How to use hydrogen peroxide to kill mold.

There is always a chance that molds contaminate your house while leaving you blindsided. Warm and humid areas of your houses that do not get direct sunlight are prone to the contamination of these spores. Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid environments. It reproduces through tiny spores that are present in the air and can settle on surfaces where there is moisture. These spores can then grow into mold colonies if the conditions are right. Some common sources of mold include damp basements, leaky roofs, and areas with high humidity. So how to use hydrogen peroxide to kill mold?

Start from tiny black dots—it only takes a day or two until mold spores outbreak uncontrollably into millions. They surely aren’t easy for the eyes and definitely gross. Besides, and probably the most important concern here, they can actually threaten your health and wellness.

Often referred to as anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial, Hydrogen peroxide can be a perfect means for molds removal. Does hydrogen peroxide kill mold and grant us with the satisfying result? Let us dive into these short explanations.

1. Why Hydrogen Peroxide?

There are ways to get rid of molds out of our sights such as sanding, scraping, wire brushing, media blasting, and else. From all of those ways, not all of them can grant us with the relatively permanent result. In fact, only media blasting that will likely give us with such a satisfying result.

Media blasting incorporates certain types of compounds to get rid of molds as nearly as possible to their roots. From soda blasting, many skilled technicians have let us know to use hydrogen peroxide to do the job.

Hydrogen peroxide is a non-toxic mold killer that is relatively safer for both spaces and our health. Especially if we compare it with other chemical used to kill molds like chlorine, hydrogen peroxide offers no harmful side effects to our health.

2. The Benefits of Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Molds

As we want to see such an obvious result, we often compromise with the side effects of a chemical used to get rid of molds. However, cleaning mold with hydrogen peroxide is relatively effective as well as less harmful to our overall health.

Many peroxides for mold removal are acknowledged by EPA as registered disinfectants with broad spectrum and coverage. Hydrogen peroxide will clean our space with its aggressive antimicrobial efficacy without scarifying our own health. And, even more satisfying to have, hydrogen peroxide does not have an offensive odor that often associates with hazardous chemical elements.

Cleaning mold with hydrogen peroxide starts with its ability to release oxygen and break the molds. This oxidizing ability also let this cleaning agent be able to combat malodor and stains.

Another benefit of using peroxide to kill mold is it does not generate environmentally objectionable byproducts. As it is constructed by hydrogen and oxygen, this cleaning agent will not decompose hazardous decomposition products but water and oxygen.

3. How to Remove Mold Contamination Using Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide is undeniably handy when it comes to how to get rid of mold. We just have to add a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide into a cup of water. Transfer the solution to a spray bottle, and you are ready to go.

Spray the solution onto the contaminated surface and clean it in a circular motion using wiping cloth after letting it rest for a couple minutes. Or, you can also apply some sprays to a damp cloth rather than having direct spraying like so. To have an even thorough result, you can spray the surface one more time and wipe off the remaining bits of the molds.

To finish up the peroxide for mold removal process, have another solution that consists of half a teaspoon of baking soda and a cup of water. Fill a bottle sprayer with the solution and apply it to the cleaned areas. Rinse the areas with clean water, and you should no longer worry about mold contamination.

Still, if you want to go extra and have such e preventive solution to possible returning molds, you can also place dehumidifier near areas that are prone to dampness and high humidity.

4. Limitation of Hydrogen Peroxide

After knowing the benefits of using peroxide for mold removal as well as step by step of how to use it properly, the next thing should be related to limitation of hydrogen peroxide. Will peroxide kill mold without, literally, any harmful?

The answer is no. There are some limitations to it that should always be put into consideration.

It is important to store the solutions away from direct sunlight to avoid oxidation and reduction reaction. Having it stored inside dark bottles can also solve this issue.

Other storing related issue is about the risk of bursting if it is contaminated and experience such a rapid pressurization processes. Hence, it is essential for diluting hydrogen peroxide into very clean water to avoid degradation and contamination

As much as we want to use the solutions on any materials, it is important to know that the solutions can be damaging for certain textile dyes. In addition, the solutions should not be used for not acid stable surfaces as it is only stabilized under acidic condition.

Read also: Using Lysol to Remove Mold Contamination

5. Can You Use 35% Hydrogen Peroxide For Mold Removal?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 35% can be used for mold removal. However, it should be used with caution as it is a strong oxidizer and can cause skin and eye irritation. It is recommended to use gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation when handling 35% hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, it should be diluted with water before use and never be used full strength on any surface. It’s important to test a small area first and to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s also recommended to hire a professional mold remediator for severe mold infestations. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective way to destroy mold because it is a strong oxidizer. The oxygen atoms in hydrogen peroxide can disrupt the cell walls of mold spores, causing them to die. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can also break down the enzymes and proteins that mold needs to survive. It can be used to clean surfaces and objects that have mold growth on them, by mixing hydrogen peroxide with water in a spray bottle and then spray on the moldy surface. After a few minutes, wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth. It’s important to note that hydrogen peroxide should be used in a well-ventilated area and always wear gloves and a mask when using it.

Is hydrogen peroxide or vinegar better to kill mold?

Both hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can be effective at killing mold. However, hydrogen peroxide is a stronger oxidizer and can be more effective at killing certain types of mold. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect surfaces, while vinegar is typically only effective at removing mold from porous surfaces.

5. Other Use of Hydrogen Peroxide and Post-Mold Treatments

Besides having an effective ability to remove molds, Hydrogen peroxide is useful for other cleaning related jobs.

The same solutions for mold removal can be used to clean and disinfect wet items. This surely is applicable to be used on wood, fabric, and areas near bathrooms or mudrooms.

Once an area or item get contaminated by mold, they tend to have such a distinctive lingering odor. Have an odor free room or items by placing either vinegar or lemon water near them. Leave it for a few days, and both vinegar and lemon water should be able to get rid of any unpleasant smell.

To keep the mold and odor from returning, keeping the room dry by utilizing dehumidifiers or reinstall proper installation are keys. Another alternative is by putting volcanic rocks around the used-to-be contaminated areas. Those volcanic rocks will absorb the causing bacteria into the porous materials for a certain amount of time.

Removing mold should involve proper use of solutions and post-treatment. Using hydrogen peroxide could be a way to achieve it without having to compromise over other things that matter more, such as our health. However, don’t hesitate to call for professionals any time you think you need one.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a cleaning solution in the kitchen. It is a natural disinfectant that can kill bacteria and viruses. It can be used to clean countertops, cutting boards, and sinks. It can also be used to clean and sanitize cutting boards and kitchen utensils. When using hydrogen peroxide as a cleaner, it should be diluted with water and applied with a spray bottle or a cloth. It should not be used on aluminum or cast iron surfaces, as it can react with the metal and cause discoloration.