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Q: I was moving furniture and discovered mold stains on the wall! How can I get rid of it? Does vinegar kill mold or should I use bleach?
A: If humidity levels are high, there is always a risk of mold growth. Mold usually grows on walls near baseboards or around the ceiling. Areas like bathrooms or basements are particularly prone to mold growth. Exposure to mold is associated with several problems such as allergic reactions, respiratory problems and asthma.
When you discover a nasty mold stain, you might be wondering: Does vinegar kill mold? Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties and can be a cost-effective and effective treatment. Before you clean up mold, however, it’s important to address the moisture problem that led to mold growth in the first place. Targeting mold without addressing the underlying moisture problem will almost certainly result in regrowth.
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Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial abilities, so it can effectively fight mold.
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Does vinegar kill mold? Yes! Household white vinegar contains between 5 and 8% acetic acid. Acetic acid has a pH of around 2.5 which can interfere with the growth of a range of microorganisms. You can clean small amounts of mold yourself with vinegar, but know when to call the professionals. The Environmental Protection Agency advises hiring professionals if there is mold that covers an area of 10 square feet or more. You may also need to call in a mold remediation specialist if mold has entered the heating, air conditioning or ventilation system.
Vinegar can kill black mold and is best used on non-porous surfaces.
White vinegar is a powerhouse for cleaning, deodorizing and disinfecting around the house. It can also kill black mold, a mold that usually appears when there is water damage. Spray vinegar on the moldy surface and leave it on for an hour. Then wipe the area with water and allow the surface to dry. Any odor should disappear within a few hours.
Although it is safe to use on most surfaces, vinegar is unlikely to be effective in cleaning mold from soft surfaces. If there is mold on the flooring or other malleable surfaces, they will need to be replaced.
Vinegar containing about 4% acetic acid can kill Penicillium chrysogenum But no Aspergillus fumigatus mold.
A 2015 study found that vinegar containing about 4% acetic acid was able to treat common household molds, including Penicillium chrysogenum But no Aspergillus fumigatus. The former is often found in moist environments, while the latter can be found in plant matter and soil. If in doubt about the type of mold present, consult a professional, who will be able to make the distinction.
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Vinegar is safe on most surfaces, including wood, but flooring manufacturers often include warnings to avoid cleaning wood floors with vinegar, as it can damage the protective finish. Do not mix vinegar with bleach; the mixture can create toxic chlorine gas. Also, do not mix vinegar with hydrogen peroxide. The reaction creates a toxic chemical called peracetic acid which can potentially irritate skin and eyes.
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Vinegar successfully kills mold on drywall and leather.
Does vinegar kill mold on drywall and leather? You can safely use vinegar to kill mold on drywall, but be careful when scrubbing so you don’t damage the surface underneath. Vinegar is more effective than bleach for cleaning drywall because bleach only kills mold on the surface, not underneath. This means the mold is likely to grow back. When bleach is used on porous surfaces, the mold will burrow deeper into the material to avoid it.
Vinegar can also be used to kill mold on leather, and it is recommended to dilute the vinegar with a water ratio of 1:1. Applying the vinegar mixture to a cloth can help prevent oversaturation and damage to the leather.
Vinegar kills mold on concrete, but it can damage the surrounding layer of cement.
Does vinegar kill mold on concrete? Vinegar is not recommended for use on concrete. As it is acidic, it can deteriorate the sealer or the cement binder. A professional may be able to help remove mold from more delicate surfaces like concrete.
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