Mold growth is a common problem in many homes. Excess moisture allows mold spores that are naturally present in the air to germinate and grow. Mold can cause health problems for some people and damage buildings, so it’s important to address mold issues quickly. But what kills mold most effectively? Here’s an overview of some common methods for treating mold.
Bleach
Bleach is a strong oxidizing agent that can kill mold on hard surfaces like walls, tiles, concrete, and wood. The active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, disrupts proteins and enzymes in mold cells, causing them to break down. Bleach solutions are inexpensive and fast-acting.
However, there are some downsides to using bleach:
- It doesn’t kill mold spores, so mold may regrow
- It’s not effective at penetrating porous materials like drywall
- It can damage or discolor many surfaces
- Fumes can irritate eyes and lungs
Overall, bleach is a good option for mold removal on non-porous surfaces if used correctly. But it has limitations and risks.
Vinegar
White distilled vinegar is another household product some people use against mold. Vinegar is acidic, which changes the pH on surfaces to make it harder for mold to thrive. Undiluted vinegar can kill up to 82% of mold species.
Benefits of vinegar include:
- Non-toxic and natural
- Helps prevent future mold growth
- Removes mold stains and odors
- Affordable and readily available
However, vinegar has downsides too:
- Not as effective at killing mold as bleach
- Can damage some surfaces
- Takes more effort to dry/evaporate from surfaces
Vinegar is a decent DIY option for mold removal on semi-porous and non-porous surfaces. It requires more scrubbing than bleach and may need repeat applications.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Like bleach, hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that destroys mold through oxidation. Hydrogen peroxide solutions between 3-10% concentration work well for killing mold.
Advantages of hydrogen peroxide include:
- No toxic fumes or residues
- Environmentally-friendly
- Effective on many surfaces
- Prevents mold regrowth
Downsides include:
- Lower efficacy than bleach
- May bleach or discolor surfaces
- Deleterious to skin at high concentrations
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective, eco-friendly option for mold removal. It can be used on more surfaces than bleach without producing harsh fumes.
Borax
Borax (sodium borate) is an alkaline mineral salt that can disrupt the metabolism of mold. It breaks down mold cell walls and proteins.
Pros of using borax on mold:
- Kills mold spores as well as mold
- Prevents future mold growth
- Non-abrasive and won’t damage surfaces
- No toxic residue
Cons of borax include:
- Slower acting than bleach
- Less effective on porous materials
- Can cause eye and skin irritation if exposed
Borax works well on non-porous surfaces like tile, glass, and sealed concrete. It requires scrubbing and soaking but provides residual mold prevention.
Tea Tree Oil
The antifungal and antibacterial compounds in tea tree oil make it a popular natural mold treatment. It can kill up to 80% of common mold species.
Benefits of tea tree oil:
- All-natural and non-toxic
- Leaves a pleasant aroma
- Penetrates porous materials well
- Also removes musty odors
Some limitations include:
- Doesn’t provide residual mold prevention
- More expensive than other options
- Can stain or damage certain surfaces
Tea tree oil is a good option for natural mold removal on drywall, wood, and other permeable materials. Combine it with mechanical cleaning for best results.
Concrobium Mold Control
Concrobium Mold Control is a proprietary solution designed to eliminate existing mold and prevent regrowth. The active ingredient is sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, which breaks down mold cell walls.
Benefits of Concrobium:
- Kills and prevents mold
- Low odor and non-staining
- Safe for many surfaces
- Provides ongoing mold resistance
Potential drawbacks:
- More expensive than DIY options
- Multiple applications often needed
- Not meant for porous materials
Concrobium is one of the most effective commercial mold removal products. It provides extended mold protection after application on non-porous surfaces.
Comparison Table
| Method | Killing Power | Safety | Surface Types | Mold Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bleach | Very effective | Harsh chemicals | Best for non-porous | No |
| Vinegar | Moderately effective | Natural acid | Best for non-porous | Partial |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Very effective | Natural oxidizer | Effective on most surfaces | Yes |
| Borax | Moderately effective | Low toxicity | Best for non-porous | Yes |
| Tea Tree Oil | Moderately effective | Natural essential oil | Best for porous | No |
| Concrobium | Very effective | Low toxicity | Best for non-porous | Yes |
Conclusion
There are pros and cons to each mold killing method. Overall, bleach is the strongest and fastest-acting option for non-porous surfaces when used properly. However, hydrogen peroxide is nearly as effective and much safer. For porous materials like drywall, natural options like tea tree oil and borax work better.
Concrobium Mold Control stands out as one of the best commercial products, given its potent mold-killing formula combined with ongoing prevention against regrowth. Ultimately, consider both the effectiveness and risks of each method for your specific mold situation.
Mold should be addressed promptly since long-term exposure can cause respiratory issues. Combining physical removal, an appropriate killer, and addressing excess moisture provides the best chance of eliminating mold permanently.