The Truth About Mold Removal: Does Vinegar Kill Mold?

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Andre Kazimierski

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Yes, vinegar works great for killing mold, including black mold, on surfaces like drywall, showers, dishwashers, and wood. Its acetic acid is the secret, wiping out about 82% of mold species and making it an easy, natural solution for dealing with mold and mildew around the house.

But does distilled white vinegar or a multipurpose “cleaning vinegar” actually DIY kill mold better? Read on to find out (spoiler: it’s the latter).

Remember, cleaning mold with vinegar alone won’t prevent it from returning unless you take additional measures. Mold growth happens in dark, damp places around your home, like the shower, under sinks, and basements.

I’ll also uncover which household products you should never mix—like vinegar and bleach—to avoid dangerous, even toxic, reactions.

Mold is no joke. It can ruin affected areas, damage structural elements of your house, and cause significant respiratory issues. 

The key to cleaning mold is addressing the underlying issues that caused your mold problem in the first place. I’ll show you exactly how to do that in this article.

Finally, I’ll reveal why vinegar isn’t always the best choice for killing mold and share a surprising alternative that works even better—tea tree oil.

Plus, you’ll learn when and how to use vinegar versus bleach, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or even Lysol on moldy areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vinegar kills up to 82% of mold species, including black mold, thanks to its acetic acid, which penetrates and tackles mold at the root.
  • Unlike bleach, vinegar is safer for porous surfaces, doesn’t produce harmful fumes, and prevents mold from spreading deeper. However, tea tree oil reigns supreme as the best all-natural household mold killer.
  • Regular cleaning with vinegar helps prevent mold, but severe infestations or moisture issues may require professional remediation. Here’s how much the average cleaning service charges in cities like Chicago.
  • Learn how vinegar compares to other solutions like bleach, Borax, or Lysol and get step-by-step guidance to keep your home mold-free.
mold cleaning expert

Why Trust Me to Help Solve Your Mold Problem?

I’m Andre Kazimierski, owner of Sophia’s Cleaning Service, with 19 years of helping homeowners with tough cleaning jobs like household mold.

I’ve also owned painting and remodeling companies over the years and have decades of in-depth knowledge of how and why mold occurs. For example, the photo above is from a complete teardown of an apartment in Chicago, including some heavy duty mold remediation.

My goal here is to share proven methods to keep your home safe and mold-free, backed by real-world experiences, not theories.

What Type of Vinegar Is Best for Killing Mold?

When it comes to killing mold, multipurpose or cleaning vinegar is the best option because it’s more acidic and powerful than regular white vinegar used for cooking.

Struggling with stubborn hard water buildup? Learn how to remove hard water stains effectively and keep your surfaces spotless.

White Vinegar vs. Cleaning Vinegar

White distilled vinegar used for cooking generally works well for general cleaning, but its acidity level (5%) can fall short for tougher mold problems.

Multipurpose or cleaning vinegar, with 6% acidity, packs a stronger punch and is more effective at breaking down mold spores.

We don’t advise using apple cider vinegar to kill mold. Instead, use apple cider vinegar to create an all-natural homemade fly trap to deal with flies in your home.

white vinegar versus multipurpose cleaning vinegar

That small difference in acidity makes a big impact, especially with stubborn mold on porous surfaces like drywall or grout. As pictured above, the acidity percentage should be displayed on the bottle label.

If you’re serious about tackling mold, cleaning vinegar is your go-to. You can find cleaning or multipurpose vinegar in the cleaning supply aisle of most grocery stores.

How Does Vinegar Kill Mold?

Vinegar kills mold because it contains acetic acid, which kills 82% of mold when in contact with it. This mild acid has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. It penetrates deep into porous surfaces, breaking down mold at the root, and is safer and more natural than bleach.

Unlike bleach or Lysol, which sits on the surface, vinegar goes where the mold hides, stopping it from spreading further.

Porous vs. Non-Porous Surfaces

Vinegar shines as a natural mold killer on porous materials like wood, drywall, or grout. It seeps into the surface, targeting mold growth deep inside.

Indeed, vinegar is still effective on non-porous surfaces like glass or tile, but it may need more scrubbing for tough spots. Also, vinegar, as a mold cleaner, is still less harsh than bleach but less effective in the tub or shower.

