Mold Killer – How to Choose the Right One For Your Home

A powerful fungicide that kills and removes mould, and totally prevents re-growth in one application. It doesn’t contain bleach and is safe to use on most surfaces.

Mould is more than just unsightly – it can cause headaches and breathing problems. It also releases mycotoxins that are dangerous to your health.

1. Vinegar

Using white vinegar is an effective and affordable way to kill mildew and mold. It is also a good method of prevention in damp areas around the home. Vinegar is able to penetrate deep into surfaces where other cleaners like bleach cannot, killing around 82% of mold species.

Vinegar is best used as a spot treatment, rather than an ongoing cleaning solution. It is important to open windows and use kitchen, bathroom and laundry exhaust fans during the cleaning process to allow for adequate ventilation. It is also important to wear protective gear including gloves and a mask to prevent contact with the vinegar.

Pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and apply directly to the affected area. Leave the surface to soak for one hour before scrubbing with a scouring pad or brush. If necessary, rinse the area with clean water and respray to ensure complete coverage. Vinegar is not recommended for use on concrete as it can deteriorate the cement binding.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a cheap, readily available household chemical that works well as a mold killer. It is a natural disinfectant and sanitizer with microbicidal properties, which means it can kill or slow the growth of bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and fungi such as mildew.

Like bleach, it is an oxidizer that attacks and destroys the cell walls of mold. It also breaks down proteins and dissolves lipids in the membrane, which can disrupt the ability of the organism to absorb nutrients.

It is a safe alternative to bleach and is effective against both porous and nonporous surfaces, including clothing, floors, and bathroom items. A straight solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide is generally adequate to kill surface mold, but it may need to be left on the affected area for 10 minutes or longer, depending on the severity of the contamination. It is important to wear a mask when applying hydrogen peroxide. The chemical can lighten fabric colors, so it is advisable to test the product in an inconspicuous spot first.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a common household item that can remove light mold stains, and help prevent them from returning. It also absorbs mildew odors. It’s safe to use around kids and pets and is non-toxic.

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with two cups of water until it forms a paste. Apply this to the affected area and scrub until the mould is removed. Then rinse and wipe the area dry. This will leave a layer of protection that will discourage any future growth.

The high ph of baking soda is too strong for most types of mold, and it also deodorizes. However, it is not as effective as bleach or other commercial products for removing severe mould outbreaks. It is best used on non-porous surfaces such as tile or vinyl. It also works well on burnt pans and stainless steel. It doesn’t produce any toxic fumes and it’s inexpensive. It’s a great alternative to bleach if you don’t want to buy a more expensive cleaner.

4. Bleach

Bleach, which is made up of chlorine or sodium hypochlorite, is one of the most common household cleaning chemicals and can be useful in certain scenarios. When used to clean a mold infestation, bleach can kill some of the fungus and prevent spores from growing. However, bleach is ineffective on porous surfaces and cannot reach the roots underneath. Additionally, bleach produces hazardous fumes when mixed with other cleaning products or water, which can be harmful to the eyes, nose and lungs.

Other household ingredients that are safer than bleach are hydrogen peroxide (which works well on both porous and non-porous surfaces) and tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract (mixed with distilled white vinegar). Both of these can be used in a spray bottle to kill mould and are safe for the environment. Unlike bleach, these natural substances terminate molds at their roots, which prevents them from returning and can be used safely on most surfaces.

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