Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How to clean mold from your kitchen and bathroom

Everyone knows that mold is gross, and it can cause a variety of health issues when people inhale the spores. But mold can be both cleaned and prevented if you follow the right steps and understand how it forms and multiplies.

There are about 100,000 different types of mold in the world, and 12 of them exist in household settings, says Apartment Guide. Of these 12 types, two are common in the kitchen and bathroom areas, where there exists a lot of moisture and condensation. These two types are what we are discussing today: How to identify them, clean them, and prevent them from recurring.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Kitchen and bathroom mold identification

The most common mold in homes is ulocladium. It lives in kitchens, bathrooms, and where there is water damage in basements and on windows. It forms in household areas with high condensation, such as steamy bathrooms with inadequate ventilation, or kitchens that experience high volumes of steam and moisture.

This mold isn’t as harmful as some others, but it can cause hay fever, trouble breathing, skin irritations and infections, and asthma symptoms in people who are sensitive to it.

The second most-common mold found in residential homes is alternaria, says The National Library of Medicine. Unlike ulocladium, this mold appears when water damage has occurred, such as when shower water has breached tile grout or a kitchen sink has leaked into drywall. This mold spreads quickly and can cause asthma symptoms in people who are sensitive to it.

Identifying the problem

Look for larger patches and run the water or shower to see exactly where the breach is. If you own your home, you may need to call a contractor to help you find out where the mold started. If you rent, put in a call to the homeowner or management company to let them know your situation. If you clean it up right away, it may be more difficult for a professional to diagnose the problem. Take pictures of the area and make a backup copy of them by saving to the cloud or sending them to a trusted friend.

Now that you have documented the issue, you can move on to the cleaning process.

Protect yourself

There are some items you need to clean mold safely. These two types of household molds have the most adverse effect on people with weak immune systems, lung damage, or high susceptibility to allergens. However, allergies can show up at any time, so protecting yourself when cleaning any mold is imperative.

Mold spores are tiny, and although they may be in the air already, cleaning them will release a large number of them at once. To minimize the concentration of these spores, you’ll need an N95-rated respirator, similar to the type worn by painters and woodworkers. These masks are disposable, and essential to keeping yourself safe during the cleaning process. Additionally, you will need rubber or nitrile gloves because you will be handling bleach or detergents. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also suggest that you wear rubber boots and protective goggles when cleaning mold with bleach.

Do not sweep dry mold, as that will release more spores into the air. Always get the mold wet before you begin to clean, says the EPA.

Choose the right product

Bleach, ammonia, borax, and vinegar are all effective mold-removal products. Your decision to use any of these depends on whether you have pets and small children, adequate ventilation, and access to protective equipment. Keep in mind that several natural products are as effective as bleach and ammonia at cleaning and disinfecting moldy surfaces, so take a look at some of your choices.

Bleach

Cleaning mold with bleach is a guaranteed way to kill all species of mold and its spores. It also sanitizes nonporous surfaces and leaves them resistant to future mold growth. The keyword here is “nonporous,” though. Bleach cannot penetrate drywall or wood, and therefore the mold will come back if you treat them with bleach. Bleach also can be toxic to breathe, so that’s one more downside. If you choose bleach, mix 8 ounces of bleach with a gallon of water, and apply using a cloth or sponge, or use a spray bottle. The area can air dry, as long as you keep pets and children away, and as long as it’s not a food-preparation surface.

Ammonia

Ammonia effectively kills mold on nonporous surfaces, similar to bleach. A 50/50 mix of ammonia and water can be sprayed onto moldy surfaces and left for a few hours. Ammonia, like bleach, cannot penetrate porous surfaces such as wood and drywall. It is also harsh and toxic, so use protective gloves at the very least. Cleaning products that contain ammonia also work well, so mitigate the mold by following the directions on the label.

Do not allow children and pets near ammonia or products containing ammonia, and under no circumstances mix ammonia with bleach. This mixture produces chlorine gas, which can be fatal, states Healthline.

Borax

Borax is a natural substance that cleans mold well and deodorizes toilets and drains. Although toxic when swallowed, borax does not produce harmful fumes or chemicals. Using a 1-cup of borax powder with 1 gallon of water, scrub the area until clean. Once the mold is gone, sponge the area gain with the solution and let air dry. The borax inhibits mold regrowth on the cleaned surface.

Vinegar

Vinegar is nontoxic and fume-free, so it is an excellent natural choice to clean mold. Vinegar also has the advantage of penetrating porous surfaces and killing the mold at its root. Using white distilled vinegar at full strength, spray it on any moldy surface and let it sit for about an hour. Wipe clean with a damp paper towel or cloth and let it dry. The vinegar smell will dissipate in a few hours. Spraying vinegar on any porous or nonporous surface that you wish to inhibit mold growth will prevent it from returning.

Hire a professional

If your mold is recurring, and your methods are not working to kill it, you’ll need a professional to figure out what the root of the problem is. And see your doctor if you have trouble breathing, are coughing, wheezing, or if you have itchy eyes and skin. You could be experiencing mold allergies and should remove yourself from exposure until the mold is thoroughly destroyed.