Limitations of Vinegar for Mold Removal

Vinegar kills about 82% of mold species, but there’s that stubborn 18% it can’t touch. If you’re dealing with severe mold infestations or lingering moisture, vinegar alone won’t solve the problem.

To prevent mold from returning, you need to address the root cause. This may be a leaky pipe, dark areas, poor ventilation, or high humidity levels.

Mildew or mold inside your home is also a sign of water damage from a roof leak or exterior walls or windows. If you don’t attack the root cause, mold will keep growing no matter how much vinegar you use.

Step-By-Step Guide: How to Kill Mold With Vinegar

Here’s your no-fuss guide to getting rid of mold using vinegar. Always use protective gear, run a fan, and open windows for circulation before cleaning moldy areas.

Please note, avoid using vinegar on stainless steel, copper, or aluminum because it can corrode metal surfaces. Instead, use regular dish soap, warm water, or a stainless steel cleaning product.

mold cleaning supplies list vinegar

Supplies You’ll Need:

  • Cleaning vinegar (not regular white vinegar, if possible)
  • Empty spray bottle
  • Soft bristle scrub brush
  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Face mask
  • Warm water
  • Towels or cloths
  • Bonus: Fan for air circulation

Step 1: Prep the Area

Before you start, open windows or use a fan to ventilate the area. Mold spores can spread while you clean, so protect yourself with gloves, goggles, and a face mask. It’s better to be safe than sorry since mold exposure can cause severe health and respiratory problems like aspergillosis.

Step 2: Apply the Vinegar

Pour undiluted cleaning vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray it generously directly onto the moldy surface.

You want to spray enough so it soaks into any porous material, like drywall or wood, but not too much where it pools or drips.

Step 3: Let It Sit

This is where the magic happens. Let the vinegar sit for at least an hour. It needs time to break down the mold at the root. Even 15 minutes is better than nothing.

Just don’t wait too long on certain surfaces; you don’t want vinegar to warp drywall or wood.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After letting it sit, grab your scrub brush and start scrubbing the area. Start with a soft bristle brush, especially on porous surfaces like walls.

Use some elbow grease, but don’t overscrub the area. Scrubbing too hard can literally take paint off walls because vinegar is an acid.

Use warm water to rinse it clean, then dry it thoroughly. Give it one more spray of vinegar or sprinkle some baking soda to kill any lingering mold and rinse with your damp towel. 

Remember, mold loves moisture, so don’t leave any water behind. Don’t worry; the vinegar smell will disappear after an hour. 

Step 5: Keep Mold From Coming Back

The key to keeping your home mold-free is moisture control and airflow. Even allowing sunlight in by opening shades can help.

Run a fan and dehumidifier, fix leaks, and clean regularly with vinegar or other mold-preventing cleaners.

According to our experience over the years, running a ceiling fan regularly can increase airflow in a room and reduce mold stains regrowth by 70%.

ventilation fan prevent mild regrowth

Vinegar vs. Other Mold Cleaners: Which Works Best?

Next, we’ll compare vinegar with other household cleaning products like hydrogen peroxide, bleach, Lysol, or baking soda.

Keep in mind that vinegar is acidic so we don’t recommend using it on countertops. Accordingly, using vinegar on countertops repeatedly will dull them over time.

Vinegar vs. Bleach

When it comes to cleaning mold, vinegar is the safer, smarter choice for porous surfaces like walls, window trim, or wood. Here’s why: bleach might kill surface mold but doesn’t get to the root. Instead, it can push mold deeper into materials like drywall or wood, worsening the problem over time.

Vinegar, on the other hand, penetrates porous surfaces and tackles mold at its source. Plus, it’s non-toxic and doesn’t release harmful fumes like bleach does.

Accordingly, vinegar is safer to use around kids, pets, and anyone with respiratory issues.

vinegar vs bleach mold killing

Remember, bleach will cause discoloration of surfaces like wood or painted walls. However, you can use bleach on non-porous surfaces in the bathroom, like tubs or showers.

Just make sure to run a fan and wear a mask, gloves, and goggles when handling bleach.

Are your baseboards looking worn and dusty? Learn how expert cleaning professionals wash baseboards in our new guide. 

What happens when you mix vinegar and bleach?

Here’s a warning. Never use both vinegar and bleach together. Combining them releases chlorine gas, harming your lungs, eyes, and skin.

