How to Get Rid of Mold in Every Corner of Your Home (2024)

If you think black spots of mold only pop up in dark, dank basem*nts, think again! Any room in your home can be susceptible to these unsightly spores if there’s uncontrolled moisture. And while a small amount generally won’t make you sick, it’s important to get rid of mold quickly.

“If left untreated, mold can spread to other household items and cause health problems for family members," says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. When you’ve got a mold situation at home, here’s everything you need to know to handle it yourself quickly and easily.

Always wear long rubber gloves, protective eyewear and a face covering to limit your exposure when you're treating mold. If the moldy area is larger than approximately 2 square feet, call in a pro to have it removed safely.

The best thing you can do in your home is stop mold before it starts. The key to prevention is controlling the moisture inside your house, be it fixing small leaks, investing in a dehumidifier or properly ventilating your house. Here's how to create an environment where mold can't grow:

• Bring in a dehumidifier or two. Humidity levels should not exceed 50%. Make sure you're running a dehumidifier that's right for the area you're treating. A dehumidifier with a 10-pint removal capacity is ideal for a 500-square-foot room. You'll need an additional four pints for every additional 500 square feet after that.
• Vent moisture-generating sources to the outside. Bathroom fans and clothes dryers should have vents to the outside.
• Open doors and windows during showers. This will aid your bathroom exhaust fan during and after showers by allowing moisture to escape.
• Keep your shower open after showering. When your curtain or door is closed, moisture takes longer to evaporate and dry. Try to partially stretch out the shower curtain, so it dried quickly.
• Reseal bathroom tile grout lines. Repeat the sealing process every year to help waterproof your walls and floors.
• Avoid storing items in damp places. Keep linens, books and furniture out of your basem*nt or attic if air-tight storage containers aren't an option.

Mold breeds in warm, wet conditions, making it possible to grow on shower tiles, grout and plastic curtain liners. With the right cleaner, it's easy to save your shower from unsightly mold spots.

1. Take safety precautions. Wear protection on your eyes and hands and if you are particularly sensitive to fumes, consider wearing a mask. Open the window and flip on the bathroom fan for proper ventilation.
2. Spray cleaner on mold spots. Apply a grout cleaner or mold remover according to the manufacturer's directions. For the curtain liner, spray a mold cleaner that's safe for plastic, like Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover, while its hung up.
3. Wait up to five minutes for the stains to disappear. Mold spots should start to fade quickly. Make sure to move to a well-ventilated area while the magic happens. If spots persist, use a non-scratch scrub sponge or grout brush to scrub the spots away.
4. Use a handheld showerhead to rinse the entire shower with hot water. If you don't have a handheld sprayer, fill a cup with water and pour it on shower walls, in all corners to rinse grout and the length of your plastic curtain liner.
5. Leave the shower curtain halfway open to air dry. Position the curtain or liner so there are loose folds, which allows the surface and the shower itself to air dry completely.

Expert Tip: You can wash plastic shower curtains and liners in your washing machine. Choose the delicate cycle with warm or hot water, then add laundry detergent and fabric-safe bleach. Wash it with some old towels to help with scrubbing. Place it in the dryer on low heat for only a few minutes, then re-hang it to finish drying.

Mold can grow on decks, concrete floors and walls and siding.

1. Put on protective gear, which is equally as important when working outdoors. You should also move nearby furniture or decor that may get damaged as you spray or scrub.
2. Spray equal parts bleach and water directly to concrete floors, siding or sidewalks to tackle mold. Use a scrub brush and move in a circular motion to remove mold stains. If you prefer a store-bought solution, our experts recommend Jomax house cleaner for siding and Mold Armor concrete cleaner for sidewalks, patios and concrete.
3. Apply an outdoor cleaner to delicate surfaces, such as outdoor furniture and deck flooring. We recommend Carbona's Outdoor Cleaner, which is safe around children and pets and has a built-in brush applicator.
4. Rinse the area throughly with the hose or a bucket of clean water. Use a power washer for a deeper clean or rinse.

