7 Effective Solutions that Kill Mold Permanently

Mold Solutions
© Billion Photos and DinMatin/ via Canva.com

Written by Samara Abramson

Updated: January 30, 2024

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Mold is a typical issue in buildings, particularly in high-humidity and moisture areas. These could include rooms such as bathrooms or basements. That being said, mold can spread on nearly any surface in any room. Luckily, several effective solutions kill mold permanently.

These are seven great options for killing mold.

It is best to prevent mold before it appears. However, if you have become unlucky and have mold in your home, avoiding toxic chemical cleaning solutions is always best. There is an abundance of natural remedies that can kill mold, but sometimes you need stronger cleaning materials.

a professional pest control contractor kneeling and reclining in the kitchen and sprays chemicals against pests, bugs ands mold in his typical work dress for protect against the chemicals

It is best to avoid toxic mold removal products.

©PPC Photography Cologne/Shutterstock.com

Keep reading to learn about seven effective solutions that kill mold permanently.

1. Baking Soda

baking soda

Baking soda is a household staple that can kill mold.

©Geo-grafika/Shutterstock.com

Baking soda is one of the most useful household sundries. You can use it to cook, bake, deodorize, clean, or even as toothpaste. Therefore, there is a strong chance you have baking soda in your house. Luckily, it can be used as a non-toxic, natural mold killer! You can make a paste or a spray. Mix equal parts baking soda and water in a bowl to make a baking soda paste. You can apply the paste onto the mold and let it dry, then scrub away the mold. To make a spray, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two cups of water in a spray bottle and shake until it dissolves. Then, spray it onto the mold and scrub away.

2. Vinegar

Using baking soda Sodium bicarbonate and white vinegar for home cleaning. White vinegar in spray bottle and baking soda in glass jar.

There are many ways to use vinegar.

©Helin Loik-Tomson/iStock via Getty Images

Vinegar is another holy grail household product that has multiple uses. That is why one of these 7 effective solutions kills mold permanently. You can spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the surface for mold removal. You can also use vinegar to clean moldy clothing, soaking it in half-white vinegar and water overnight. The next day, you would rinse the clothing and wash it normally.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

A bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide

You can find many uses for hydrogen peroxide, including permanently killing mold.

©John Kevin/Shutterstock.com

Hydrogen peroxide bubbles up when it interacts with bacteria, so it is one of the most effective solutions that kill mold permanently. You can spray hydrogen peroxide directly onto a moldy surface, allow it to sit for 15 minutes, and wipe it with a damp cloth. Depending on the surface or material you are treating, mix the hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water in a spray bottle before applying it to the mold.

4. Tea Tree Oil

fresh tea tree twig and essential oil on the wooden board

Tea tree oil is an excellent alternative to commercial pesticides.

©AmyLv/Shutterstock.com

Tea tree oil is incredibly versatile and effective at deterring rodents, promoting relaxation, killing lice, and killing mold. You can create a safe and natural mold-cleaning solution in a spray bottle by mixing two teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups of water. Then, you would shake the mixture, combine it, and spray it directly onto the mold. After about an hour, scrub it and watch the mold disappear. Substitute the water for two cups of distilled white vinegar for an even stronger solution.

5. Lemon Juice

Glass of fresh lemon juice on white background

Lemon juice kills mold permanently.

©Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

All on its own, lemon juice can scrub away and kill mold effectively. You can apply it with a spray bottle or a sponge. You can use freshly squeezed lemon juice or the concentrated kind that comes in a bottle from the grocery store.

6. Bleach

closeup on blue background

Major mold clean-ups often require stronger cleaning solutions, such as bleach.

©RVillalon/Shutterstock.com

Sometimes, the natural solutions are just not strong enough. In those more serious cases, you might have to turn to something more dangerous, such as bleach. After a flood, for example, you might need to get rid of a lot of mold. To do so, mix a cup of household laundry bleach with a gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces. It is important to take safety precautions when cleaning with bleach. You should always keep children away from the area and ensure the bleach is inaccessible to small hands. Also, if you are using a natural and toxic cleaning solution, you should consider wearing a mask. Most importantly, ensure the area is well-ventilated, and if you feel dizzy or lightheaded, take a break and get some fresh air.

7. Professional Mold Removal Products

Aspergillus mold

Mold is dangerous for people and animals.

©Rattiya Thongdumhyu/Shutterstock.com

In the most severe cases, even bleach might not kill mold. In these instances, you probably need to call in professionals who would use professional mold removal products such as dehumidifiers, air movers, HEPA filter air scrubbers, professional-grade cleaning solutions, and a lot of PPE, including gloves, goggles, and masks.

Summary of 7 Effective Solutions that Kill Mold Permanently

NumberSolutionAmounts
1Baking Soda2 tbsp with 2 cups of water
2VinegarUndiluted or equal parts with water
3Hydrogen PeroxideEqual parts with water
4Tea Tree Oil2 tsp with 2 cups of water
5Lemon JuiceSqueeze or concentrated
6Bleach 1 cup with a gallon of water
7Professional Mold Removal ProductsVaries


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About the Author

Samara Abramson is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel, geography and birds. Samara has been writing professionally for more than 10 years and holds a Master's Degree in Journalism from Columbia University, which she earned in 2016. She also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. A resident of Boston, Samara enjoys gardening and caring for her labradoodle.

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