Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Kill Mold (2024)

Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp, warm, and humid environments. In homes, it may grow in the bathroom and basem*nt as well as around leaks in pipes, windows, or roofs.Mold releases spores into the air that can cause health issues such as a cough, wheezing, a stuffy nose, itchy skin, breathing problems, and asthma. It can lead to several hazardous issues, including respiratory problems.

Several commercial cleaning products, such as bleach Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source, can kill mold on hard surfaces. However, they can also have toxic fumes Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source. A less toxic option to remove mold is hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has antimicrobial properties Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source that, when used properly, can kill mold and mildew.

This article discusses what type of surfaces you can use hydrogen peroxide on, some steps to remove mold using hydrogen peroxide, and how to stay safe while using hydrogen peroxide. It also offers advice on when to get professional help.

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound of hydrogen and oxygen. In its usual strength of 3%, it is a mild antiseptic Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source. People can use it to prevent infections in scrapes and minor cuts and burns. As a mouth rinse, it can treat canker sores, cold sores, and gingivitis.

Learn more about health uses for hydrogen peroxide here.

Hydrogen peroxide also has microbicidal properties Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source. This means that it can kill or slow the spread of bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and fungi, such as mold and mildew.

With the correct concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the appropriate length of application, and some scrubbing, you can remove mold on hard surfaces around your home.

Throughout your home, you have a mixture of hard surfaces and porous surfaces. Each type of surface requires a different cleaning approach Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source if it has mold. In some cases, you may need to replace the surface altogether.

The sections below discuss surface types and mold in more detail.

Porous surfaces are made from materials that have small holes, or pores, in them. These pores allow the material to hold. If a surface allows liquid to be absorbed or passed through it, it is porous.

Around the home, porous surfaces include:

• wallpaper
• cardboard
• carpet
• fabric
• drywall
• untreated wood
• granite
• grout or caulking, such as around bathtubs or showers
• some types of plastic

If mold is growing on these types of materials, they will need to be replaced.

Hard surfaces do not have pores in them. These types of materials are waterproof and typically easier to wipe clean than porous surfaces.

Examples of hard surfaces are:

• stainless steel
• metal
• glass
• hard plastic
• varnished wood
• vinyl

You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean mold off of these surfaces.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers some tips on how to safely clean mold in your home.

First, it is important to point out that mold growth requires Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source damp, warm, and humid conditions to grow. Consider fixing any plumbing or water leaks as quickly as possible. Also, ensure that all areas are completely dry, or the mold will come back.

To remove mold with hydrogen peroxide:

1. Wear a properly fitting N95 mask to avoid breathing in spores.
2. Wear long rubber gloves that extend up your forearm to protect your skin.
3. Wear goggles that do not have ventilation holes in them to avoid getting spores in your eyes.
4. Put 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray it directly onto the mold growing on the hard surface.
5. Allow the hydrogen peroxide to sit for 10 minutes or until it stops bubbling.
6. Use a soft brush or rag to gently scrub and loosen the mold. Use a firmer scrub if needed, but be careful not to damage the surface.
7. Wipe the area dry with a clean rag or cloth.
8. Repeat these steps if some mold remains.

It is very important not to mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. This combination makes peracetic acid Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source, which has toxic fumes and can injure your skin and eyes. Overall,it is a good rule of thumb to never mix cleaning agents.

When cleaning mold, always wear a well-fitting N95 mask, gloves, and goggles.

Make sure that the cleaned area completely dries out to prevent mold from returning.

The EPA recommends getting professional help if the moldy area is larger than 10 square feet.

If a molded item has sentimental value or is expensive, you may want to consult a specialist to see if they can restore it.

If you believe that the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in your home could be contaminated with mold, call a professional to check it out. Do not run your system in the meantime, as it could spread mold through your whole home.

Be sure to check that the company or professional you call has experience treating mold. Check references and look for affiliations with professional organizations.

Mold in your home is dangerous and bad for your health. Be sure to fix leaks in the home to help prevent mold from growing. If you see mold growing, take care of it quickly to avoid problems.

If it is a hard surface, you can use hydrogen peroxide to get rid of the mold. Be sure to wear an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles to protect yourself from the spores.

If the moldy area is large or on a porous surface, you may need to call in some experts.