Mould and mildew can be a nightmare for homeowners. The spores seem to creep into every nook and cranny, leaving behind nasty black or green stains and musty odours. As unpleasant as it looks, mould can also aggravate allergies and respiratory issues. Once it takes hold, mould and mildew can be difficult to get rid of completely. However, I have discovered a simple household item that works wonders for banishing mould and mildew for good: white vinegar.
Why Vinegar is Effective Against Mould and Mildew
Vinegar is highly acidic, with typical household vinegar having a pH between 2-3. Most moulds and fungi thrive in more alkaline environments. The high acidity of vinegar creates an inhospitable environment for mould.
Vinegar is also effective at breaking down the mould and mildew already present. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves the cellular structure of the mould spores and mycelium. This stops mould from spreading and destroys existing colonies.
Using Vinegar to Remove Mould and Mildew
Full Strength Vinegar
For tackling mould in the bathroom, kitchen and other hard, non-porous surfaces, using full strength vinegar is best.
- Simply spray or wipe undiluted white vinegar directly onto the affected area.
- Allow the vinegar to sit for at least an hour to penetrate and kill the mould.
- Wipe away loosened mould with a damp cloth.
- Repeat as needed for stubborn areas until all visible mould is gone.
The vinegar smell fades quickly as it dries. I’ve had great success using this method to remove mould from grout, caulk, windows, sinks, countertops and other places it tended to grow in my bathroom.
Vinegar Cleaning Solution
For large areas like walls or fabrics, mixing vinegar with water in a cleaning solution is more practical than using vinegar full strength.
- Combine 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the solution onto the mouldy surface.
- Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Use a sponge or scrub brush to remove the mould.
- Rinse with clean water once finished cleaning.
I use this vinegar solution to clean mould from tile and getting into crevices. It also works well for cleaning mould out of laundry machines and other equipment. Start by running a cycle with hot water and vinegar to break up residue, then do a regular wash cycle.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
For extremely stubborn mould stains, using baking soda along with vinegar works even better. The baking soda helps scrub away tough mould.
- Make a paste by sprinkling baking soda onto the affected area.
- Spray with undiluted vinegar.
- Allow the fizzing paste to work for at least 30 minutes.
- Scrub with a stiff brush.
- Rinse clean.
I’ve found this to be the most effective method for removing mould from grout lines, caulk and textured surfaces.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar
As an alternative to baking soda, hydrogen peroxide can also boost vinegar’s effectiveness.
- Spray hydrogen peroxide directly on the mouldy areas.
- Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Follow up by spraying undiluted vinegar.
- Let sit for 1 hour.
- Scrub and rinse clean.
The vinegar and hydrogen peroxide work together to kill mould and lift stains. I’ve successfully used this method to remove stubborn mould from patio furniture, baseboards and other porous materials.
Preventing Future Mould Growth
To banish mould and mildew for good, preventing recurrence is key. Here are some tips for keeping mould at bay after removing existing growth:
-
Improve ventilation and air circulation in problem areas. Run ceiling fans, open windows and keep humidity down.
-
Routinely disinfect surfaces that tend to get mouldy using vinegar. Add 1 cup of vinegar to mop water for cleaning floors.
-
Use vinegar solution or straight vinegar to wipe down caulk, grout, windowsills, sinks and other places mould likes to grow monthly.
-
Dry out wet spots completely after showers, spills or leaks. Address leaks causing dampness promptly.
-
Consider installing a dehumidifier to regulate humidity levels, especially in basements.
With diligence, vinegar can help prevent mould and mildew from returning and creating an unhealthy living space. By banishing mould and maintaining cleanliness with vinegar, I’ve been able to keep my home mould-free for over a year now. The vinegar smell is a small price to pay for getting rid of the musty stench of mould permanently.
