Mold Is the Worst: How to Kill It without bleach

Why Do I Constantly Battle Mold?

Mold sucks. Not only are some people allergic to it, but it’s downright gross. It lurks in grout and caulk lines, making even the cleanest bathroom look dingy. The worst part about mold is how fast it spreads. One ignored little spot in the corner of a tiled shower seems harmless enough, but within a matter of days, it somehow multiplies into something much worse. Here’s the good news: mold can be killed and prevented without bleach or a ton of effort. 

Let’s first explain what mold is. WebMD defines mold like this:

“Mold is a type of fungus. These small organisms can be black, white, orange, green, or purple and live most anywhere indoors and outside. Molds thrive on moisture and reproduce through lightweight spores that travel through the air.”

Now that you know what mold is, it makes sense why you seem to always find it in your bathrooms, around your kitchen sink, and even in your front-loading washing machine door. The bathroom, sinks, and any other water-dense areas are mold’s favorite vacation spots because they’re frequently damp. And, unfortunately, the longer you let it go, the more mold you’re going to have to deal with later. We know what you're thinking, "Nothing a little chlorine bleach can’t get rid of, right?" Not so fast. 

Think Twice Before You Kill Mold with Conventional Products

A not-so-funny thing happened back in the day before we knew better. Manufacturers and advertisers convinced consumers that the best (and perhaps only) way to kill mold was with chemicals like chlorine bleach. Yes, it works, but at what price?

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, chlorine is a chemical element that is “corrosive, greenish yellow gas that is irritating to the eyes and respiratory system.” Going even further, the BBC reported on how chlorine is split from the rather innocuous sodium chloride. After a long, scientific explanation, the professor they quote says, “That’s chlorine, one of the most ferociously aggressive materials out there.”

The point is, chlorine does work well to kill mold, but it’s anything but a benign substance. Even the conventional brands themselves know this. Most of the conventional mold and mildew cleaning products on the market come with a warning to only use in well-ventilated areas. There’s a reason for that. Inhaling chlorine fumes is a bad idea. It is a known lung irritant that can cause asthma and other respiratory issues. In fact, the warning label takes up at least half of the entire back label. The ironic thing is, these products are typically used in smaller areas like a bathroom where there is not much ventilation.

Mold may be a pain, but some of the products we’ve been told to use to kill it are worse. Thankfully, you have options.

Kill Mold without Bleach

Mold isn’t the indestructible monster it’s made out to be. It doesn’t actually require kryptonite to kill and there are simple ways to prevent mold from growing. You can destroy mold just by taking a few extra precautions and using the right products. Here are a few of our best tips to keeping mold at bay:

Keep Wet Areas as Dry as Possible between Uses

Your bath, tub, sinks, and washing machine were made for water, but if you want to reduce the amount of mold you have to deal with, dry the surfaces as much as possible when you’re done washing. It takes just a couple of minutes to wipe down surfaces, paying special attention to caulk lines, grout, sink drains, and around bathroom fixtures. 

Use A Mold and Mildew Remover

Who needs chlorine when citric acid-based cleaners work great to kill mold and mildew? Citric acid is a natural substance derived from citrus fruit. It has an amazing superpower: it penetrates the cell walls of mold and mildew to kill them on contact. From tubs and showers (even shower curtain liners) to sinks, around fixtures, and washing machine doors, you can say goodbye to mold and mildew without bleach. 

Repair Leaks

Do you have areas around your home that always seem to be wet? It could be that you have a leak. Drippy faucets and shower-heads can make it impossible to keep areas dry. If you see any water seeping from anywhere it shouldn’t, call a plumber to repair it. You’ll not only save on your water bills, but you’ll have a better chance of getting rid of your annoying mold and mildew problem.

Improve Air Circulation

Remember: mold thrives in damp areas. Keep shower doors open after use and pull back shower curtains enough where air can circulate but the shower liner isn’t folded enough to prevent it from drying. Keep your bathroom door open if possible to maximize airflow. If you have an exhaust fan in your bathroom, use it to remove excess humidity after you bathe. Just be sure your fan is properly ventilated to direct moisture outside of your attic. You can also open windows if possible. For front-loading washing machines, dry the door as much as you can and leave the door open between uses.

Hang Damp Towels Outside of Baths and Showers

Is your towel rack inside of your bathtub or shower enclosure? This type of set up may make it more convenient to dry off, but it also keeps those areas damp…which means mold stays happy. Hang your damp towels on racks or hooks in the bathroom area instead. If you have access and time, consider tossing damp towels into your dryer for 15 minutes.

How to Use Citric-Acid Based Mold and Mildew Remover

We recommend Lemi Shine Mold and Mildew Remover to not only remove existing mold and mildew but to prevent them from ever visiting your home in the first place. To control mold and mildew on non-porous surfaces, just spray the solution onto the stained areas, let it sit for about five minutes, and wipe with a sponge. Use the mold and mildew remover once a week on mold-prone areas and you may never see mold there again. Easy peasy.