Does Vinegar Kill Mold? What Works, What Doesn't, When to Call a Pro

Does vinegar kill mold? Partly. In a 2015 laboratory study, household vinegar (4.0 to 4.2% acetic acid) stopped the growth of one common indoor mold, *Penicillium chrysogenum*, but not another, *Aspergillus fumigatus*. That makes white vinegar a reasonable choice for wiping small spots of surface mold on hard surfaces, but not a cure for mold inside drywall, carpet or wood, and not a substitute for fixing the moisture that caused it.

The good news is that killing mold is not really the goal. The EPA says dead mold can still cause allergic reactions, so mold has to be physically removed, not just killed. That changes how you should think about vinegar, bleach and every other product, and it is why professional mold remediation focuses on removing growth rather than spraying it.

What the research shows about white vinegar and mold

Most of the vinegar claims online trace back to a few small sources. The most cited peer-reviewed one is a 2015 paper by researchers at the University of Adelaide and Flinders University, published in the *International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health* (Rogawansamy et al., 2015). In lab dishes:

A few cautions about reading this study:

• It was done on lab plates, not on walls, grout or wood in a real house.
• It tested only two mold species. Homes can have many.
• The authors also noted reduced spore production after exposure to several agents, including vinegar, which is different from killing the mold.

So the honest answer is that white vinegar has some antifungal effect against some molds. It is not proven to kill all mold, and no household product makes mold on porous materials safe to leave in place.

Vinegar vs. bleach vs. detergent: which to use

Does bleach kill black mold?

Bleach can disinfect hard surfaces, and the CDC allows a diluted solution for cleanup. But the EPA says using chlorine bleach or other biocides is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup, though there may be cases where professional judgment calls for it, such as when people with weakened immune systems are present. The same logic applies to black mold as to any mold: the CDC says all indoor molds should be treated the same way. Read more in our guide to black mold.

Which is better to kill mold, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide?

We did not find an authoritative source, such as the EPA, CDC or a university extension service, that compares the two for home mold cleanup, so we cannot tell you one is better. Both are surface treatments. Neither removes mold from inside porous materials, and neither fixes the moisture. If you use any commercial mold product, follow the label directions exactly.

Never mix vinegar and bleach

This is the most important safety point in this guide. Poison Control says never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach, because the mix releases chlorine gas, which irritates the airways, eyes, nose and throat. The CDC also warns never to mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, since it makes a poisonous gas.

If you use bleach on one area and vinegar on another, rinse and air out between products. If you accidentally mix them, leave the area, get fresh air and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How to use white vinegar to clean mold on hard surfaces

Use this only for small areas of surface mold on nonporous surfaces like tile, glazed ceramic, glass, sealed countertops (not marble or limestone), or a plastic shower curtain liner. The EPA says areas under about 10 square feet can usually be handled by a homeowner.

1. Fix the moisture first. A leak, condensation or poor bathroom ventilation will bring the mold right back.
2. Protect yourself. The EPA recommends an N-95 respirator, gloves and goggles without vent holes. Open a window or run a fan.
3. Use plain white vinegar. Distilled white vinegar sold in the US is typically 4 to 7% acetic acid, according to Poison Control. If you buy "cleaning vinegar," check the label for its strength and warnings.
4. Spray and let it sit. Spray the moldy area and give it time to work before scrubbing.
5. Scrub to remove the growth. Use a brush or scrub pad. Remember, the goal is removal.
6. Wipe, rinse and dry completely. Moisture left behind feeds new growth.
7. Bag and throw away rags and sponges used on mold.
8. Watch for regrowth. If the spot comes back quickly, the moisture source has not been fixed, or the mold is growing behind the surface.

For tile and grout specifics, see our guide to mold in the shower and bathroom.

When vinegar is the wrong tool

Skip the spray bottle and look into professional mold remediation when:

• The area is larger than about 10 square feet. The EPA says larger areas or significant water damage call for its professional remediation guidance.
• The mold is on drywall, carpet, insulation or ceiling tiles. These porous materials can hold mold that is hard or impossible to remove, and may need to be thrown away. See mold on drywall and walls.
• The water was sewage or floodwater. The EPA says to call a professional experienced with contaminated water.
• You suspect mold in the HVAC system. The EPA advises not running a system you suspect is contaminated.
• You smell mold but cannot see it. Hidden mold often grows behind drywall, wallpaper or under carpet.
• Someone in the home has health concerns. The EPA advises talking with a health professional before starting cleanup.

In these cases, professionals use containment and remove damaged materials, and the underlying leak may need water damage restoration so the structure is properly dried.

Vinegar for mold smell

Vinegar has a strong smell of its own, so it can cover a musty odor for a while. But the EPA treats a moldy odor as a sign that mold may be growing and should be investigated. If the musty smell comes back after the vinegar smell fades, the source is still there.

Is vinegar safe around kids and pets?

Vinegar is a common kitchen product, but it is still an acid. Poison Control advises keeping vinegar away from children, notes that vinegar splashed in the eyes can cause injury, and reports skin burns from vinegar left on skin. Store it out of reach, keep kids and pets out of the room while you clean, and rinse surfaces they touch. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 with questions about an exposure.

Vinegar and mildew on clothes and laundry

Mildew on fabric is a surface mold problem, and the University of Missouri Extension has detailed fabric guidance. It recommends brushing off growth outdoors, washing with detergent and drying in the sun. For stains that remain on fabrics safe for bleach, it suggests a solution of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach per quart of warm water, followed by a soak in weak vinegar (2 tablespoons per cup of water) to stop the bleaching, after the bleach is rinsed out (Missouri Extension). It warns never to use chlorine bleach on silk, wool or spandex. For the difference between the two, see mold vs. mildew.

Getting local help

Flood Rescue Pros is a free service that connects homeowners with independent local water damage and mold restoration companies. If the mold is bigger than a small surface spot, you can get help now or look up service areas.

Frequently asked questions

Does vinegar kill black mold?

"Black mold" covers many dark molds, and the research on vinegar is limited. One 2015 lab study found vinegar inhibited one common mold but not another. Use it only for small spots on hard surfaces, and remove moldy porous materials instead of spraying them.

Is white vinegar or bleach better for mold?

The EPA recommends detergent and water for hard surfaces and says bleach is not recommended for routine mold cleanup. The CDC allows diluted bleach (no more than 1 cup per gallon). Vinegar is an option for small hard-surface spots. Never mix vinegar and bleach.

How long should vinegar sit on mold?

There is no official contact time for vinegar on mold. Let it sit long enough to soak the growth, then scrub it off, rinse and dry completely. Removal matters more than the soak time.

Does vinegar kill mold on drywall?

Vinegar may treat the surface, but mold on drywall often grows into the paper and the back of the board. The EPA says porous materials may need to be thrown away. Moldy drywall usually needs to be cut out.

Is it safe to mix vinegar and baking soda for mold?

We did not find official guidance on that combination for mold. The safety rule that matters most is never to mix vinegar with bleach, which releases chlorine gas.

Key facts

• A 2015 lab study found 4.0 to 4.2% vinegar inhibited *Penicillium chrysogenum* but not *Aspergillus fumigatus*.
• The EPA says dead mold can still cause allergic reactions, so mold must be removed, not just killed.
• For hard surfaces, the EPA recommends detergent and water; the CDC allows no more than 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water.
• Never mix vinegar and bleach; the mix releases chlorine gas.
• Areas over about 10 square feet, porous materials, sewage water and HVAC mold call for professional help.
• Fix the moisture first, or the mold will return.