon can you use vinegar after using bleach? After cleaning a surface with bleach, rinse it thoroughly with water and let it dry completely. Then you can safely re-clean the surface with vinegar. Use the same process when you clean the surface with vinegar first. [16]
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Section 6 of 7:

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home

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  1. Spray vinegar and leave it to dry to help prevent future mold growth. Once the surface you're cleaning is free of mold, spray it with vinegar, then let it sit to keep the mold from returning. Let it air dry and don't wash it off. Repeat this process every 3-5 days to control the mold and prevent it from growing back (or expanding), until you no longer see any growth. [17]
    • Mop your non-stone tile floors with vinegar to prevent mold growth in damp areas, like your bathroom.
  2. 2
    Inspect humid areas and pipes in your home for signs of mold. Get ahead of mold growth by staying vigilant. Check rooms like your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room periodically. Pay special attention to fixtures or appliances that use water, like dishwashers, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and showers. Inspect the pipes inside the walls, underneath the sinks, and below the house at least once a year.
    • Pay attention to how your home smells, too. If you detect an abnormal, musty scent, that could be a sign that mold is growing somewhere inside. [18]
  3. Leaks can occur in your roof or your plumbing and seep in through the ceiling or windows. Clean any spills and repair the leaky areas to keep your home dry and free of mold. [19]
    • Check your roof for leaks and repair any problem areas which may be allowing the damp weather into your home. Replace the roof if the damage is widespread.
    • Fix plumbing issues as soon as they happen to prevent water from dripping and spilling in your walls and floors.
    • Check the seals of your windows and replace any that are allowing moisture to get through.
  4. Mold thrives in damp, dark places. Allow air and sunlight into damp spaces as much as possible in order to control mold. Turn on exhaust fans when you are cooking, showering, or doing laundry. [20] Invest in a dehumidifier if you live in a humid area, like near a body of water or in a tropical climate. A dehumidifer can also prevent moisture buildup in areas of your home that lack ventilation. These areas are more likely to be damp and attract mold. [21]
  5. Air conditioners contain drip pans, which gather excess water. Empty and clean this pan regularly to keep mold from forming and blowing into your home. [22]
    • Cut power to the air conditioner before you clean the drain pan.
    • It's easiest to remove the water with a wet/dry vacuum to avoid spilling.
    • After removing the water, scrub away any debris or mold which may have formed in the pan before you return it to the A/C unit.
  6. 6
    Dry out your home as fast as possible after a flood. If your home is ever flooded, do everything you can to dry it out within 24-48 hours. Turn on dehumidifiers and fans, open doors and windows to let in more air, and remove carpets or upholstered furniture that you aren't able to get dry within that time frame. [23]
    • Similarly, if you spill water or another liquid anywhere in your home, clean it up and dry the affected area as soon as you notice it.
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Section 7 of 7:

Does vinegar kill mold?

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  1. Vinegar is thought to kill 82% of mold species, including black mold. Aside from Stachybotrys (black mold), the most common household molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention & Control (CDC). [24] Vinegar is an acid, making it an effective mold-killing agent in most cases. While bleach is stronger, many people prefer using vinegar because it's natural and non-toxic. [25]


Join the Discussion...

How do I safely kill mold?
WikiCheetahRunner104
WikiCheetahRunner104
I think I found some mold in my bathroom recently and am a little worried. I know mold isn't good and stuff like black mold can be pretty dangerous, but I'm really not sure how to tell the difference. Either way, I want it gone sooner than later. Is there anything I can do by myself to clean it up and prevent it from coming back? I'd really love to save some money doing this DIY, but how do I know when it's time to contact a professional?
Mike Kapur
Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections
You can use vinegar, diluted bleach, ammonia, or pretty much any household cleaners that have some kind of moldicide in them. If you have mold in carpet, then steam-cleaning it would be the best way because it will kill mold and also extract it. For mold on wood, you can either sand the wood, paint over it with fiber lock paint that seals the mold off so it dies, or just throw the wood out and replace it.

