Does Vinegar Kill Mould and Mildew?

Do you regularly check shower walls, carpets, windowsills, and areas underneath the kitchen sink around your home? The hotspots for mould and mildew infestation are moist, humid and dark areas. These are the most common type of microbes or fungus that likes to grow where the humidity level is high. Mould usually breaks down organic material like plant and leaves debris, but it can contribute to various health problems in a home. Exposure to these nasty spores can lead to breathing problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and allergic reactions and even trigger your asthma. Of course, there are various store-bought cleaners to tackle fungi and other microbes, but most of them are loaded with hazardous chemicals. Instead of using toxic products, you can get rid of mould and mildew using vinegar. It is a powerful cleaning agent that has antibacterial and antifungal properties- great for killing mould and mildew. Here is a complete guide to help know the effectiveness of vinegar in tackling mould and mildew:

Why is Vinegar Best to Tackle Mould and Mildew?

White vinegar in your pantry contains around 5 to 8 % acetic acid. It is a moderately strong acid that has a 2.5 pH value. This can banish the growth of a wide range of microorganisms and different types of fungi. According to experts, vinegar effectively kills mould and mildew from different surfaces. It can tackle almost every type of mould spore. It works wonders in treating penicillium chrysogenum but is ineffective on Aspergillus fumigates. If vinegar doesn’t give you desired results, you can hire professionals. The EPA recommends getting professional assistance if the mouldy area is larger than 10 square feet. For a thorough reliable bond cleaning Gold Coast, hire a reliable company that follows the pre-approved checklist to cover all nooks and crannies. However, many companies don’t include mouldy areas in their package. So, tackle this part on your own using vinegar.

Things to Consider When Cleaning with Vinegar

There is no denying that vinegar is effective on most mould, but the solution can damage certain surfaces. So do not use vinegar on:

Natural stone surfaces: Marble, limestone and granite countertops.

Floors with sealants can get worn away because of high acidic property of vinegar

Polished wooden furniture and floors

Electronic screens, such as phones and laptops.

Copper, aluminium, and stainless steel

Ceiling tiles and other porous surface

Surfaces to Clean with Vinegar For Mould Removal

You can use diluted vinegar on the following surfaces to kill mould, germs and other stains:

Glass surfaces

Carpets and rugs

Faucets

Showerhead and tubs

Toilets

Appliances, such as microwaves and ovens

Floors

Leather surfaces, etc.

Professional bond cleaners Gold Coast always test the solution on a hidden area to see how it reacts. Do not use it if you see discolouration, breakouts and other damages on the surface. Make sure you treat mould and clean your house before selling it if you are moving to a new house.

How to Kill Mould and Mildew Using Vinegar?

Inspecting moist or dark areas and looking for signs and symptoms of mould infestation is good. You should pay attention to the areas if there is a pungent smell in the home. Also, if you have a consistent headache or breathing difficulty, there is a clear sign of mould growth. You can use distilled vinegar or cleaning vinegar (it is more acid in nature) to get rid of mouldy surface stains. Let’s Get Started! 1. Wear Protective Gloves and a Face Mask Before getting into the process, make sure you wear protective eye gear, a face mask and rubber gloves because exposure to mould can cause allergic reactions. It is also good to wear old clothes that can be tossed as mould spores can easily be transported to your clothing and other home surfaces. 2. Proper Ventilation is Important It is important to open your windows and doors for cross ventilation. If you are tackling mould in your bathroom or kitchen, open the exhaust fans. This will also reduce the humidity level. 3. Prepare a Vinegar Solution All you need to do is to mix one part of vinegar, one part of water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid soap. Mix and pour this mixture into a spray bottle.  You  can also clean with baking soda and vinegar to tackle stubborn stains, grime, grease and mould from different surfaces. 4. Apply the Solution on Affected Surfaces to Kill Mould Spray the solution on mouldy surfaces, such as faucets, showerheads, curtains, tiles, grout lines, and carpets. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes. The antibacterial properties will react and kill the microorganisms. You can also leave it for an hour for best possible results. 5. Blot the Carpet/Rugs and Upholstery Surface Take a damp cloth and blot your carpets, rugs and upholstery furniture to get rid of mould stains. Scrubbing and rubbing too hard can cause damage or discolouration. So, take a white cloth, dip it in vinegar solution and blot it until the stain transfers to the cloth. Regular cleaning can keep your house and office carpet and upholstery spotlessly clean without using harsh chemicals. 6. Gently Scrub the Hard Surface You can use a non-abrasive brush to scrub the mould stains. Dip a tool in water and scrub the hard surface with your gentle hands. You can also use a wet sponge to wipe down the surface to avoid scratches. 7. Rinse the Surface It is good to rinse and wipe off the surface with a damp cloth or water spray. You can use a cloth or sponge to wipe the area.  Wash and mop the floors for better outcomes. 8. Dry the Area Do not forget to wipe the surface with a dry cloth and let the area completely dry. This will prevent mould re-infestation. You can hire a good company for a quality bond cleaning Gold Coast to get rid of stubborn stains, grime and grease from surfaces to get the full bond back without any dispute.

Wrapping Up

White or cleaning vinegar is one of the most effective products to tackle mould and mildew. You can consider these simple tips and avoid using them on natural stone surfaces, polished wooden surfaces and concrete floors.