What can I use for mould in my house?

Author: Rory Pfannerstill MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 25, 2026

– Scrub the entire moldy area with a non-ammonia soap or detergent, or a commercial cleaner, in hot water, using sponges or rags, until all mold is gone. – Use a stiff brush or cleaning pad on cement-block walls and other uneven surfaces. – Rinse cleaned items with water and dry thoroughly.

How do I permanently get rid of mold in my house?

Spray the area with a mixture of water and vinegar - half water, half vinegar. Next, scrub to remove all traces of the mold. For removal of black and white mold, spray the area with the half water and half vinegar solution.

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 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 can I stop mold in my house?

a dehumidifier, which extracts moisture from the air, can be bought or hired. wipe down surfaces affected by condensation regularly to prevent mould growth. mould can be removed by washing the surface with a disinfectant or a fungicidal wash. This must be used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.

9 Signs You Have Toxic Mold In Your Home

What can I spray to keep mold away?

Products like HG Mould Spray and Dettol Antibacterial Mould Spray are formulated to kill mold and mildew on contact.

Can mold inside walls make you sick?

Can Mold Inside Walls Make You Sick or Does It Need to Be Exposed? Yes. Even if you can't see it, mold can make you sick. Spores can spread throughout your home, even from relatively contained areas like inside the wall.

Which kills mold better, bleach or vinegar?

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. You can even combine it with baking soda to make it more effective.

How do you stop mold growth permanently?

The only effective way to permanently get rid of mould problems is by reducing the build-up of moisture in your home.

What is the strongest mold killer?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: SALE. ...
  • 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: Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Remover Gel at Amazon $15.

What happens if you live in a house with mold?

Adults who live in moldy homes are up to 50 percent more likely to develop asthma. Children are even more likely to develop health issues like asthma and rhinitis. Mold exposure has also been associated with other upper respiratory infections, with symptoms that can range from sinus infections to sore throats.

What does black mold smell like?

Toxic black mold growth has a more potent and identifiable smell, like the smell of decay, wet soil, or rot. Visually, it may be greenish-black, grayish-black, slimy, or more furry than other forms of mold or mildew.

How to find hidden mold in your house?

Most often, a mold problem will be readily identified by a musty smell that becomes obvious in damp environments. Mold also likes to play hide and seek, so if you suspect there is a problem, then check under carpets, behind drywall, inside ductwork, in between bathroom tiles and in other moisture-prone areas.

What keeps mold from coming back?

Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, then, most likely, the mold problem will come back.

Does homeowners insurance cover mold?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

How do professionals remove mold?

Quality mold remediation professionals may use brushes or sponges and specialized cleaning solutions to remove mold colonies alongside vacuums to extract spores. It is necessary to ensure that every part of a structure is free of mold before restoration starts.

What 100% kills mold?

For large amounts of mold, the only method that kills mold 100%, every time, is removing all of the mold-infested materials entirely, and replacing them with new materials.

Does opening windows help with mold?

Mould thrives in damp areas such as windows, where there is dust, dirt or organic material, that's why the number one way to reduce mould is to open your windows regularly. By opening the windows at least once a day, this allows the mould spores to escape and lets patches of moisture dry out.

Can you paint over mold?

While painting over mould may temporarily disguise the problem, paint alone will not kill mould. Instead, the mould will continue to grow underneath the paint until it begins to show through. It may also cause the paint to bubble or flake, ruining the finish. If possible, it's best to remove the mould before painting.

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.

Is hydrogen peroxide better than vinegar for mold?

If you don't have hydrogen peroxide, use distilled white or cleaning vinegar. Distilled white vinegar's acidity slowly breaks down and kills mold but does so much slower than cleaning vinegar.

Is cleaning vinegar the same as white vinegar?

Cleaning vinegar and white distilled vinegar are very similar in their composition (namely, acetic acid and water), but the key difference lies in the acidity levels between the two. "Cleaning vinegar generally contains a higher acetic acid concentration than regular white vinegar," says Sokolowski.

How to tell if mold is behind drywall?

Musty Smell

If you think there's mold in your walls, get on your hands and knees and smell the electrical outlets. This might sound silly, but it may help you sense mold if it's growing within walls. Outlets have better access to the area behind the walls. Thus, smelling them can help identify the mold problem.

Can mold grow in your lungs?

When mold spores are inhaled, immune system cells surround and destroy them. But people who have a weakened immune system from illness or immunosuppressant medications have fewer infection-fighting cells. This allows aspergillus to take hold, invading the lungs and, in the most serious cases, other parts of the body.

What are the signs of mold sickness?

Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by a mold allergy can include:
  • Sneezing.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Cough and postnasal drip.
  • Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
  • Watery eyes.
  • Dry, scaly skin.

Previous article
What is the best color for a picture frame?
Next article
Can we run AC whole night?