Does Baking Soda Really Work on Mold? Here’s My Honest Tak
I’ve used baking soda to clean everything from my sink to my shoes, so when mold popped up in the bathroom, I gave it a shot there too. Turns out, baking soda can help, but it’s not a miracle mold killer.
What It Does Do:
- Great for small spots like grout lines or sink edges
- Soaks up moisture, which mold loves
- Cleans visible residue without harsh fumes
What It Doesn’t Do:
- It won’t kill all mold spores, especially the stubborn stuff
- Black mold? Forget it baking soda alone isn’t enough
- It’s not a substitute for serious mold-killing cleaners
How I Use It:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water
- Spray the moldy area, let it sit for 15 minutes
- Scrub it clean, rinse, and dry completely
- Spray again and let it air-dry to help prevent it from coming back
What About Mixing It With Vinegar?
I tried combining baking soda and vinegar like all the cleaning hacks say, but here’s the thing: it fizzes, but that chemical reaction actually weakens both. Instead, I spray with vinegar first (mixed 1:1 with water), wait an hour, then scrub with a baking soda paste. That combo works okay for small stuff, but again not for anything major.
For light mold? Baking soda is a solid option. But for heavy mold or anything recurring, I’d definitely reach for a stronger mold-specific cleaner or call in a pro. I still keep a box of baking soda under the sink, but I know its limits.