If you use vinegar to clean mold but decide it’s not enough, rinse the surface thoroughly with a cup of warm water and let it dry completely before using bleach. The same goes vice versa, when switching from bleach to vinegar. 

To be safe, don’t be afraid to use a mixture of water and dish soap along with some elbow grease to ensure any remaining vinegar or bleach is gone. 

Does tea tree oil work better than vinegar to kill mold?

According to a 2015 lab study, tea tree oil kills black mold better than vinegar.

Like vinegar, tea tree oil is a non-toxic way to remove mold or destroy it at its root. However, the study finds that tea tree oil was nearly 90% more effective in killing certain species than vinegar.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil and natural fungicide that has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Combining it with water to kill black mold on porous and non-porous surfaces works exceptionally well. It may even prevent mold from regrowing better than any other household cleaner.

How to Kill Mold with Tea Tree Oil

Killing mold with tea tree oil is identical to the process you take with vinegar.

Mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water, maintaining the same ratio, and fill a spray bottle. Next, spray the moldy surface and use a scrub brush to work it in. Let it sit for an hour and then wipe the area with a damp cloth.

Always wear gloves, eye protection, and a mask when handling tea tree oil. Also, keep pets and kids away from the area while the tea tree oil mixture sets.

tea tree oil killing mold vinegar

To ensure the mold doesn’t reappear, remove any water or leaks causing dampness in the area, and run a fan regularly to increase air circulation. You can also buy a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.

Periodically clean the room or area to remove dust and grime from building up. Even a deep cleaning, once every so often, can do the trick.

There are no guarantees, but doing all of the above will help stop the mold from growing back.

Vinegar vs. Hydrogen Peroxide

Both vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are great for killing mold, but they work differently. Vinegar is better for porous surfaces like wood or drywall because it penetrates deep to kill mold at the root.

On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide is great for non-porous surfaces like tiles or countertops.

If you’re dealing with mold in the bathroom or kitchen, hydrogen peroxide can whiten and clean as it kills. Vinegar is your go-to for areas like basements or wood since it gets deeper.

Pro tip: Don’t mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Use one or the other based on the surface you’re cleaning. Mixing them creates toxic peracetic acid, irritating your skin, eyes, throat, and lungs.

Vinegar vs. Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are a power duo for cleaning mold. Vinegar kills the mold at its root, while baking soda scrubs away residue and helps deodorize the area.

Here’s how to use them together: Spray undiluted vinegar on the moldy surface and let it sit. After an hour, sprinkle baking soda on a damp scrub brush and clean the area. Rinse with warm water, and you’re good to go.

mix baking soda with white vinegar

They work best as a team, but vinegar works solo if you’re out of baking soda.

However, baking soda alone won’t kill most types of mold. Sometimes, you’re better off using bleach or vinegar, especially on hard surfaces.

Combining baking soda and vinegar creates an effective cleaning paste that can make tough cleaning jobs easier, like removing sticker residue from common household surfaces

Does Lysol kill mold better than vinegar or bleach?

Sometimes, store-bought cleaners like Lysol are the better choice for tiles. They’re fast, easy, and packed with mold-killing ingredients. If you’re dealing with a larger mold problem or want something more potent than vinegar, Lysol can step in.

Traditional Lysol won’t be as effective as pure bleach, but some Lysol products contain bleach. These can be a happy middle option before jumping from vinegar to straight bleach. Just ensure you rinse the surface each time you switch cleaning products thoroughly.

lysol vinegar borax bleach hydrogen peroxide mold

Lysol is great for non-porous surfaces like tiles or bathtubs where DIY solutions might fall short. Plus, it leaves a fresh scent that vinegar just can’t offer. But vinegar is still a solid go-to for eco-friendly or budget-friendly mold cleanups.

A word of warning. Lysol with bleach can damage some countertop surfaces like granite or quartz. First, use dish soap with warm water when cleaning delicate surfaces.

Borax: A Safe Way to Kill Mold

Borax is a natural option for killing mold without the harsh fumes you get from other chemicals. It’s great for cleaning drains, deodorizing, and even as a natural insecticide. It also can be a safer option to kill mold versus bleach, but it’s not as safe as vinegar.

borax kills mold

Here’s how to use Borax to Kill Mold:

  1. Mix It: Combine 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water.
  2. Vacuum First: Use a HEPA vacuum to clear loose mold and keep spores from spreading.
  3. Scrub Away: Apply the solution with a scrub brush and clean the moldy surface.
  4. Don’t Rinse: Let the borax sit for an hour. This keeps mold from coming back.
  5. Wipe It Dry: Clean up any leftover moisture to stop mold from spreading.