If you spot mold on walls or ceilings made of sheetrock or plaster, you can make them disappear without replacing any materials. But if mold appears on a very porous surface, such as a ceiling tile, it's best to replace it right away.

Expert Tip: It's important to wear eye protection to prevent cleaners from splashing in your eyes when removing mold from ceilings or overhead areas.

1. Clean the surface. Apply your protective gear and make sure the area is well-ventilated. Mix a little dish detergent, like Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid, and water. Use a sponge or brush to apply the solution in small circular motions.
2. Rinse and let dry. Clean the sponge thoroughly, then dip it into clean water and wring it out well before wiping the surface clean. Let it air dry completely.
3. Follow with a solution of water and bleach: Mix ¾ of a cup of chlorine bleach with a gallon of warm water, or 3 tablespoons of bleach in 1 quart of water for smaller spots. Wearing rubber gloves, apply the water-bleach mixture to the stains with a sponge or cleaning brush.
4. Let sit for five minutes, then scrub. Give the water bleach solution time to penetrate the moldy spots, then move the sponge or brush in small circles to gently agitate the area.
5. Rinse completely and air dry. Use warm water to wash the area clean and blot dry with a clean cloth before letting it air dry.

In areas where there's higher humidity and poor ventilation — such as the kitchen, bathroom or basem*nt — you may discover mold on cabinets, vanities, furniture or paneling made of wood, especially if the surface is losing its finish or seal.

1. Vacuum up any loose spores. Apply your protective gear and make sure the area is well-ventilated. Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, go over the spots a few times with the soft brush attachment.
2. Sponge on a soapy solution. Mix a few drops of dish detergent with some water and dab the solution onto the surface with a sponge, being careful not to saturate the wood. Rub gently to remove mold spots.
3. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth. Dip a cleaning cloth into clear water and wring it out well before wiping the surface clean.
4. Follow with a clean, dry cloth. You don’t want the wood to stay wet for long, which could damage the finish, so work quickly and wipe dry any remaining moisture.

When clothing, towels or stored fabrics are exposed to humidity or dampness for a prolonged period, mold can appear and flourish. Follow these steps when you find mold on fabric items that are machine washable.

Expert Tip: If you find mold on fabric that is not machine washable, take it to your dry cleaner for help removing these stubborn spots.

1. Brush off the excess mold. First, bring the item outside to prevent excess mold spores from getting inside your home. Apply your protective gear, then gently move a dry cloth, brush or paper towel back and forth a few times over the area to loosen and free any mold from the surface.
2. Treat spots with liquid laundry detergent. Rub a drop or two in with your gloved fingers. Wash it in the washing machine on the hottest setting safe for the fabric, adding chlorine bleach or non-chlorine bleach, as specified by your item's care instructions. (Check the care label to be sure.)
3. Air dry. Avoid tumble drying the item until you are certain the mold spots are removed.

What's the difference between mold and mildew?

Mildew is typically more visible during early stages and pops up as white or gray powdery dots. It may turn yellow or brown, but generally remains pretty flat. Mold appears darker, often in shades of red, green or black and can have a fuzzy texture. While mildew is typically less dangerous than certain types of mold (think black mold), both microscopic fungi can cause health problems and damage to your home. While the mold and mildew can be treated in similar ways, read our guide to getting rid of mildew if you suspect that's the issue at hand.

What are natural remedies for removing mold?

If you're looking for a natural solution to remove mold, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are two options to try. Keep in mind, though, that they may take more time to work than bleach and may not remove stains or be as effective on all types of mold or on all surfaces:

• Hydrogen peroxide: Pour a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the mold away.
• Vinegar: Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply to the moldy area. Let it sit for an hour, then wipe the area clean with water and allow it to dry.

When do I need a mold removal company?

If the moldy area is widespread and larger than approximately a 2-foot by 2-foot area, call in a pro to have it removed safely. When you're contending with more than a few mold spots, it could be a sign of a bigger moisture problem. Call a contractor who specializes in water damage restoration or waterproofing to assess and address the issue.