How to Kill Mold

Killing mold is a dirty job, but the right tools can help you wipe it out for good. Check out these tips for using the best cleaners to solve your fungus problem.

TS-86532491_kill-mold-clean-bathroom-tile_s4x3

By: Caroline Shannon-Karasik

Don't worry, you're not alone on this one: Almost every homeowner has to brush up on how to kill mold at some point in order to maintain the upkeep of his or her living space.

The best method for killing mold is to nix it before it becomes hard to manage. Tiny black spots on the surface of flooring, walls or tile are the first sign of a type of mold better known as mildew. Clean up this type of mold with a scrub brush and a common household mildew spray.

If the infestation is large, then special precautions will be necessary. Be sure to protect yourself by wearing gloves, a facemask and eye protection. If the mold has infested an area that lies beneath a carpet, then begin by removing and discarding the carpet. Clean up the area using a wet-dry vacuum and then treat it with a biocide and disinfectant, like MoldSTAT or OxB biocide. Make any necessary repairs to the once-infected area and then allow it to completely dry. You may want to speed up the process by using a fan.

If harsh chemicals aren't the name of your game and the infestation is small, then consider a natural mold and mildew killer. Many people have found success by filling a spray bottle with tea tree oil or vinegar and spraying the area in order to kick mold to the curb.

Next Up

How to Identify and Remove Mold in Your Home

Learn about the different types of mold and mildew, how to get rid of them and how to safeguard your home from this dirty fungus.

How to Identify Mold vs. Mildew

Mold and mildew are definitely fungus brothers, but they do have a few striking differences. Learn how to identify mold and mildew and how to get rid of them.

How to Clean Grout

Show that mold and mildew who’s boss with our best tips and tricks for cleaning grout.

How to Clean Baseboards

Those tiny little ledges can get unsightly with dust and dirt pretty quickly. Learn the easiest way to get them clean with these four simple steps.

How to Clean Ceramic + Porcelain Tile Floors

Make your tile floor look like new with these easy and inexpensive DIY cleaning tips.

How to Clean Laminate Floors

Keep your laminate floors looking like new with these simple, gentle cleaning techniques.

How to Clean Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops are known for their strength and durability. Keep them in tip-top condition with just two easy steps.

How to Clean a Bathtub

Give yourself a spa-level bathing experience with these simple tips for deep-cleaning your bathtub.

How to Clean Marble Countertops

Regularly cleaning marble countertops is a must to ensure longevity. Luckily, we've broken down the cleaning process into two easy steps.

How to Clean Quartz Countertops

Learn how to clean, disinfect and have your quartz countertops looking as good as new.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Hawaii Life

6am | 5c

Hawaii Life

6:30am | 5:30c

Hawaii Life

7am | 6c

Hawaii Life

7:30am | 6:30c

Hawaii Life

8am | 7c

Hawaii Life

8:30am | 7:30c

House Hunters

5:30pm | 4:30c

House Hunters

6:30pm | 5:30c

House Hunters

7:30pm | 6:30c
8pm | 7c
8:31pm | 7:31c
On Tonight
On Tonight

Down Home Fab

9pm | 8c

House Hunters

11pm | 10c

House Hunters

11:31pm | 10:31c

Down Home Fab

12am | 11c

House Hunters

2:31am | 1:31c
3am | 2c
3:31am | 2:31c

House Hunters

4:30am | 3:30c

House Hunters

5:30am | 4:30c

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.