You can use less baking soda for a smaller job, or more for a bigger one. Once mixed, this amount should be enough to cover around 1 sq ft (930 cm2). The important thing is to mix the baking soda and vinegar in a 2:1 ratio (that is, twice as much baking soda as vinegar). This method eventually involves vigorous scrubbing with a gritty paste, which may damage softer materials like wallboard or finished wood. Use this option only for harder materials like tile or masonry.
If you’re curious about the science behind the foaming, here it is: a pair of reactions actually take place when you combine baking soda and vinegar. The first is an acid-base reaction between the hydrogen in the vinegar and the sodium and bicarbonate in the baking soda. The second is a decomposition reaction, as the carbonic acid created by the first reaction breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. [4] X Research source
Wear protective gear whenever you’re contacting or disturbing the mold in any way.
Put a plastic drop cloth beneath your work area to catch the debris. When you’re done, ball it up carefully, seal it in a thick trash bag with tape, and put it outdoors for trash collection. Suck up the debris with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. If it’s a bagless vacuum, empty the canister into a trash bag outdoors, then clean the inside of the canister by misting it with white vinegar and wiping it. If the moldy item is portable, clean it outside, well away from your home or other structures, and don’t worry about the debris.
Even if you don’t see any mold, continue to play it safe: keep your safety gear on and immediately bag up and dispose of the rags or paper towels. [10] X Research source
If the moldy area is in your shower stall, for example, misting on some vinegar after each shower will help prevent future molding. If the mold is due to a moisture issue like a leaky pipe or poorly-sealed window, however, it’s important to treat the root cause of the mold.
The potent scent of vinegar will go away fairly quickly, but you can improve the scent by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil if you wish. Don’t skip the protective gear whenever you’re dealing with mold![14] X Research source
Wait until the baking soda has dissolved into the water before using the mixture.
The spray bottle nozzle may clog due to the baking soda in the mixture. If this happens, unscrew and remove the sprayer. Run the sprayer nozzle under hot water, then put the sprayer’s supply straw in a cup of hot water and squeeze the trigger until the clog breaks up.
Spray on more of the baking soda mixture and wipe it off again if necessary. Bag up and dispose of the used cloths right away, or launder them in hot water.
Don’t use this method on clothes that are too delicate to put in the washing machine or are labeled “dry clean only. ” Call dry cleaners in your area and find one that specializes in removing mold from clothing. They may ask you to bag up and seal the moldy clothing before bringing it in.
If the item was heavily solid with mold, run the item through a second wash cycle with baking soda. Baking soda helps kill mold spores and eliminate moldy odors from clothing.
Putting the item in the dryer will also permanently set any light staining that remains.
If your rug, carpet, or furniture item has significant or widespread molding, DIY cleaning options won’t do the job. Contact a professional cleaner.
3 c (750 ml) of water and 1 c (250 ml) of white vinegar should be enough to handle up to 10 sq ft (0. 93 m2) of light mold.
If the mold stain is still there after multiple rounds of cleaning, contact a professional cleaner. Take the vacuum outdoors and bag up and discard the vacuum bag. If it’s a bagless model, empty the canister outdoors, spritz the interior of the canister with the vinegar and water solution in your spray bottle, and let it air dry.
