DIY

Is Bleach or Vinegar Better to Kill Mold?

Household mold can be a horrid sight to behold, not to talk about the damage that it can cause.

It is dangerous and can cause considerable property damage and severe health problems to those exposed to it.

image - Is Bleach or Vinegar Better to Kill Mold
Is Bleach or Vinegar Better to Kill Mold

Molds feed on common building materials, including dry wood and wall, leading to structural damage.

The building materials are ideal for mold growth because they contain cellulose, an organic material that molds use as food.

If you need experts that deal with Mold removal in St. Louis, MO, then consider Environmental Resources Inc.

We have all the certifications in mold remediation with extensive experience. Besides, we are an insured company.

Our experts are trained, certified, and licensed to help you handle all mold-related cases. We work on residential, commercial, chemical, industrial, and pharmaceutical buildings.

What Causes Mold Growth

Mold growth is caused by moisture, which can be high humidity, water leaks from old or damaged pipes, and water-saturated floors in poor ventilation areas.

Since mold reproduces by spores, they are carried by air, and if they land on a moist surface, they grow so fast.

When left untreated, mold can cause permanent damage to the building’s interiors.

Molds can cause serious health problems to the residents or employees, especially if they are exposed to molds every day.

The mold spores can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and in extreme cases, lung infection. Exposing your family to mold for a prolonged period increases their chances of poor health.

If you are looking for professionals to get rid of molds in your home or your workplace, you can contact us for consultation.

Bleach Vs. Vinegar: Which One Is Effective?

If your mold covers a significant area in your home or house, call an expert to get it removed.

However, if you notice small amounts of mold, you can remove them using household solutions.

The most common household remedies are bleach and vinegar. Most homeowners think of these solutions first, but are they all effective?

Although both can kill mold, vinegar is more effective when removing mold from a porous material.

Bleach only kills mold spores on the affected area’s surface, while vinegar penetrates the porous material to kill the mold at the roots.

Therefore, if you clean a surface with bleach, the chances of regrowth are high.


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Killing Mold Using Bleach

Bleach kills mold growth on the surface without penetrating the surface. You should kill the underlying membrane and remove it to clear the molds effectively.

The bleach’s chemical structure cannot penetrate the porous surfaces to kill the membrane, and therefore the mold will return after some time.

The bleach’s effect causes the mold membranes to move deeper into the surface to hide from the bleach.

Bleach is only effective when removing small amounts of mold on non-porous surfaces.

The biggest problem with using bleach to clean mold is that it can cause it to multiply. The mold treats the bleach as a threat against which it must react.

It uses bleach as a source of food to grow even faster. Therefore, avoid using bleach as a mold removal solution.

Killing Mold Using Vinegar

Vinegar is very effective when it comes to killing mold. White distilled vinegar can kill up to 80% of mold species common in our homes.

It is a strong acid used to remove mold and prevent its regrowth. To clean mold with vinegar, follow these steps:

  • Wear protective gear like gloves and masks
  • Without diluting the vinegar, pour it into the spray bottle.
  • Spray the affected area and allow the vinegar to sit for an hour so that the mold can absorb it well
  • You can scrub the mold with a baking soda solution. Prepare it by pouring 2 cups of water and one teaspoon of baking soda into a spray bottle and shaking it.
  • Spray the mold with the mixture and use a scrubbing brush to scrub the mold. Remember to wear protective gloves to avoid direct contact.
  • Rinse the areas with clean, warm water.
  • Respray the vinegar over the clean area and let it dry.

When to Call an Expert

If your home or office has a large area affected by molds, it is wise to call experts that deal with mold removal.

They are better positioned to remove mold on a large scale within a short time. Besides removing the mold, they can also determine the cause of the problem to prevent future recurrence in your property.

It’sIt’s advisable to deal with the mold problem as soon as they appear because they grow and spread so fast.

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Published by
Perla Irish