Spray vinegar onto the moldy surface and leave it for an hour. Then wipe the area clean with water and allow the surface to dry. Any smell should clear within a few hours. While it's safe to use on most surfaces, vinegar is unlikely to be effective at cleaning mold off of soft surfaces.
In order to prevent mold from growing again, spray white vinegar on the surface in question. This might not completely prevent any regrowth but it can dramatically slow down the process. Finally, dry the area well with a towel and ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated so that any remaining moisture dries.
Scientific tests have shown vinegar to be 99.9% effective in killing bacteria. It's also approximately 90% effective against mold, which makes it a good alternative to harsh chemicals to get rid of mold in your bathroom!
2 Vinegar must have an acetic acid level of 4.0%−4.2% or higher to kill mold or mildew. 3 Distilled white vinegar in the condiment aisle contains around 5% acetic acid and 95% water.
Vinegar is a bold mold killer. According to ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning, the mild acid in vinegar kills about 82% of known molds and can help prevent future outbreaks.
While it is possible to use bleach to kill mold as well, experts agree that vinegar is a much better option. Unlike bleach, vinegar can effectively kill the mold at the root, which means it's less likely to return. Vinegar is also less toxic than bleach, making it a better choice for household use.
To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Home
Keep humidity levels in your home as low as you can—no higher than 50%–all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. You can buy a meter to check your home's humidity at a home improvement store.
Use a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup (8 ounces) household laundry bleach per 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces.
Opening the windows and doors in your home often will discourage mold spores from settling. Create a draft with open windows and leave them open for approximately 10 minutes. Then increase the temperature by turning up the thermostat. This will help remove moisture from the air and surfaces.
Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray
The best way you can get rid of this buildup is with the Microban 24-Hour Bathroom Cleaner. This powerful cleaner reduces odors, destroys soap scum, prevents mold and mildew growth for seven days, and can kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs for 24 hours.
1. Cleaning The Shower Walls And Bathtub. Bathtubs provide the perfect spot for bacteria, dirt and grime to accumulate over time, and a white vinegar solution can be very useful in getting rid of them. Just spray the solution around the tub and the shower walls and let it rest for some time.
So you can see why allowing the vinegar to sit for sometime is beneficial, but for too long and you're only wasting time because the vinegar will dry out eventually and become less effective. Also, you risk causing damage to the area beneath the mold when you leave the vinegar to sit on it for too long.
Mold generally looks slimy or fuzzy, tends to have a raised texture, and can come in a rainbow of colors, including deep green and black. Mildew is powdery, looks white or gray, always appears flat, and grows on surfaces.
Any water leak carries the risk of mold growth, but that doesn't necessarily mean that mold growth is certain. The chance of mold depends on many factors, such as the severity of water damage, how quickly it was cleaned up and dried, and the extent of surfaces affected.
A common misconception is that spraying mold with bleach will kill it. Unfortunately, this is false. Spraying bleach on mold doesn't kill the mold; it simply discolors it and leaves spores behind. Not to mention, removing mold with a solution of bleach and water can allow mold to regrow even faster.
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda along with two cups of water and shake in a spray bottle. When thoroughly dissolved spray the solution onto the mold and scrub with a brush. Repeat if necessary. Once cleaned, wipe the area with a wet, clean cloth to remove the solution.
Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold. White vinegar containing 5% acidity will also work just fine. If you don't already have some at home, white vinegar can be inexpensively purchased at most grocery stores.
Mold hates light. Other than moisture there's nothing mold loves more than dark places.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
Distilled white vinegar is non-toxic but acts much more slowly than chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide. While it will kill the mold, the discoloration and stains may remain and require additional scrubbing with a household cleaner. Distilled white vinegar can be used safely on most porous and non-porous surfaces.
Add full-strength white distilled vinegar to a spray bottle and spray it on the mold. Let it sit for at least an hour before wiping away mold. If you need follow-up scrubbing, combine one teaspoon baking soda with two cups of water. Pour it into a spray bottle, shake and spray it onto the mold.
Hydrogen peroxide kills mold effectively on materials such as clothing, floors, bathroom fixtures, walls and items such as kitchen appliances. Pour 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Spray the moldy surface completely to saturate the area with hydrogen peroxide.