No matter how hard we try to make our house nice and clean, sometimes we just cannot stay away from annoying, sometimes unexpected, unpleasantness. Something as simple as a water leak or a sudden pipe burst that lead to molds growth on our house can be a perfect example.
Even worse than that, our effort to keep the house sustainable and healthy can also be at risk if we fail to find the right solution for molds problem.
Using vinegar as a killing agent can be a safer way than using chemical-based mold removal. However, does vinegar kill mold? Can we actually use it and not disappointed with the result? Here is everything you need to know before doing it on your own.
1. Molds and Why Should We Kill Them
Molds might look like a relatively insignificant problem for home owners. Yes, they often get underestimated, especially when they only spread out in small sizes. However, on a wider scale, molds can possess greater threats we might never think before.
Exposure to the moldy environment can actually harm our health. Especially for those who are sensitive to molds or having a low immune system, getting exposed to molds can lead to chronic lungs illnesses and infections.
Mold exposure also puts people with asthma or hypersensitivity pneumonitis to higher risks. It is surely not a healthy environment for kids to grow without having any chance of developing any respiratory issues. Another worrying possibility is targeting infants with what is so-called acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage.
Some findings even reveal that mold exposure can also lead to other adverse health effects that are way more than those related to respiratory illnesses. These are surprisingly related to lethargy and memory loss.
Apart from health issues, the moldy environment can also damage the structural integrity of our buildings. This will surely be related to our property’s durability and most importantly our security.
2. Ways to Kill Molds
Mold removal can be such a tiring job. Molds might not have such a complex structure that builds its body, but its roots have this amazing ability to regenerate and thrive.
Using a chemical compound like chlorine bleach to kill mold offers a relatively fast result. However, it doesn’t mean that it will not cost us with some consequences. In fact, our health and loved ones are likely to be put in risks if we use this compound for a long time.
Besides, it doesn’t always grant us with the result that we expect. Many people claim that using bleach to kill molds can still leave some parts of their roots; that can spread out into a new existence.
A more organic approach to solve molds problem is using vinegar as a homemade mold killer. Vinegar’ acidity can be used to stop the molds from spreading without leaving any harmful traces to our health and loved ones.
3. Why Vinegar?
We all love everything organic and natural. Vinegar is all organic and natural compared to chlorine bleach or other chemical substance available for molds removal. The earth-friendly cleaner is also inexpensive and super easy to find.
Killing mold with vinegar is perfect for day to day usage as it is safe, cheap, yet can do the job perfectly. It can be used over and over, without too much distressing surfaces being cleaned.
Vinegar relatively smells less strong than chemical bleach, makes it a great alternative for us who is not a fan of such strong odor.
Different from chemical bleach especially chlorine-based, vinegar doesn’t leave the water to the infected space, making the molds to not reappear in the future. Additionally, it is also safer for parents with little kids. Cleaning mold with vinegar will not leave any harmful residual component that can be threatening if it gets swallowed.
4. Steps to Remove Molds Using Vinegar
Killing mold with vinegar will allow us to do a thorough cleaning to our house. Just follow these steps, and we can actually be free from the nasty molds.
- Wear your standard cleaning attributes such as a mask, googles, and gloves. All of them are needed to lessen the chance of allergy or any possible molds exposures.
- Take your spray bottle and fill it with distilled vinegar. Not all vinegar can be used as a cleaner, hence distilled vinegar is important if you want to be successful in your “how to kill mold” project.
- Spray it directly to the mold and leave it to absorb and reacted with the molds for at least an hour. While waiting, make a baking soda solution by adding a teaspoon of baking soda into 2 cups of water. Put it in a sprayer and give it a good shake.
- After an hour passed, spray the baking soda solution directly to the molds. Using a brush or scouring pad try to remove the molds by scrubbing the infected areas.
- Lastly, clean the areas using clean, lukewarm water.
5. Does It Really Work?
Trying your best to be a DIY master, will vinegar kill mold, though? Well, we need to pay attention to some important details. In order to make it works, we need to use distilled vinegar. Don’t be silly using apple vinegar or any other type of vinegar unless you want to have a failed attempt.
Make sure to vigorously brush the surface, so that it has the least amount of root left. After that, you can also consider applying some sprays of vinegar to seal the surface and prevent the molds from returning.
6. The Downsides
Even though this homemade mold cleaner is more effective to eradicate mold compared bleach, it is suggested to use it within household only. Some cases with bigger outbreaks and special conditions might need to be consulted to professionals.
Compared to bleach, using vinegar as a mold removal need you to use your energy on scrubbing the surfaces little harder. Still, if it can help us out of molds nightmare, a little arms flexing should be fine, shouldn’t it?
When it comes to cleaning molds, using vinegar can be an alternative a healthier, cheaper, yet more effective way of cleaning. Let yourselves to try and be proud of how organic and natural mold removal experience can be.
How long does it take for distilled vinegar to kill mold?
Distilled vinegar can start to kill mold on contact, but it may take several hours or more to fully eliminate the mold. The length of time it takes depends on factors such as the type and severity of the mold, the surface it’s growing on, and the concentration of vinegar used.
Does distilled white vinegar kill black mold?
Yes, distilled white vinegar can effectively kill black mold. Its acidic properties make it a natural and non-toxic solution for removing mold. Simply spray undiluted vinegar onto the affected area, let it sit for a few hours, and then scrub and rinse the area with water.
Will vinegar kill mold permanently?
Vinegar can kill mold on contact, but it may not completely remove it permanently. While vinegar is an effective natural solution for removing mold, it may not be able to fully penetrate porous surfaces or completely eliminate all mold spores.
Will mold come back after vinegar?
If the underlying cause of mold growth is not addressed, then the mold may return after using vinegar to remove it. While vinegar is effective in killing mold on contact, it may not be able to completely penetrate porous surfaces or completely eliminate all mold spores. Additionally, if there is a source of moisture present, such as a water leak or high humidity levels, the mold may continue to grow even after the visible signs have been removed.