Mold is becoming a household issue, and finding the cure to remove it is crucial. Many people ask the most common question: “Does alcohol kill mold?” While there are several mold removal techniques, one of the more practical methods is isopropyl alcohol, which is also rubbing alcohol. This blog will explain whether alcohol works for removing Mold and how to apply it correctly.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that lives and thrives in moist areas, including eating at wood, drywall, and fabric. Mold appearance often comes in humid areas, mainly in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, as these rooms retain more humidity than others. Exposure to it causes numerous health issues, mainly for asthma sufferers, people with sensitive respiratory systems, or weakened immunity. Besides health issues, it can also cause property damage, as Mold can produce unpleasant odors and unsightly stains.
Does Alcohol Kill Mold?
As effective as alcohol might seem in killing Mold, it is far from a simple solution. Isopropyl alcohol, commonly called rubbing alcohol, is the most common surface cleaning and disinfectant agent. Though alcohol can kill surface mold, it doesn’t reach porous materials in which mold spores can burrow and recolonize. Alcohol is useful for killing small outbreaks of Mold in the short term, but its useful limitation is immense. However, other methods must be utilized for severe mold infestations and porous surfaces for proper long-term removal.
Benefits Of Alcohol-based Mold Removal
For minor, superficial mold growth, alcohol-based Mold killing helps to kill Mold through the following advantages:
It is easy to apply
It is readily available and simple to apply. Most homes have rubbing alcohol on their shelves. One can use any special equipment or preparation for this product. Where business mold removers often require specific techniques and sometimes a matching safety precaution, alcohol can be used directly by simply spraying from the spray bottle or dipping a cloth on the mold-affected surface. This makes it an appealing remedy for quickly cleaning moldy areas in kitchens, bathrooms, or moist parts of the house.
No Harsh Chemicals
Most mold removers in commerce contain poisonous chemicals such as ammonia and bleach, which are toxic to human health and the environment. Such chemicals work by affecting skin, eyes, and the respiratory system, thereby predisposing it to danger, especially those families with children, pets, or even asthmatic diseases. Rubbing alcohol is much less toxic compared to most other removers and carries very minimal hazards. Although it remains a chemical that should be used carefully, alcohol dries quickly and leaves little poisonous residue, so it is safer than harsh chemical cleaners.
Dries Quick
A problem with mold is the assurance that the surfaces cleaned remain dry. Moisture is the primary cause of Mold growth, and leaving surfaces wet after treatment invites the Mold back in. The evaporation speed of alcohol guarantees that this liquid dries out so fast that you will not feel a wet surface after its application. That causes the evaporation to prevent mold spores from returning to the moisture to grow again, so they are less likely to come back. Alcohol does not leave a pungent smell or residue like commercial cleaners. Thus, it may be applied in living rooms.
Works well on Non Porous Surfaces
Alcohol will not kill Mold buried in porous materials but on non-porous surfaces like glass, metal, tiles, or countertops. Since alcohol can break down Mold’s structure and then disinfect the surface, killing mold spores, it works wonders on bathroom tiles, kitchen countertops, or window sills.
How To Kill Mold With Alcohol
To kill Mold successfully using alcohol, a high percentage of rubbing alcohol must be applied. When a concentration of alcohol is diluted, it has to be more than 60% since low percentages, especially 50%, dramatically reduce disinfecting and sterilization capacities in mold-affected areas.
Following the step-by-step treatment procedure for Mold using alcohol:
- Preparation of the Solution
In a large spray bottle, mix 1 cup of 99% rubbing alcohol with 3/4 cup of distilled water. If you use rubbing alcohol at a lower concentration, adjust the amount of water to keep it above 70%.
- Scrub the Surface Mold
If mold is visible on the surface, gently brush the area with a sponge or scrub brush. This will destroy the mold and make alcohol treatment more effective.
- Application of Alcohol Solution
Spray the alcohol solution on the entire infected area. Do this for at least 15 minutes to penetrate the depth of Mold areas and kill the Mold.
- Eliminate the Mold
After the alcohol has had time to work, a damp cloth or rag rubs the remaining mold spores.
Limitations Of Alcohol On Mold
Alcohol has several limitations when it comes to mold removal compared to other means. Its primary limitation is alcohol’s neutral pH, which does not work against most common mold species. It may remove only the outward Mold and does not reach into porous materials, in which mold spores hiding inside cannot be removed. This leaves spores and mycotoxins to become active long after the treatment, seriously affecting health.
Besides, alcohol does not kill mold spores and doesn’t eliminate dangerous mycotoxins. It is not so much a first-aid solution for removing molds completely as a drying agent to reduce moisture in a damp area. One cannot depend on it solely to remove high levels of mold infestation in the home. Mold control requires other effective alternatives that can target both spores and the actual problem behind them to ensure complete elimination.
Conclusion
Alcohol is a good combatant against Mold, especially in minor or surface-level infestations. But it should be used correctly and properly aware of what it can and cannot do. For a persistent or widespread mold infestation problem, professional remediation may be needed to eliminate Mold in your house and stop further infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Kill Mold?
You may be curious if 70% isopropyl alcohol can kill Mold. The effectiveness of alcohol is mostly affected by the amount of isopropyl concentration and the period taken when rubbing. Alcohol cannot prevent Mold from growing after application, and it does not remove mold spores. Apply something else to treat your Mold.
How Long Does It Take for Rubbing Alcohol to Kill Mold?
The effectiveness of alcohol in removing molds depends on the concentration of alcohol and the growth of molds. Apply this alcohol solution to treat molds, contact the alcohol solution with mold for 15-30 minutes, and repeat the same treatment until the spores and mold growth completely disappear.
What Kills 100% of Mold?
You won’t find a product that will kill 100% of Mold, but vinegar, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract, borax solution, lemon juice, baking soda, and essential oils combined will give you a maximum rate of kill.
What’s the Best Solution Not to Let Mold Occur?
Prevent Mold. Keep your place properly ventilated to discourage mold growth and control the humidity. Similarly, you must clean properly and use waterproofing solutions and mold-resistant materials. DIY remedies, professional inspections, natural prevention, mold prevention tips, and continuous home maintenance also help eliminate the problem.