There’s no specific or special way to kill black mold, but you can get rid of it the same exact way you kill any other type of mold.
WikiAxolotlDancer711
WikiAxolotlDancer711
I agree that household white vinegar is the way to go! Make sure to give it time to soak if you want to maximize the effectiveness of the vinegar treatment. Clean things as thoroughly as you can. While you're cleaning, make sure to use personal protective equipment like a mask and gloves to keep yourself safe. You don't want to inhale black mold.
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  • Question
    Is vinegar or bleach better to remove mold?
    Jonathan Tavarez
    Cleaning Specialist
    Jonathan Tavarez is a Cleaning Specialist based in Tampa, Florida. He is the Founder of Pro Housekeepers, a premium cleaning service catering to residential and commercial clients across the United States. Founded in 2015, Pro Housekeepers uses rigorous training methodologies to ensure high-quality cleaning standards. He has also since founded Germaphobix, a hygiene and sanitization product company, where he leveraged his expertise in the cleaning industry to make innovative products. Jonathan has over nine years of professional cleaning experience and has over six years of experience as the Communications Director for the United Nations Association, Tampa Bay. Jonathan earned a BS in Management and Marketing from the University of South Florida in 2012.
    Jonathan Tavarez
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    The answer depends on the type of surface you need to clean. Both are very effective cleaning agents. Vinegar is able to penetrate porous surfaces much easier than bleach, though, which makes it a far more effective mold-killer than bleach in this scenario.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 21
  • Question
    Is vinegar safe for hardwood floors?
    Jonathan Tavarez
    Cleaning Specialist
    Jonathan Tavarez is a Cleaning Specialist based in Tampa, Florida. He is the Founder of Pro Housekeepers, a premium cleaning service catering to residential and commercial clients across the United States. Founded in 2015, Pro Housekeepers uses rigorous training methodologies to ensure high-quality cleaning standards. He has also since founded Germaphobix, a hygiene and sanitization product company, where he leveraged his expertise in the cleaning industry to make innovative products. Jonathan has over nine years of professional cleaning experience and has over six years of experience as the Communications Director for the United Nations Association, Tampa Bay. Jonathan earned a BS in Management and Marketing from the University of South Florida in 2012.
    Jonathan Tavarez
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It is safe — as long as you use it in a 3 parts water 1 part vinegar ratio —, but I still wouldn't recommend using it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    How much borax do I add to vinegar?
    Community Answer
    Use half a cup of vinegar to each two tablespoons of Borax.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.beyondtoxics.org/wp-content/uploads/GreatNaturalMoldCleaners-Instead-of-Bleach.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.beyondtoxics.org/wp-content/uploads/GreatNaturalMoldCleaners-Instead-of-Bleach.pdf
      3. ↑ Bridgett Price. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://www.beyondtoxics.org/wp-content/uploads/GreatNaturalMoldCleaners-Instead-of-Bleach.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.beyondtoxics.org/wp-content/uploads/GreatNaturalMoldCleaners-Instead-of-Bleach.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.marriedandahouse.com/theblog/everyhing-you-need-to-know-about-cleaning-with-vinegar
      7. ↑ Jennifer Rodriguez. Cleaning Guru & Chief Hygiene Officer, Pro Housekeepers. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/cleaning/things-you-should-never-clean-with-vinegar-distilled-white-vinegar-a3336471803/
      9. ↑ Mike Kapur. Certified Mold Assessor & Home Inspector, Sonic Home Inspections. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
      2. ↑ https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/newsletter/dawg-tracks-safety-talk/2016/dts_16_201606.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.beyondtoxics.org/wp-content/uploads/GreatNaturalMoldCleaners-Instead-of-Bleach.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.beyondtoxics.org/wp-content/uploads/GreatNaturalMoldCleaners-Instead-of-Bleach.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.beyondtoxics.org/wp-content/uploads/GreatNaturalMoldCleaners-Instead-of-Bleach.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/should-i-use-bleach-clean-mold
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bleach-and-vinegar/
      8. ↑ https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/newsletter/dawg-tracks-safety-talk/2016/dts_16_201606.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html
      10. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1047-1&title=preventing-mold-in-your-home
      11. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/mold/brief-guide-mold-moisture-and-your-home
      12. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1047-1&title=preventing-mold-in-your-home
      13. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1047-1&title=preventing-mold-in-your-home
      14. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html
      15. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html
      16. ↑ https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/newsletter/dawg-tracks-safety-talk/2016/dts_16_201606.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To kill mold with vinegar, start by filling a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Then, liberally spray the mold with the vinegar. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can apply the vinegar with a cloth instead. Once the mold is saturated, let the vinegar sit for 1 hour. After an hour, use a scrub brush and warm water to scrub the mold off. When you're finished, wipe down the surface with warm water and let it dry. To learn how to stop the mold from coming back, scroll down!

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