How to Get Rid of Mold

Oct 20, 2024

Mold commonly forms in areas with excessive moisture. Here's how to remove it with common household cleaning supplies.

Madeline Buiano is an editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home.

If you've ever dealt with mold in your home, you know the considerable challenges it poses: It's unsightly, can grow on almost any surface, is hard to get rid of, and can pose major health risks. While the best way to keep mold out of your house is to take necessary preventative measures, like keeping humidity levels low and cleaning regularly, sometimes it's inevitable. If you've noticed areas of your home that have accumulated mold, it's important to get rid of the damage before it gets out of control. Here, experts explain best practices to avoid mold growth—and how to get rid of it if it's currently inside your home.

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There are a few common types of mold you may find growing in your home.

Preventing mold in your home, which is best done by minimizing moisture, is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Damp environments can produce mold spores, so monitoring the humidity levels in your home is a must. "Ensure the humidity in your home is below 60 percent—it should ideally be between 30 and 50 percent," says Jennifer Parnell, the co-founder of Humble Suds. Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter, which is available at most hardware stores.

An exhaust fan is one of the most important tools for combatting high humidity levels and, thus, mold. "Running them while showering and cooking transfers moist indoor air outside of your home," says Parnell. You should run your exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes after the shower has been used in order to remove adequate amounts of moisture. You should also run exhaust fans in other areas of your home, like in the kitchen while you cook.

Check your home's insulation to ensure there aren't any cracks or leaks. "Proper insulation can help prevent condensation," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "Ensure your home is well-insulated and sealed in order to avoid drafts." When conducting an examination of your insulation, also be sure to assess your gutters and roof to ensure water isn't able to seep through them into your home.

Clean and dust your home regularly to prevent the accumulation of organic material, which mold can grow on, says Sokolowski. "Keep your home organized and minimize the potential for mold to grow in hidden areas," she says. When cleaning, focus on areas that are prone to mold growth, like the tub, shower, and sinks. "These areas typically hold more water or are closer to a moisture source, so pay close attention to them and any areas that tend to pool with water, and make sure they stay dry," says Parnell.

Using a squeegee on the shower doors, floors, and walls after showering, leaving the bathroom door open, and spreading out the shower curtain so it can dry are actions that can prevent mold growth in the bathroom.

If the mold covers 10 square feet or more, calling a professional to remove it is advised. If it covers a smaller area and you want to remove it yourself, make sure you're wearing an N-95 mask, long gloves, and goggles.

If the problem goes beyond basic moisture or insulation issues, contacting a professional may be your best course of action. "If you suspect a significant mold problem in your home, it's advisable to consult with a professional mold remediation specialist to assess the situation and provide guidance," says Sokolowski. As a general rule, if the mold covers 10 square feet or more, you should call a professional.

If you plan to remove the mold yourself, proper safety precautions are a must. Make sure you have the following personal protective equipment, as inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash.

Lennart Weibull

If you notice minor mold build up on surfaces inside your home, like the walls or floors, try removing it with a diluted vinegar solution.

Here is what you need to remove mold from surfaces in your home.

Follow this method from Sokolowski when removing mold from your home's interior surfaces.

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Mold can also accumulate on fabric if it's exposed to too much moisture, but it can be removed with a few common household cleaning supplies. "Take the moldy fabric outdoors if possible," says Sokolowski. "This helps prevent mold spores from spreading inside your home."

Here is what you need to remove mold from fabric.

Follow this method from Sokolowski for removing mold from fabric.

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Mold can also form on the outside of your home as it is exposed to the elements, like rain and snow. Before getting started, examine the exterior of your home to identify areas with mold growth. "Common areas include siding, wooden decks, concrete, and brick surfaces," says Sokolowski.

Here is what you need to remove mold from outside the house.

Follow this method from Sokolowski when removing mold from outside the house.

Facts about cladosporium mold and how to remove it. Clean Water Partners.

Where Aspergillosis Comes From. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Facts about Stachybotrys chartarum. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Black mold exposure: symptoms, risks & treatment. Cleveland Clinic.

A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home. United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Mold cleanup in your home. United States Environmental Protection Agency.