Borax is effective and safe to use but it’s toxic if swallowed, so keep it out of reach of kids and pets.

Does Cleaning with Ammonia Kill Mold?

Yes, ammonia is a potent cleaning agent that will kill mold on surfaces in your home. I recommend only using it on non-porous surfaces like glass or tile.

First, combine clear ammonia with water in an empty spray bottle (a 50/50 mix is what I shoot for).

Then, spray it on the moldy surface and leave it there for a few hours. Afterward, wipe the area dry with a damp cloth.

The mold should come off, but repeat the process if needed. In terms of its mold-killing ability, ammonia doesn’t work as well as white vinegar.

Its effects on mold are similar to bleach, but never combine ammonia and bleach, as the mixture will release toxic fumes.

Mold Prevention 101: Stopping Mold Before It Starts

Want to stop mold in its tracks? Vinegar alone won’t do the job in some cases. Here’s how you prevent mold from forming in the first place:

Control Humidity

Keep your home’s air dry. Use dehumidifiers or adjust the humidifier control each season. Warmer air holds more water than cooler air.

The best thing to do is change your humidifier to a higher setting in the winter and lower it in the summer. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends keeping the humidity levels in your home under 50%, year-round.

Mold can also grow in HVAC vents, so get those checked out often as well.

closet mold on floor cleaning

Let it Breath

Run fans, open windows periodically, and move furniture away from areas that repeatedly get moldy. You’d be surprised how effective a ceiling fan can be in circulating air to prevent mold or mildew spores from forming in dark, damp corners. This also works to ventilate spaces after refinishing hardwood flooring or following a post-construction house cleaning visit. 

Fix Leaks Fast

Check under sinks, around windows, and in your basement. Even a tiny leak can invite mold. Leaks often form around windows, ceilings, and walls if exterior surfaces aren’t properly sealed or caulked. Mold inside your home can ruin drywall or even destroy structural elements like floor joists and studs.

Regularly inspect your roof for leaks and maintain exterior siding or brick by waterproofing or painting them every few years. Pay extra attention to areas around chimneys and skylights, as leaks are often found there.

Clean Regularly

Tackle moisture-prone spots like bathrooms and kitchens with vinegar. Add baking soda to vinegar to create a super-effective paste to kill mold and disinfect areas. It’s simple and effective.

For hard surfaces with stubborn mold, like sinks and shower tiles, you can try Lysol and then bleach as long as the surface won’t stain. Avoid using bleach on granite, quartz, or marble countertops.

Hiring a local house cleaning company near you to clean regularly every 2 weeks or monthly can also prevents mold build up. Mold feasts on organic material indoors, like dust and grime, so keeping those at a minimum prevents it from coming back.

professional house cleaners cleaning a bathroom tub

Inspect Often

Please don’t wait for the mold to show itself. Keep an eye on damp areas and catch them early.

Preventing mold doesn’t take much, but it makes a huge difference. Keep it simple and stay consistent.

Pro Tip: Buy a cheap pack of leak detector sensors. Place them underneath water sources around your home to detect moisture before mold starts forming.

Water sources and mold-prone areas include under sinks, bathrooms, laundry areas, basements, closets, storage nooks, attics, under pipes, and around HVAC systems.

When to Call a Mold Remediation Expert

Sometimes, DIY mold cleaning just won’t cut it. Here’s when to bring in a professional mold remediation company.

Instances Where DIY Isn’t Enough

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends calling a professional if the moldy area is larger than 10 square feet. A 10 sqft section of mold growth is about 3 feet wide and 3 feet high.

Also, if mold or spots keep returning, it’s time to call for help. Mold in walls, ceilings, or areas with structural damage isn’t something you can handle alone. Likewise, if you find any black mold in HVAC vents, your basement, or garage, skip the DIY mold cleaning and call a professional.

Health Risks of Mold

Mold can be dangerous to you and your family. It can trigger allergies, cause breathing issues, and worsen asthma. If anyone in your home feels worse when mold is around, get it checked out by a pro.

