How to Clean Mold in Your Home

Written By Amy Foster

Mold it’s a health hazard and a sign of excess moisture in your home. Left untreated, It can spread quickly, damage surfaces, and cause respiratory issues for you and your family.

Mold isn't just something ugly yo look at, it can affect your health, especially if you suffer from asthma, allergies, or weakened immunity.

You can clean mold, but you need to do it safely and know when to get professional help.

Common causes of mold:

  • High humidity (often in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens)

  • Leaks from plumbing, roofs, or windows

  • Condensation on windows or walls

  • Poor ventilation

Where Mold Commonly Grows:

Mold appears almost anywhere, but here are the most common ares in homes:

  • Bathrooms, such as: showers, tiles, and grout.

  • Kitchens: under sinks, near dishwashers and near taps.

  • Basements: walls, carpets, and storage areas

  • Around windows and doors places where condensation builds up.

  • Attics (if there are roof leaks)

  • On fabrics: like damp cloths/towels, clothes, curtains, and carpets)

How to Clean Mold Safely

Before you grab a sponge, make sure to be safe. So you’ll need the right precautions.

Safety Gear Checklist

  • Rubber gloves

  • mask or respirator

  • Safety goggles

  • Old clothes you can wash right after

Step 1: Measure the Mold Size

  • Small areas (under 10 sq. feet): Usually safe to clean yourself.

  • Large areas (over 10 sq. feet): Call professionals. Mold this size is often a deeper moisture problems.

Step 2: Choose the Right Cleaner

Here are some of your options:

Bleach

  • Effective at killing surface mold on non-porous materials (like tiles).

  • Mix 1 cup bleach with 1 gallon of water.

  • Note: Not ideal for porous materials (like drywall or wood) because it doesn’t penetrate deeply.

Vinegar

  • Natural and effective for killing many mold species.

  • Spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the moldy surface.

  • Let sit for 1 hour before scrubbing.

Baking Soda

  • Mild cleaner that also deodorizes.

  • Mix with water into a paste for scrubbing grout or tiles.

Commercial Mold Cleaners

  • Available at most hardware stores.

  • Many contain both mold-killing agents and preventive ingredients.

Step 3: Scrub and Remove

  • Make sure any windows are open to help with ventilation.

  • Apply cleaner you have chosen to go with.

  • Use a scrub brush or sponge to remove mold stains.

  • Rinse with clean water.

  • Dry thoroughly with a towel or fan—moisture left behind encourages more mold.

Step 4: Discard Contaminated Items.

If mold has set in make sure to throw away any and all items:

  • Carpets or rugs soaked with mold

  • Ceiling tiles

  • Drywall with deep mold growth

Replacement is safer than cleaning.

To Help Prevent Mold from Returning

Here are some steps to help prevent mold from returning.

Improve Ventilation

  • Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

  • Open windows when weather permits.

  • Keep indoor humidity below 50%.

  • Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements.

  • Fix Leaks Immediately

  • Repair plumbing leaks, dripping faucets, and roof leaks quickly.

  • Clean Regularly

  • Wipe down bathroom tiles and sinks weekly.

  • Don’t leave wet towels or clothes lying around.

Thoughts

Mold is more than just an ugly nuisance—it’s a sign that your home has moisture issues. With the right cleaning techniques, safety precautions, and prevention strategies, you can tackle small infestations and stop mold from spreading.

But if you are dealing with large areas, or worried about your family’s health, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals for help.

Amy Foster