Does Lysol Kill Mold? Here’s What You Need To Know

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Did you just see some mold in your home? Do you want to remove it with something you already have? As you look in your cabinet for something — anything — that will take care of the problem right now, you might want to ask yourself: “Does Lysol kill mold?”

The answer is yes — mostly. Lysol is one thing that can kill mold. Whether the mold is in your bathroom or on your carpet, you can use it to remove the problem.

How Does Lysol Kill Mold?

Not all products from Lysol will kill mold. However, the Lysol Mold and Mildew Remover contains bleach, so it can get rid of mold. The bleach can help remove mold from non-porous surfaces, such as tile.

Unfortunately, it’s not as effective on wood or drywall. And because the mold spores can seep into those porous materials, removing mold is more difficult.

Still, using the Lysol Mold and Mildew Remover is a great option for some things. You can use it whenever you see signs of mold, or you can incorporate it into your normal cleaning routine.

So, Can I Use Lysol to Kill Mold?

While the regular Lysol isn’t effective at killing mold, you can use the mold remover. But you need to catch the mold early because the remover can’t restore the damage.

If the mold gets bad enough to where it causes visible changes, then you will need to replace the damaged item or area. While you may be able to remove the mold on the outside, it’s already hurt the object in question.

How to Use Lysol to Kill Mold?

If you find that the mold is new and you can get rid of it, you’ll be able to use the cleaner. Here are the steps you can follow to remove the mold.

Spray on the surface

You can spray the Lysol all over the area with the mold, and you may want to cover the surrounding area. That way, you can tackle any mold spores that aren’t visible yet.

Lysol is especially useful for mold in your bathroom, whether it’s on your shower head or the tile. But you can also use the cleaner in other areas of your house.

Either way, make sure you spray a generous amount of the cleaner on the surface or object. That way, the bleach will be able to remove the mold.

Let it sit

You may wonder, does Lysol kill mold instantly? Unfortunately, you will need to give Lysol about 10 minutes to work.

If the object or surface is in a common area, be sure to keep kids and pets away. You may want to consider moving an object with mold outside to clean it.

Another option is to use Lysol when your kids are at school. Then, you can clean your home well and not worry about safety.

Clean the object or surface

After 10 minutes or a little longer, grab a paper towel or sponge. Use whichever item you select to wipe the Lysol off the surface.

You should be able to see a clean surface from the beginning. If there’s still some mold left, consider doing another round of cleaning so that the remaining spores don’t duplicate.

While and after you clean the surface, make sure to open a window to help ventilate the space. That way, the bleach won’t be as overwhelming.

How Long Does It Take Lysol to Kill Mold?

It can take Lysol anywhere from 10 minutes to half an hour to kill the mold. You’ll need to have a safe, clear space around the mold while you clean it so that you and others will stay safe.

Make sure no one interferes with the surface while you let the Lysol sit on it. When the time is up, you can check on the results.

Can You Use Lysol in a Carpet Cleaner to Kill Mold?

Along with the bathroom, your home’s carpeting is another great place to use Lysol to kill mold. Consider how you can create a homemade carpet cleaner.

1. Add hot water to a spray bottle.
2. Mix in one cup of Lysol.
3. Spray the mixture on the area with mold.
4. Let it sit for 25 minutes.
5. Use a vacuum to clean everything up.

As with tile and other surfaces, you may not always be able to remove mold from carpeting. However, Lysol can be an excellent option if you want to try.

What is the mixture for Lysol to kill mold in the carpet?

As stated above, start with one cup, but the water measurement isn’t exact, so you may need to experiment.

If it doesn’t work on the first round, you may need to add more Lysol. On the other hand, don’t add too much, or you could end up bleaching the carpet.

Other Ways to Remove Mold

Along with the question, “Does Lysol kill mold?” you may wonder what else you can use. While Lysol can be an excellent choice, it may not always work.

And you might not have the Mold and Mildew Remover on hand. In that case, you can try a few other products and homemade mixtures.

Clorox

Clorox is a competitor of Lysol, so it makes sense you can use it as well. If you need to remove mold quickly, such as before going to work, you may want to use Clorox.

Using Clorox to remove mold only takes about four minutes before you can clean it off. On the other hand, you’ll need about 10 minutes when using Lysol.

Some Lysol products don’t contain bleach. While that may make them less effective, they’re also safer to use without gloves and on softer surfaces, like carpet.

Both brands can work well, so consider what you have on hand. Then, you can remove the mold before it gets worse.

Baking soda and vinegar

If you want to use something homemade, you can combine baking soda with vinegar. Both ingredients can keep mold from developing quickly, and they can get rid of any smells.

Unfortunately, this method takes a lot of time, but it can clean mold off your carpet. You will need to pour vinegar over the area and let it soak for an hour.

Then, you should use hot water to rinse the spot. After that, combine baking soda and water so that you have a thick paste.

You will need to put that on the area with mold and let it sit for an hour. Finally, you can use a vacuum to suck up the paste and, hopefully, the mold.

Water and dish detergent

If you have a mild case of mold, you can use dish detergent and plain water. Pour hot water into a bucket or container that you can take to the carpet or other surface.

Next, add a tablespoon of the dish detergent. Adding the soap to the water can keep you from having too many bubbles.

Use a shop vac or rug shampoo machine to spread the mixture over the carpet. This should only take a few minutes to work. If you need to clean a different surface, you can do so with a spray bottle, and you can let it sit before removing the mold.

How to Prevent Mold

Does Lysol kill mold? Sure, it can kill mold. But do you really want to deal with a cycle of mold growth and killing it?

Fortunately, you can take steps to keep mold from growing back in the same place or a new spot. Then, you won’t have to worry about cleaning it each time.

Keep it dry

Mold growth occurs more often in wet environments. If you can keep your home dry, you can significantly reduce the chances of mold.

Make sure you dry off any surface after a spill. Close all of your windows before it rains. And try not to take water or other liquids into rooms without ventilation.

Whenever you shower, turn on a fan in the bathroom to soak up the steam. While you do need some moisture, you should manage the levels. Cleaning and drying surfaces is a good way to do that.

Circulate fresh air

Another great way to help with the moisture is to let fresh air come into your home. Letting in the fresh air can have a couple of benefits.

• Help dry out damp areas
• Provide more oxygen

Of course, drying wet areas will help with mold growth. However, getting more oxygen can help you breathe better and feel better. You don’t need to open the windows for more than a few minutes a day to see results.

Maintain humidity levels

Opening your windows may also help you regulate your home’s humidity levels. Of course, having too much humidity makes it easier for mold to grow.

You can control the humidity levels by having an HVAC professional install fans in the attic, bathroom, and other rooms. If you already have fans, start to use them.

Another option to consider is using dehumidifiers that you plug into a wall outlet. That way, you can remove them when your home gets too dry.

Clean regularly

You may not always be able to avoid mold growth. But cleaning your home regularly will allow you to catch mold more quickly.

If you can catch mold in its early stages, it will be much easier to remove. Then, you won’t have to replace the carpet or any other part of your home.

Grow plants indoors

If you like to grow plants, look for some that can live indoors. The plants can get rid of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it easier for mold to grow.

Plus, plants can improve your indoor air quality overall. If mold is annoying and affects your health, adding plants throughout the home may help.

Keeping Clean

If you have signs of mold, you may wonder, “Does Lysol kill mold?” Lysol is easy to find, and you may already have it in your home.

While it can be an effective option, you need to use it properly. And if it doesn’t work, you can consider some alternatives. Then, you can get rid of the mold and prevent future growth.

Last update on 2021-05-28 at 10:52 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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