Remember that vinegar does not kill every mold species, like Aspergillus mold, often found in soil or plants. As a result, hiring a professional is advised for larger or more stubborn areas of mold larger than ten sqft.

What Professionals Offer

The pros have tools you don’t. Mold remediation companies use HEPA filters to clean the air, treat surfaces with mold-resistant solutions, and ensure the problem doesn’t come back. It’s about doing the job right the first time.

Please don’t wait until it gets worse. A quick call to a professional can save you time, money, and stress.

FAQs About Using Vinegar to Kill Mold

Using vinegar to clean moldy surfaces is an effective way to kill mold, but it won’t work in every situation. Here are the most common vinegar and mold questions we get from local homeowners worried about their homes.

Can Vinegar Kill Black Mold?

Absolutely. Vinegar works great on black mold, breaking it down at the root. Apply it on the surface with a spray bottle and let it sit for an hour. Scrub the area and rinse with warm water. Repeat the process if black mold persists.

If that doesn’t work, you can try Lysol with bleach and then bleach. Just ensure you rinse all of the vinegar off completely before switching to any bleach-based solution, as combining bleach with vinegar produces harmful chlorine gas.

What is the ratio of vinegar to water to kill mold?

For mold, skip the water. Undiluted vinegar is the most effective option to kill spores. Cleaning vinegar will work better than white vinegar, but the latter can still be effective.

For typical cleaning tasks you can combine a 50/50 ratio of water and vinegar in a spray bottle for best results.

Will Apple Cider Vinegar or Other Types of Vinegar Kill Mold?

Apple cider vinegar or flavored vinegar might seem like alternatives, but they’re not nearly as effective. They often have added sugars or lower acidity, which won’t get the job done.

White or cleaning vinegar is far better because it penetrates surfaces and eliminates mold more thoroughly without leaving residue behind.

White vinegar, cleaning vinegar, and distilled vinegar will all work better than apple cider vinegar, but you can still use it if that’s all you’ve got.

Can You Use Vinegar on Carpets and Upholstery?

Yes, but tread lightly. First, test a small hidden spot to ensure it won’t mess with the fabric. If it’s good, spray, let it sit, and blot with a clean towel. Don’t try this with bleach or Lysol; it will ruin fabrics.

Find out how to remove musty mildew smells from towels to keep them smelling fresh each time you run them through the laundry.

How Often Should You Clean With Vinegar to Prevent Mold?

Cleaning once a week is adequate for high-moisture areas like showers and under sinks. Staying consistent is the key to keeping mold away.

Also, adding insulation to pipes or rooms where mold persists will reduce condensation, which can lead to mold issues.

Will Vinegar Damage Surfaces?

Vinegar can damage some surfaces, so use it in moderation. If you oversaturate drywall or wood, the paint will bubble, and the wood will warp. Avoid using it on stone like granite or marble because vinegar’s acidity can eat into the finish. Stick with using vinegar to clean wood, tile, or plastic, and you’re good.

Instead, use specialized cleaners specifically formulated to clean granite, marble, or quartz. This ensures you’ll avoid damaging the finish of the countertops or tile.

Thinking about hiring a cleaning service to clean your house? Tipping your cleaner or team is a great way to show your appreciation. Our maid tipping guide shows you how much and when to leave a tip to ensure the best clean each and every visit.

What is the best household product to kill mold?

The best household product to kill mold is tea tree oil. Combine 1 teaspoon with 1 cup of water to create a mold-killing powerhouse. Vinegar is the second best household product to kill mold, especially on porous surfaces like wood or drywall. Add baking soda to vinegar for an effective mold-killing paste. 

Next in terms of effectiveness are bleach, Lysol with bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and borax. All may produce different results based on the surface you are cleaning. 

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Written By:

Andre Kazimierski

Co-Owner, Sophia’s Cleaning Service

More about the author

Andre Kazimierski, co-owner of Sophia’s Cleaning Service, has built multiple successful home service companies and a tech startup. He applies his expertise to propel Sophia’s Cleaning forward with his wife, Carolina, honoring his mother’s legacy. When not working, Andre likes playing pickleball and spending time with his dogs, Bruno and Alice. Learn more about the Sophia’s Cleaning Service team.

About Sophia’s Cleaning

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Sophia’s Cleaning Service is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured cleaning service in La Grange, IL. Our professional maids have cleaned residential homes and commercial offices in Chicago’s Western suburbs for over 40 years.

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