Is baking soda or vinegar better for killing mold?

Author: Bridgette Monahan  |  Last update: Thursday, June 19, 2025

Baking soda is milder than vinegar and may not work on more aggressive forms of mold. It does, however, have the added benefit of absorbing odors and any remaining residue can help prevent the mold from recurring.

Is baking soda or vinegar better for mold?

Please take care! Why vinegar and baking soda: Vinegar is a super powerful tool! It kills around 82% of mold species because it has acetic acid. On the other hand, baking soda is great because it absorbs moisture.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

How long to let baking soda and vinegar sit on mold?

Steps
  1. Add 8 tbsp (120 g) of baking soda to a large mixing bowl. ...
  2. Pour in 4 tbsp (60 ml) of white vinegar and let it foam up. ...
  3. Stir the mixture together into a thick paste. ...
  4. Smear the paste onto the mold and let it dry for 1 hour. ...
  5. Scrub the dried paste with a scouring pad or stiff brush.

What is the best cleaner for mold?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover at Amazon. ...
  • Best Fast Acting: RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover at Amazon $17. ...
  • Best Preventative: Mold Armor Mold Blocker at Amazon $11. ...
  • Best Eco-Friendly: CLR Mold & Mildew Stain Remover at Amazon $12. ...
  • Best Gel:

How to Kill Mold With Vinegar

Can I mix baking soda and vinegar?

Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!

What is the ratio of vinegar to water to kill mold?

Mix 1 cup each of vinegar and warm water into a spray bottle. Spray a cleaning cloth with the solution and gently dab the affected area until the mould is gone. Absorb the cleaning solution with a dry cloth and leave to air dry.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

Is alcohol or vinegar better to kill mold?

Vinegar is more effective than rubbing alcohol for killing mold, however, this is only true for small patches of mold. Vinegar has a very low pH (1 or 2 on the pH scale), which means it is caustic enough to be effective at killing plant and fungal matter like mold.

Is Clorox or vinegar better for mold?

Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mold? Vinegar is better at killing mold because it can work on both porous and nonporous surfaces. It also terminates molds at their roots so the mold won't return and is also safer than bleach.

What do professionals use for mold remediation?

Equipment Used in Mold Remediation

Air scrubbers play a crucial role and filter out mold spores from the air, ensuring a cleaner environment. HEPA vacuums are also vital, adeptly removing mold particles from surfaces. To detect hidden mold, we use moisture meters, pinpointing damp areas prone to mold growth.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

What kills mold better vinegar or hydrogen peroxide?

Use regular, distilled white vinegar to kill mold, as it's the most acidic. Some homeowners can even utilize vinegar directly to their walls or linoleum floors as a cleaning technique to prevent mold from forming.

What is the ratio of vinegar and baking soda for cleaning?

You should use a ratio of 1:2 baking soda to vinegar. In other words, if you're using ½ cup of baking soda, use 1 cup of vinegar, or if you're using a cup of baking soda, use 2 cups of vinegar.

What happens if you clean mold without a mask?

If you're not wearing any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), you're inviting all of those mold spores to settle on your clothing, the area you're cleaning, your shoes (allowing mold to travel to other areas in your home), in your eyes, and up your nose into your upper respiratory system.

How to get rid of mold with white vinegar?

  1. Step 1: Protect Yourself. Direct contact with mold can be dangerous, especially if any spores become airborne during the cleaning process. ...
  2. Step 2: Apply the Vinegar. ...
  3. Step 3: Create a Baking Soda Scrub. ...
  4. Step 4: Scrub Away Remaining Mold. ...
  5. Step 5: Finish with a Final Spray.

Does vinegar go bad?

Vinegar is a fermented product and has an “almost indefinite” shelf life according to the Vinegar Institute. “Because of its acid nature, vinegar is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration. White distilled vinegar will remain virtually unchanged over an extended period of time.

Does straight vinegar kill mold?

That old bottle of vinegar in your cupboard is a powerful tool. White vinegar is a mild acid known to kill roughly 82 percent of mold species, and it can even help prevent mold outbreaks in the future. Vinegar can kill mold, while bleach cannot because vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties.

What is the best thing to kill mold?

Mix a solution that's equal parts white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle. Spray or apply the vinegar and water mixture directly to the moldy areas. Using a scrub brush with a long handle, scrub the moldy areas vigorously in a circular motion. Continue scrubbing until you remove the mold stains.

Can I leave vinegar on mold overnight?

Yes, you can leave vinegar on mould overnight, though this isn't necessary as it usually takes effect after an hour. However, you can't use any type of vinegar, for mould removal you must use distilled white vinegar.

How long do I let baking soda and vinegar sit?

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into the drain slowly. Immediately cover the drain with a clean cloth or drain plug to enhance the effectiveness of the foaming action. Let the baking soda and vinegar mixture sit for about 30 minutes to an hour, then remove the cloth or drain plug.

Do baking soda and vinegar clean mold?

Baking soda is mild, harmless to your family and pets, and is a natural and safe household cleaner. It can also kill mold. Baking soda and vinegar are typically used together when dealing with a mold problem since they kill different species of mold.

What not to mix with baking soda?

Baking soda is commonly combined with another solution, such as vinegar or water, to create a cleaning paste. (But be careful not to combine baking soda with certain solutions such as chlorine bleach, ammonia, or alcohol because these can cause dangerous chemical reactions.)

Previous article
Why do I smell burning plastic when there is none?
Next article
Is it okay to plant outside now?