For more, read our guide on how to clean the grossest parts of your bathroom.

Editors' Recommendations

Deb Goncalves
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Deb's work has appeared on Moms, Babygaga, and WorldAtlas. When she's not working (that's hard to say about a Capricorn), she…
Sanding, primer, or both? This is how to prepare a wall for painting
Don't skip these important steps before you start your next paint job
Two people painting an interior wall

Painting is the easiest way to transform any room in your home. A simple coat of paint is all it takes to make a drab space become a vibrant, bright room that everyone will love hanging out in. However, when it comes to actually getting the painting job done, there are some preparation steps that you need to consider.

Painting requires a bit of prep work, regardless of what condition your walls are in. Walls with holes and dents may take longer to prep than walls that just need a coat of paint. Additionally, you may need to consider sanding, priming, and other prepping methods that'll help your painting project go smoothly and ultimately result in a stunning, finished look.

Read more
Eucalyptus in the shower? Here’s how to grow this fragrant plant for your spa-themed bathroom
Hanging eucalyptus in your shower has a ton of benefits. Here's how to plant it for months of use
Eucalyptus plant in shower

Are you looking to create a spa-like experience in your luxurious bathroom? Eucalyptus in your shower can create a relaxing ambiance and add a refreshing and invigorating aroma to your daily routine. If you're curious about the benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower, how to grow eucalyptus indoors, and the proper techniques for harvesting and using it in your shower, you've come to the right place. We'll walk you through how to grow this fantastic plant indoors and why you need it in your shower today.
Benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower
Eucalyptus is a fantastic choice for your next shower plant. Its aromatic leaves are not only known for their pleasant fragrance, but this plant also sits at the top of many lists of medicinal herbs due to its numerous health benefits. Here are just a few benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower.
Spa-like fragrance
Imagine stepping into your shower and having a soothing and refreshing scent reminiscent of a luxurious spa greet you. Eucalyptus emits a delightful fragrance when exposed to steam and warm water, turning your daily shower into a revitalizing experience. The aromatic oils released by eucalyptus can invigorate your senses and awaken your mind for the day ahead.
Reduces stress
In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and relaxation is essential. Eucalyptus has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, as its fragrance has calming properties. When the steam from your shower activates the eucalyptus leaves, it releases essential oils that can help reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. Breathing in the fragrant vapor creates a serene atmosphere, allowing you to unwind and melt away the tensions of the day.
Soothes respiratory issues
If you're battling respiratory issues like congestion or allergies, eucalyptus can offer relief. The aromatic compounds in eucalyptus leaves are actually known to have natural decongestant properties. When infused with steam, the eucalyptus vapor can help clear your nasal passages and soothe irritated airways. Breathing in this therapeutic mist can provide a comforting sensation, making your shower a sanctuary for respiratory wellness.

How to grow eucalyptus indoors
If you're sold on the benefits of having eucalyptus in the shower, you're probably wondering how to get your hands on some of this amazing plant. Instead of searching for pricey sprigs of eucalyptus online or in stores, try your hand at growing it on your own as a beneficial indoor plant. Here's how to grow and nurture eucalyptus plants.
Step 1: Choose the right eucalyptus variety
Before embarking on your eucalyptus-growing journey, it's essential to select the right eucalyptus variety to thrive indoors. Some eucalyptus species are better suited for indoor cultivation due to their compact size and adaptability to container gardening. Consider varieties like Eucalyptus gunnii or Eucalyptus globulus, which are commonly grown indoors for their aromatic leaves and manageable growth habits.
Step 2: Create the ideal growing conditions
This aromatic plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, so find a well-lit spot near a window where your eucalyptus can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the room temperature remains between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as the plant prefers moderate warmth. Adequate humidity is also crucial for its growth, so consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase moisture levels. Of course, growing it as a bathroom plant ensures wonderful levels of humidity that your eucalyptus will love.
Step 3: Plant and care for eucalyptus properly
When planting and caring for eucalyptus, make sure to use the following techniques to guarantee excellent growth and a healthy plant:

Read more
This incredible app helps you find furniture that looks like it’s from premium brands – for a fraction of the cost
Trying to save money on furniture in your next redesign? This app can help you find name-brand lookalikes
Living room with multiple types of lighting

When searching for new and affordable furniture to spruce up your interior, it can be frustrating to find the right items for your design. Of course, you want quality pieces that look stunning, but sometimes the name brand isn’t always best for you or your situation. While luxury and name brands often have what seem to be the perfect items, the prices aren’t always suitable for your home furnishing budget. That’s why apps like Craftle have come to your aid.

Craftle is a unique app that may be a game changer in your next redesign. If you’re looking for ways to save money while still creating a luxe look in your space, then this could be just what you need.
What is Craftle?
Craftle is an app that works to find similar or lookalike products for a fraction of the price of the original name-brand item. For example, if you love a West Elm sofa but don’t love the high price tag, Craftle’s lookalike finder can search for a similar sofa design for a cheaper price. If you’re looking to save money in your next redesign or are working with a limited budget, Craftle’s lookalike search finder could save you hundreds.

Read more