There are many different mold removal spray cleaners available today and it can be difficult for you to choose which one is best for your needs. Over the years, I have used some of the most popular mold-killing products and have found that some work better than other brands, and some are much more toxic than others.
The best brands are mostly safe for your family and pets, while also being extremely effective at killing mold and mildew with a high “kill rate.” Meaning, that they are highly effective at killing mold.
You can use them almost anywhere in your home, including the bathroom, kitchen, basement, and on wood and tiles without fear of toxic residues or serious health issues from the fumes.
That is why I only recommend a few products for people to use.
They are also fairly easy to use — just spray them on the affected area and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping off the mold with a terry cloth. You may need to do this multiple times to get to the root of the mold and clean it properly.
Bottom line, they need to be relatively safe for humans and pets and effective at killing mold.
Here are the best mold removal sprays that do just that.
Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
The term “food-grade hydrogen peroxide (H2o2),” is defined as being free from these dangerous chemicals and toxic materials, which means that there is nothing added to the hydrogen peroxide, so it does not contain any added chemicals, stabilizers, or toxins.
It is a 100% all-natural environmentally friendly product that is designed to kill and remove mold spores, mildew, bacteria, and even viruses from hard surfaces such as wood, vinyl, granite, and concrete. It’s also mostly safe for use around children and pets.
The most commonly available and safest commercial solutions for daily disinfecting needs are in the diluted form from 3% to 10%. The higher concentrations of 8%, and 10% are best for mold removal and 30-35% are mainly for industrial use, and are strongly irritating and may be corrosive at these levels. A .5 to 3 percent is adequate for household use and is only mildly irritating.
Please be aware that higher concentrations above 3%, and especially 8-10%, can be a little dangerous to handle and breathe in and you do not want it to get on your skin if possible. Adequate precautions such as rubber gloves, safety glasses, and care should be taken if using such a product. Once it is applied and dry, which takes minutes, the area will be fine.
Food-grade hydrogen peroxide is mainly used during the cleaning, disinfecting, manufacturing, and or cooking of food products. Still, it is also used in medical, dental, and other business settings where people are worried about coming in contact with harmful chemicals during the cleaning process resulting in toxic exposure.
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has specific standards to make sure that no dangerous chemicals and toxins in cleaning and disinfecting products transfer to the food and environment in a significant way. The FDA reserves food grade for a list of sanitizers and other “substances utilized to control the growth of microorganisms”, and includes the most common active ingredients as well as whether the sanitizer requires a rinse or not to make sure that no harmful residues are left behind.
You can find food-grade hydrogen peroxide online like on Amazon and elsewhere.
DIY Hydrogen Peroxide – White Vinegar – Tea Tree Oil – Peppermint
I’m a fan of all-natural DIY mold removal sprays and cleaners. One of my favorites that can also be used as an everyday cleaner is a combination of food-grade hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, tea tree oil, and peppermint essential oil.
For a heavy-duty mold killer, mix 3/4 with 8-12% hydrogen peroxide, almost 1/4 white vinegar, and, 20 drops each of tea tree and peppermint oils. For an everyday household cleaner, use 1.5 to 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 5 drops of each oil.
Concrobium Mold Control
Concrobium Mold Control is an EPA-approved mold-fighting solution used by professionals and homeowners that effectively eliminates and prevents mold. It is a is an all-purpose antimicrobial that remediates mold spores, provides excellent mold stain removal, and prevents mold growth.
You can use it on virtually any type of household surface including wood, fabric, and upholstery. Concrobium contains no toxic chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, acids, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and is Green-Spec listed. It introduces zero VOCs into the environment and has absolutely no odors.
You can find Concrobium by the gallon or in 32 oz spray bottles online like Amazon or Home Depot and other big box stores.
EC3
Micro Balance EC3 Mold Solution Concentrate and EC3 Laundry is an all-natural botanical solution designed to clean and deodorize surfaces and belongings in a home like walls, furniture, clothes, etc. It is not intended for the removal of active construction materials like wood etc.
Please keep in mind that when an area like wood is pretty bad from mold contamination, you may need to treat the wood further with a wire brush or sanding. If the wood is brittle and falling apart, you may need to remove and replace the wood.
Moe Bedard is the founder of Mold Safe Inspections and manager at Mold Safe Solutions. A full-service Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) company specializing in property water damage, mold inspections, consultations, and mold remediation.
If you need help with a project, please call 760-818-6830.
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