Yes, Lysol Disinfectant Spray can kill surface mold in a refrigerator, particularly on non-porous surfaces like plastic shelving, metal, and glass, as it is designed to control mold, mildew, and odors. However, it is not a deep-penetrating solution for porous materials (like some sealant gaps) and should be used cautiously around food.
Best Cleaners for Refrigerator Seals
Mold is generally at its worst from early spring through early fall (specifically July through October), peaking during the warmest and most humid months. Mold thrives in warm temperatures (60∘F to 80∘F) combined with relative humidity levels above 60%.
To get rid of mold spores in a fridge, thoroughly clean all surfaces with undiluted white vinegar or 3% hydrogen peroxide, focusing on the rubber door seals. Remove all drawers and shelves to wash in hot, soapy water. Finish by wiping down with baking soda and water to deodorize, then air-dry completely.
Yes, regular Lysol kills surface mold on hard, non-porous materials like glass, plastic, metal, and sealed bathroom tiles. However, it is primarily a surface treatment and won't fix underlying mold roots hidden in porous materials like drywall or wood.
To permanently kill mold, you must eliminate the mold itself and address the moisture source fueling it. Use a product designed to penetrate porous materials and kill the roots (mycelia).
Kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria to bring peace of mind
If someone's touching it, there are germs on it. But don't worry, Lysol Disinfectant Spray can be used throughout your home to kills 99.9% of germs found on commonly touched surfaces,† including: BATHROOMS: Bath Tubs & Shower, Toilet Seats, Faucets.
Yes, a moldy fridge can almost always be saved and restored to a safe, usable condition. The most effective method is a multi-step deep cleaning process using a strong mold-killer like vinegar, followed by thorough sanitization with a mild bleach solution.
Early signs of mold exposure frequently mimic seasonal allergies. They include sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, postnasal drip, and red, itchy, or watery eyes. Skin irritation or rashes may also occur, and mold can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms like wheezing and chest tightness.
Vinegar is the better choice for killing mold. While bleach removes surface stains, its chemical structure prevents it from penetrating porous surfaces like wood and drywall, leaving the roots intact. Vinegar penetrates these materials, killing mold at its roots.
In A Nutshell: Misconceptions About Mold
Your home can be 100% mold-free: No, there are always mold spores in the air. Anyone can effectively remove mold: No, you need professional services for that.
Yes, air purifiers with particulate filters (like HEPA) are highly effective at capturing airborne mold spores as they pass through the device. However, they do not kill mold or solve the underlying moisture issues.
Research has shown that English Ivy can eliminate up to 78% of airborne mold within 12 hours. This makes it particularly useful in humid areas like bathrooms and basements where mold growth is more common.
Mold needs moisture, air, and prefers warm temperatures. Foods which are kept past the recommended storage times are receptive to mold. Some mold may actually be yeast, which can cloud a liquid or form a thin layer of slime on solid food.
Yes, it is safe to clean a moldy fridge as long as you wear proper protective gear (mask and gloves) and follow a multi-step cleaning and disinfecting process. Always ventilate the area by opening a window, and never mix cleaning chemicals like bleach and vinegar.
No, mold does not go away if it dries out. While lack of moisture stops active growth, the mold simply goes dormant and can reactivate as soon as water is reintroduced. Furthermore, dried mold and dead spores remain toxic and can still trigger allergic reactions or asthma.
Urine mycotoxin tests are ideal for testing yourself (and your family members) for mycotoxin exposure. They're absolutely painless, totally non-invasive, and incredibly easy to use. With just a small amount of urine, our experts will be able to spot up to 15 different illness-causing mycotoxins.
Additionally, spraying a solution of equal parts vinegar and water or a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution into the air can help to kill airborne mold spores.
Black mold (often Stachybotrys chartarum) produces neurotoxic mycotoxins that can lead to neurological symptoms. These typically arise from prolonged exposure or inhalation and include persistent headaches, brain fog, memory loss, dizziness, and unexplained mood changes like anxiety and depression.
To effectively kill black mold in your fridge, unplug the unit, remove all food and shelving, and clean the interior using a solution of white vinegar or diluted bleach. Vinegar naturally penetrates porous surfaces to kill mold at the root, while diluted bleach quickly sanitizes.
Mold toxicity (or mycotoxin illness) occurs when you are exposed to mold spores that produce toxic byproducts. These symptoms can mimic other conditions and often range from mild respiratory irritation to severe neurological and immune responses.
Yes, black mold can absolutely grow in a fridge. Refrigerators provide the perfect environment for mold to thrive: darkness, moisture, and available food sources (like spoiled food, crumbs, and damp condensation).
Lysol is effective at killing and removing mold on hard, non-porous surfaces like tile, glass, and sealed grout. However, because disinfectants cannot penetrate porous materials like drywall or wood, it is only a temporary surface solution.
Neither is definitively "better," as they serve slightly different purposes. Choose based on what you are cleaning:
Lysol does not recommend using Lysol Disinfectant spray on brass, copper or aluminum or painted wood surfaces. Always rinse toys and food contact surfaces with potable water after use. For soft surfaces, Lysol Disinfectant Spray is not recommended for use on leather, rayon, silk or satin fabrics or acrylic plastics.