Mould is a common problem in Australian homes. When you spot it, you’ll want to remove it fast.
While serious infestations are best left to the professionals, for small spots of mould, Vinegar can be a helpful and non-toxic solution to help remove mould.
Here’s everything you need to know about removing mould with vinegar:
Does Vinegar Kill Mould?
Yes. Vinegar is a natural, non-toxic acid that can help eradicate up to 82% of mould.
In a 2015 study, researchers found that vinegar with a percentage of 4-4.2 was effective at treating Penicillium Chrysogenum, a common household mould.
Vinegar is safe for use on most porous and non-porous surfaces to prevent and kill small spots or patches of mould.
While vinegar can be a helpful solution to clean small mould affected areas, it is not effective at eliminating mould’s airborne spores. If these spores are not treated and the cause of the mould is not remediated, it will continue to grow and spread.
What Type Of Vinegar Should You Use To Remove Mould?
Not all vinegars are effective at removing mould.
Apple cider vinegar and wine vinegar, for example, are some of the least effective vinegars for mould removal due to their sugar content. To effectively clean and remove mould, use regular white distilled vinegar at 5% acidity or cleaning vinegar at 6% acidity.
How To Remove Mould With Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural way to help remove and kill small patches of mould.
To remove mould with vinegar yourself, you’ll need:
- Undiluted white vinegar
- Gloves
- Face mask
- Protective eyewear
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning rag
- Soft brush
Method:
- Make sure the room is well ventilated
- Apply your mask, goggles and gloves
- Pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and spray directly onto the mouldy surface
- Let the vinegar sit for an hour
- Using a soft bristle brush, scrub the mouldy surface until the mould is gone.
- Dry the area completely
As with all mould removal treatments, it is best to spot test vinegar on a small patch of the surface before applying all over.
Do not mix vinegar with bleach. Combining the two can create a toxic chlorine gas that is extremely dangerous to your health.
How To Remove Mould On Clothes With Vinegar
Vinegar and baking soda is an effective treatment to help remove mould and mould stains from cotton clothes. Here’s how:
- Wash clothes with vinegar.
- Follow by another wash with regular laundry power or liquid.
How To Remove Mould On Painted Walls With Vinegar
For mould removal on painted walls, use the following method:
- Mix ¼ cup of vinegar, 2 cups of hot water and 2 tablespoons of Borax in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution on the wall and scrub the mould spores with a scrubbing brush.
- Wipe the mould off the wall with an old towel and discard when done.
- Spray the area again and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wipe away with a different towel.
How To Remove Mould From Leather With Vinegar
White vinegar is one of the best ways to remove mould from leather without damaging it. Here’s how:
- Mix 1 cup each of vinegar and warm water into a spray bottle.
- Spray a cleaning cloth with the solution and gently dab the affected area until the mould is gone.
- Absorb the cleaning solution with a dry cloth and leave to air dry.
When Not To Use Vinegar For Mould
When vinegar’s acidity is high enough to kill mould, it also has the potential to damage some surfaces. It is not recommended to use vinegar on:
- Stone countertops
- Wooden floors
- Aluminium
- Copper
- Stainless steel
What About Larger Infestations?
Vinegar is only effective on smaller patches of mould, only removing mould from the surface, not it’s airborne spores.
If you find yourself dealing with large or reoccurring infestations of mould, it’s best to call in a professional mould removal service to find the root of the problem.
How To Prevent Mould Growth With Vinegar
Don’t wait around for mould to start growing before you take action. Incorporating vinegar into your cleaning routine is an effective way to help prevent mould growth around the home.
This can include:
- For areas prone to mould like kitchens and bathrooms, spray vinegar in the shower after use.
- Incorporate vinegar into your floor mopping solution to help prevent mould growth on the floor.
Some other simple ways to protect against mould growth in the home include:
- Frequently open windows to allow for adequate airflow in the home.
- Identify and fix any leaks as soon as they arise.
- Turn on exhaust fans when showering and cooking.
- Remove any water damaged furnishings or belongings from the home immediately.
- Invest in a dehumidifier if you live in a humid climate.
When To Call In The Experts
If you are afraid of mould becoming a problem in your home and require a long-term solution, reach out to a professional mould removal team to help you.
MouldMen’s expert technicians will inspect, treat and remediate your home and provide you with a Mould Management and Prevention Plan. Call us on 1300 605 960 to book your free inspection today.