Does hydrogen peroxide kill mold?
Quick Answer
Hydrogen peroxide is widely used as a DIY treatment to kill mold. It's a strong oxidizer and is listed as a popular mold treatment by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It's not known which, if any, species of mold are resistant to hydrogen peroxide.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Hydrogen peroxide's disinfecting properties come from its reactivity. The chemical formula for hydrogen peroxide is H2O2. The two oxygen atoms readily bond with and split other molecules. For biological entities such as mold, this means their surface layers are attacked, which leads to more oxygen attacking the inside of the organism and eventual death.
Humans can experience similar effects if concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are high enough. Even solutions of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide are corrosive to humans. Most household solutions of hydrogen peroxide are very dilute, yet they're still effective at killing fungus and bacteria. Molds are a variety of fungus, and general antifungal treatments should also be effective against them.
Learn more about Cleaning ProductsRelated Questions
-
Q:
What are some good hydrogen peroxide cleaners?
A: As of July 2015, good hydrogen peroxide cleaners are Clorox Healthcare Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Power & Free Multi-Purpose Cl... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some household uses of hydrogen peroxide?
A: Hydrogen peroxide can act as a stain remover, a disinfectant or a whitener, according to Natural Living Ideas. However, exercise caution when using the sol... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How do you use Kilz for mold removal?
A: Use Kilz primers after removing mold and mildew using a solution of bleach and water or a mold-killing cleaner and allowing the surface to dry. Painting ov... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Does vinegar kill mold and mildew?
A: Vinegar kills mold and mildew without introducing the artificial chemicals that comprise household cleansers. The acetic acid inside vinegar is fatal for j... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What are safe ways to eliminate mold from your house?
-
Q:
What happens if you eat mold?
-
Q:
How does catalase break down hydrogen peroxide?
-
Q:
Where should Kilz mold spray be used?
-
Q:
What laundry detergent is recommended for high-iron water that discolors whites?
-
Q:
What are some detergents to use on terrazzo floors?
