Vinegar or Bleach: Which Works Better to Clean Mold?

Everyone dreads finding mold in their homes. Not only is it an unsightly problem to have, but it can also pose several risks. For example, black mold can be dangerous to both human and pet health. Mold can even cause structural weakness in a home as it eats away at organic building materials, such as wood and drywall. 

For all of those reasons and more, it’s important that homeowners act quickly to address mold problems as soon as they are spotted. The faster the mold remediation can be completed the less damage the homeowner will have to restore. However, it’s important that the right cleaning methods be used in order to get the most effective results. 

Unfortunately, the average homeowner doesn’t have much experience with cleaning mold, so they have a lot of questions about what products to use. Specifically, many people wonder about the best tips for killing mold on drywall and whether bleach or vinegar is the right option. Keep reading to learn more about these DIY cleaners and when to call a professional.

DIY Cleaning Options

Some mold problems are small enough that homeowners can DIY the cleaning process. In these cases, homeowners can use common household cleaning products such as bleach or vinegar. However, DIY cleaning isn’t always the best option.

When there is significant mold growth in a home, it’s more important to hire a mold remediation professional than it is to try to cut corners and save money. Professionals have access to the right tools to complete a thorough mold remediation so that there is little to no risk of mold returning. Not only can they clean what is on the surface, but they can also get mold that is in floors and walls. 

Homeowners should only attempt to DIY their mold problem if they caught it right away. If the mold has been growing for weeks or months, it’s likely that the homeowner won’t be able to reach all of the hidden spores with their household cleaners. 

Does Vinegar or Bleach Kill Mold Spores?

It is true that both vinegar and bleach will kill mold spores. However, it’s important to note that vinegar and bleach are most effective on hard, non-porous surfaces. Vinegar can be used to treat mold spores that penetrate porous materials, but it must be used with caution.

Many homeowners make the mistake of applying too much bleach or liquid to porous building materials like wood or drywall. Unfortunately, excessive amounts of moisture of any kind–even those with disinfecting qualities–can contribute to more problems with mold growth and rot. For that reason, it’s important that homeowners know the best methods for applying vinegar or bleach to mold.