Soap is a household staple that helps to ensure the health of your home and your family. But sometimes, the effectiveness of soap just won’t cut it. One of the prime examples of when soap alone just isn’t enough is when it comes to dangerous household mold.
Here, we’ll explain how to incorporate soap into mold removal and what other household products can finish the job.
Does Soap Kill Mold?
According to the CDC, soap, and water can effectively remove mold from household surfaces. This application works well specifically with non-porous surfaces, like shower tiles and kitchen sinks.
But soap alone can only do so much. If you’re fighting a mold infestation, you must kill off all of the leftover, invisible spores that can remain.
That means that once the mold is no longer visible, you will need to follow up with a solution that has stronger mold-fighting powers.
Read more: Is black mold in shower dangerous?
What Household Items Kill Mold?
Mold is a type of fungi, and fungi are an integral part of our planet’s ecosystem. With over 5.1 million species and counting, there are both medicinal powerhouses and dangerous enemies in this incredible kingdom.
Don’t worry! You don’t need to race out to the store to eliminate mold residue. There are several household products that are highly effective at killing fungus, and there’s a good chance you already have them in your pantry.
Mask up, open your cabinet, and arm yourself with these powerful household solutions. Remember to wear gloves and shield your eyes when interacting with mold, as it can be hazardous to your health if ingested.
White Vinegar
First up, and top of the list for a good reason, is white vinegar. We recommend a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water mixed up in a small bucket or spray bottle for easy application.
Simply douse the area with the solution, spraying or dabbing with a cloth. Do not dry. Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the infected area, soaking into the black mold. After about an hour has passed, scrub and wipe up the area.
For good measure, liberally coat with one final layer of your solution and allow it to dry thoroughly. Vinegar has the power to prevent future mold growth, so the occasional spray in a high-risk area, like crevices in your shower, is a tremendously proactive practice.
Bleach
Bleach is another highly effective fungus-fighting powerhouse. Because bleach is so potent, you’ll need to dilute it with water.
After you make your solution, follow the same steps as you would for vinegar. Spray, let soak, scrub, and wipe clean.
For household safety, you don’t want to let bleach dry on the surfaces of your home, so follow up with a spritz of white vinegar solution to prevent further growth.
As a friendly reminder, never mix bleach with ammonia!
Read more: Can you mix bleach and vinegar to kill mold?
Baking Powder or Hydrogen Peroxide?
People commonly assume you can use baking powder or hydrogen peroxide to kill mold. And while these are effective cleaning solutions for some things, mold requires a more robust solution.
That said, you can incorporate these items into your mold-fighting regimen. Hydrogen peroxide makes a great final coat to clean up the infected area, although you should never mix it with vinegar. Alternatively, add baking powder to your vinegar solution for extra scouring power.
Read more: Will dehumidifier kill mold?
Conclusion
If your home has a mold infestation, tackle it yourself or call in the experts! The friendly All Dry USA team has years of experience fighting mold and restoring homes. Call today!