First, mix one part white vinegar to four parts water in a spray bottle. Close the shower curtain so it extends the full length of the tub or stall, and, on the tub-side, spray with the vinegar and water solution. The vinegar will work to break down soap scum and mold.
Add a cup of vinegar to the wash cycle to help kill any mold or mildew. If your shower curtain is made of a fabric that can't be machine washed, then you will need to spot-clean spot-cleaning it. Use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to scrub away any mold or mildew.
To naturally clean mold off your shower curtain, you can use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Fill a spray bottle with this solution and generously spray the affected areas. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the vinegar's natural anti-fungal properties to work.
Leave the vinegar to work for at least 30 minutes to one hour. Once the vinegar has done its job and killed the mold, rinse the area well with water and wipe down the surface with a sponge or paper towels.
Numerous studies suggest that white vinegar can kill 82 per cent of household moulds, including those in your curtains. It is generally safe and can prevent future mould infestations. Aside from cleaning mould off curtains, white vinegar solution can also make the odour go away.
Most of the time, a mixture of vinegar and water in a 50/50 solution will suffice, but not always. Shower heads only require white vinegar, add sprinkles of baking soda when cleaning a toilet or a bath, water it down to clean tiles.
The truth is, vinegar does not kill 100% of mold in most cases. It only works on a very small number of surfaces, and only if the moldy area is very small. Even then, mold often comes back after 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.
Mix a paste of baking soda and a small amount of water in a small bowl. Dip a soft-bristled brush in the paste and gently scrub the mold-stained areas of the curtain. Be sure to scrub both sides of the vinyl or fabric. Wash the curtain as usual and hang to air-dry.
Use hydrogen peroxide, diluted chlorine bleach, or a commercial tile cleaner and the nylon brush to remove any remaining stains.
Both vinegar and bleach are practical and powerful to kill mold growth around the house. However, both have their advantages and disadvantages. Vinegar is a safer choice than bleach. If mold is growing on porous surfaces: Vinegar can penetrate deep into the pores of the surface, killing around 82% of it.
Using White Vinegar:
White vinegar is a powerful natural cleaning agent that can help eliminate mold on synthetic materials. Mix equal parts hot water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Generously spray this solution on areas affected by mold. Let it sit for a few hours, then gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush.
Types of Mold Found in Bathrooms
Some common varieties include: Cladosporium: This mold type can appear as black or green spots and is commonly found on fabrics, making your shower curtain a potential target.
Any vinegar can work as an alternative when you don't have a bottle of white vinegar at hand—or if you want to avoid the smell.
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.
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.
Vinegar is natural and safe mild acid that can kill 82% of mold species. Plus it doesn't give off dangerous fumes like bleach. If you want to use vinegar to prevent mold growth on surfaces, spray vinegar on the surface and leave it. Repeat every few days to keep the surface mold-free.
Mold can come back after remediation if the underlying moisture issues aren't addressed. Continuous maintenance and moisture control are key to prevent mold recurrence.
Vinegar has a very low pH level which means it's very acidic, so it can corrode some surfaces over time. For example, using vinegar on natural stone like granite or marble can dull and scratch the surface and it can corrode surfaces like unsealed grout, window seals, and fridge and dishwasher gaskets.
The Benefits of a Vinegar Bath
Cleansing: Vinegar can effectively remove dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oils from your skin. Exfoliation: The gentle exfoliation properties of vinegar can reveal smoother, healthier skin. pH Balancing: It helps balance the pH of your skin, maintaining its natural acidity.