Most of us have at least once come into contact with mold. The majority of homeowners fear this fungus because it thrives in humid conditions. It can result in a number of health problems in addition to having an offensive appearance and odor. What techniques are there for removing mold, and does Lysol kill it? Learn more by reading on.
Lysol can indeed kill mold. Hydrogen peroxide, a substance well known for its ability to combat mold and mildew, is the main component of Lysol.
What is Lysol
The real question is, “What makes Lysol effective against mold and mildew?” since most people already know what it is.’. If you’re wondering “does Lysol kill mold”, the answer is yes. Hydrogen peroxide, a substance with a reputation for being effective against mold and mildew, is the main component of Lysol.
Ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and potassium hydroxide are additional ingredients in Lysol. 99.9% of the germs in your home are eliminated when these ingredients are combined.
People believe this to be positive, but we should point out that you shouldn’t go overboard. Good bacteria do in fact keep bad germs at bay. Overusing antiseptics like hand sanitizer and Lysol spray can promote the development of superbugs like the MRSA strains found in hospitals.
Lysol spray has the benefit of being usable on a variety of surfaces. Some surfaces will become damaged when using other cleaners, such as bleach. Only a few cleaning products are universal, including Lysol.
Why Does Mold Appear in the Bathroom?
Mold is a type of fungus that aids in the decomposition of organic matter. Because it prefers moisture and dampness, it will flourish in the wet area and produce enough organic matter to survive.
It can quickly spread throughout your home if you don’t take care of it. Because of the high moisture content and inadequate ventilation, mold is frequently found in bathrooms.
Because they are susceptible to moisture, kitchens, garages, and basements are other areas of a home that mold loves.
Microscopically small spores released into the air by mold allow it to reproduce. These spores require very little moisture to establish themselves and develop.
Mold can start to grow within 48 hours of the spores landing, and warmth will hasten this process. As dust is frequently organic and composed of human skin, it usually feeds mold.
All of this makes the bathroom the perfect place for mold to grow. The air is warm and humid, and there is minute organic matter everywhere.
Every time you take a shower or wash your hands, you’re fostering the ideal environment for mold to grow. This is why it’s crucial to regularly clean the walls and floor of your bathroom.
How to Kill Mold With Lysol
One of the most well-liked cleaning products on the market is Lysol, which is available in spray bottles, laundry sanitizer, wipes, and other forms. Hydrogen peroxide, bleach, isopropyl alcohol, and benzalkonium chloride, a salt compound typically found in eye, ear, or nasal drops, are the main components of the products. Up to 99.99% of all bacteria, including mold and mildew, can be successfully eliminated from your home.
Spraying Lysol on the moldy area until it’s saturated and letting it sit for up to 10 minutes is the best way to get rid of it. After that, scrub the area with a clean brush or magic eraser sponge, and the mold ought to begin to come off. Clean the area with a damp cloth, then allow it to completely dry.
If there are any stubborn spots, you may need to repeat these steps, but wait until it has dried before doing so. As Lysol can irritate the skin and eyes, you should wear gloves throughout this process. Wear safety glasses or goggles while scrubbing to completely protect your eyes.
How to Prevent Mold Growth?
You can stop the growth of mold in your bathroom in a number of ways. The majority of them involve removing warmth and moisture from it.
After using the restroom, make sure all surfaces are dry and set up adequate ventilation. All bathrooms should have an exhaust fan or a window because airflow removes moisture.
Eliminating a mold food source is another crucial step. This implies that you need to keep your bathroom free of bacteria and other organic matter, like dust.
The best options for this are antibacterial products, which will virtually eradicate all microorganisms.
Make every effort to fix any damp spaces where water could collect if you have any. Fix any leaks and confirm that your tiles are properly glued.
Every drain needs to function properly, and you should clean it frequently.
Using mold-resistant paint in place of tiles is an additional smart move.
Other Methods
Here are a few more techniques for removing mold and mildew now that you are aware of whether Lysol kills mold. While some of these are more successful, they are rarely discussed.
- Chlorine Bleach
To get rid of any discoloration that the mold might have left behind, use chlorine bleach. For the same reasons as Lysol, it is not advised as a mold removal technique.
The spores will live on, but it will only eliminate it momentarily. The mold will come back within a few days after you’ve used bleach to clean your bathroom. While being quite harsh, chlorine bleach must be diluted with water to prevent surface damage.
- Vinegar
Unbelievably, one of the best natural ways to permanently remove mold is by using distilled white vinegar.
Its acidity will gradually dissolve the mold’s structure and kill it, along with any spores that may have been present. It’s worth it even though you have to clean your entire bathroom and make sure there is adequate ventilation.
Remember that vinegar lacks the strength to effectively remove stains, so you’ll need to use another household cleaner. In spite of that, this is one of the best methods for eliminating stubborn mold.
Read More: Does Vinegar Kill Mold
- Baking Soda
Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, has a high pH level that prevents mold growth. It can eventually stop growing if you do this, making it a fairly effective strategy. Baking soda, however, won’t remove stains in the same way that vinegar won’t.
- Borax
Borax functions similarly to baking soda. Because of its acidity, mold cannot spread or grow. Despite not being a great cleaner, it is more effective than baking soda at removing stains. We advise combining it with a different, more dependable cleaning agent.
Bottom Line
Yes and no, Lysol does kill mold. It will effectively clean the surface and kill any mold that is present. However, mold spores will persist, and after about a week you’ll see new mold beginning to grow.
Because of this, Lysol is not the best long-term remedy.
We advise cleaning mold with vinegar, baking soda, or borax if you want to successfully get rid of it. Clean the bathroom once more with Lysol or a comparable disinfectant the following day to make sure everything has been thoroughly cleaned. Good luck! Although mold is persistent, you can completely eradicate it with the right strategy.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take for Lysol to Kill Mold?
Up to 99.99% of all bacteria, including mold and mildew, can be successfully eliminated from your home. Spraying Lysol on the affected area until it is completely saturated and letting it sit for up to 10 minutes is the best way to eradicate mold. The mold should start to come off if you scrub the area with a clean brush or magic eraser sponge afterward.
Can Lysol Spray Kill Mold Spores in the Air?
Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), an antifungal quaternary ammonium compound, is the main component of the majority of Lysol disinfectant sprays. Lysol is made to kill mold and mold spores on surfaces; however, it is ineffective against mold spores in the air.
Is Vinegar Or Lysol Better for Mold?
Mold can be killed with both vinegar and bleach, but vinegar is much more efficient at getting rid of mold from porous materials. This is so that only mold spores on the surface of harmed materials are killed by bleach. Porous materials can be penetrated by vinegar, which also kills mold at its source.