Mold vs. Mildew

Mildew refers to specific types of fungus, including some types of mold.

Warning

Never mix bleach and vinegarwhen cleaning.

Combined, bleach and vinegar form a potentially lethal chlorine gas with a pungent smell.

Mold in bathtub and tiled wall crevice next to scrub brushes

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Immediately leave the area, go outside, and breathe fresh air.

Apply the Vinegar

Pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and label it.

Spray the moldy surface.

Materials and tools to remove mold with vinegar

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Allow the vinegar to remain on the surface for at least one hour before moving to the next steps.

Rinse the Surface

Dip a sponge in clean water and wipe down the surface.

Rinse the sponge frequently.

Yellow latex gloves put on before cleaning mold with vinegar

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Start at the top for vertical surfaces and work downward to catch drips.

For porous surfaces, wring the sponge so it is damp to prevent oversaturating the finish.

Oxygen bleach will not kill mold spores but is very effective for removing stains.

Window handle pulled open by hand with gloves to ventilate air

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Stir well to dissolve the powder.

Allow it to work for at least 30 minutes, then rinse with clean water.

Dry the Surface

Allow the freshly cleaned surfaces to air-dry.

Brown spray bottle applying vinegar to mold corner with gloves

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Small colonies can explode into large colonies in just a few days.

Your local public health department can offer advice on mold testing and refer you to a mold remediation company.

It goes deeper than bleach to eliminate fungus.

Orange dampened sponge rinsing vinegar from mold corner in bathtub

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Cover the entire mold area with vinegar for at least an hour to kill the fungus.

you could even leave it overnight.

Wipe it away with a clean, water-moistened towel or sponge.

Finger with gloves pointing to color discoloration after cleaning mold

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Use undiluted vinegarnot mixed with anythingand apply it to the mold spot.

Wear protective gear like goggles, a mask, and gloves if using a lot of it.

Vinegar can be bothersome if splashed, and fumes can irritate those with sensitivities.

Gray scrub brush removing discoloration with oxygen bleach after cleaning

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Mold Allergy.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Mold Cleanup in Your Home.U.S.

Kuhn DM, Ghannoum MA.Indoor mold, toxigenic fungi, andstachybotrys chartarum: infectious disease perspective.Clin Microbiol Rev.

Cleaned corner in bathroom air drying

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2003;16(1):144-172. doi:10.1128/CMR.16.1.144-172.2003