Mold is among the most common issues most homeowners encounter, especially in damp climates. These can thrive anywhere: bathroom tiles, windowsills, basements, or even on the walls of your house. Mold looks unappealing and is dangerous to people with allergies or people attacked by respiratory problems. Thus, handling the mold as soon as possible when it appears is essential so that your household space is safe to stay in.
Most people end up cleaning up mold with whatever products they have in their household, and quite frequently, rubbing alcohol is used in such situations. But just how safe and effective is rubbing alcohol at cleaning up mold? Here’s a great blog post that discusses the effectiveness of rubbing alcohol for mold removal, its limitations, and safer alternatives that will keep your home mold-free.
What Is Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol is the common name for isopropyl alcohol, a domestic use in household cleaning. It is colorless, intense, and typically sold in 70 percent to 99 percent solution concentrations. Rubbing alcohol has gained accolades from researchers for its bactericidal and fungicidal actions. This makes it a great agent for general surface sterilization and treatment of small wounds. However, the question is, “Can it be used to remove mold effectively?.”
Basics Of Mold Growth
Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet, warm conditions. It can feed off organic matter on wood, drywall, fabrics, and many other materials by growing there. The prevention of mold all hinges on controlling moisture, but if it does begin to grow, it has to be removed before it spreads.
There must be varieties of mold in your home, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys, commonly known as black mold. Not all molds are toxic. Many will exacerbate allergic reactions and respiratory problems and damage the house’s structure if not addressed.
Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Mold?
Rubbing alcohol has antifungal properties, which means it can kill various types of mold on non-porous surfaces like tiles, glass, and metal. Its ability to evaporate quickly makes it convenient for cleaning and disinfecting, leaving little residue behind. For small mold spots, especially on surfaces where mold hasn’t penetrated deeply, rubbing alcohol can be a quick and easy solution.
Here’s how rubbing alcohol works in mold removal:
Dehydrates Mold Spores: Isopropyl alcohol draws water from the mold, dehydrating the spores and making it hard for them to survive.
Disinfects Surfaces: It is very efficient in disinfecting non-porous surfaces. It destroys any bacteria, fungi, or viruses that could give an infection chance, along with mold.
Temporary Solution: Rubbing alcohol kills surface mold but cannot penetrate and kill mold that grows in porous materials such as wood or drywall. Unless the source of moisture is eliminated, the mold in porous surfaces likely will regrow.
Is Rubbing Alcohol Safe To Use On Mold?
Yes, there is nothing wrong with using rubbing alcohol as a cleaner for killing mold, but only under specific circumstances. You must know its proper usage instructions, limitations, and all potential dangers.
Here’s a breakdown of when it’s safe and when it might not be safe to use when cleaning mold with rubbing alcohol:
When It Is Safe To Use Rubbing Alcohol To Clean Mold
Minimal Contained Amounts: When there is a minimal amount of mold on non-porous surfaces like glass, metal, or tiles, then this is safe. It dries easily without leaving any toxic residue, thus making it suitable for everyday light cleaning.
Good Ventilation: Use rubbing alcohol in a well-ventilated area, as it releases vapors that might annoy your nose, eyes, or throat. Make sure you plan to open windows or use fans while cleaning to facilitate the entry of fresh air.
Wearing Proper Protective Gear: It will ensure you are safe enough to utilize rubbing alcohol in mold cleanup. Gloves, a mask, and goggles, which help avoid direct skin contact with alcohol fumes and mold spores, are recommended.
Away from Heat Sources: Rubbing alcohol is highly flammable, so users should use it far away from heat sources. These include fires, naked flames, or anything else that can ignite a fire. It also indicates avoiding using it on stoves, heaters, or electrical appliances.
When Not To Use Rubbing Alcohol To Clean Mold
Porous Materials: rubbing alcohol does not work on porous materials such as wood, fabric, or drywall, where it can embed well within the material. Its use in such cases is ineffective and creates a false sense of security as the mold may appear gone but can easily recur again.
Mold Infestation of Big Areas: Rubbing alcohol is ineffective and may even harm the health of big areas with mold. When disturbed, many mold spores can be spread into the air, causing allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or other respiratory diseases. In such an event, one has to call a professional because they have specialized equipment to handle big mold infestations safely.
Health Notes: If any member of your household suffers from a pre-existing respiratory condition, allergies, or sensitive skin, you must avoid using rubbing alcohol at all costs because the fumes and even spores from the mold, which could remain behind, can foster health conditions.
Alternatives To Rubbing Alcohol For Mold Removal
Rubbing alcohol can be used to eliminate tiny mold patches. An even better alternative to eliminating mold may exist in most other scenarios. Some good options for removing mold:
White Vinegar: This natural and non-toxic cleaner has antifungal properties. Vinegar solution kills up to 80% of mold species and can be used on porous surfaces, unlike rubbing alcohol, which can lie on the surface.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is safer than bleach. It kills mold on porous and non-porous surfaces and prevents it from growing again.
Bleach: Bleach is a strong disinfectant that kills mold on non-porous surfaces. It is toxic and corrosive but ineffective for use on porous materials as it does not penetrate to a certain depth.
Commercial Mold Removers: Several products are also tagged with mold removal. These cleaners kill mold on porous and non-porous surfaces, making them much more effective than rubbing alcohol.
Professional mold remediation: It is the safest and most effective method for severe mold infestations, especially large or persistent infestations. The professional mold remediation team possesses the most advanced equipment and chemicals to treat the roots, guaranteeing that the cause of mold is properly removed.
Conclusion
Rubbing alcohol can clean small portions of mold on a nonporous surface. Its antifungal properties make it useful for killing mold on surfaces like glass, metal, or tile, and it evaporates rapidly without leaving any hazardous residue. However, it is worth pointing out that rubbing alcohol is not a magic solution. It works poorly with porous materials like wood or drywall and, naturally, does not fix the root cause of moisture that gives rise to mold growth in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rubbing Alcohol Kill Mold?
Rubbing alcohol is not the best mold cleaner. Instead, use vinegar, bleach spray, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, or citrus cleaner. These are more effective options for killing mold and are safer at home.
Is Rubbing Alcohol Safe on Walls?
When using solvents such as rubbing alcohol to clean walls, focus on surface compatibility and paint preparation. Ventilate properly with a good cleaning method to prevent mold from building up. Always apply it first to a small area before proceeding to prevent further damage.