Do you have a mold problem that you aren’t sure how to take care of? Are you thinking of using OxiClean to get the job done? Well, you’ve come to the right place! But first, what even is OxiClean?
OxiClean is a popular brand of house disinfectants. Its main ingredients include sodium percarbonate, sodium carbonate, surfactants, and polymer.
It’s completely natural and safe containing no harsh fumes, volatile compounds, or chemicals.
There is no lingering smell. OxiClean is safe to use on most surfaces and materials and has little environmental impact.
In this article you will learn:
- If OxiClean kills mold,
- How to use OxiClean to kill mold,
- Safety tips when using OxiClean to remove mold,
- Where to not use OxiClean when removing mold.
Please be aware that mold is very dangerous and can pose serious health risks to you or your loved ones. It should be dealt with promptly and properly to ensure the safety of all involved.
Does OxiClean Kill Mold?
Yes, and here’s how! OxiClean’s main ingredient is a form of hydrogen peroxide. When hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with the surface of the mold, it rapidly releases oxygen ions.
This rapid oxygen release is better known as oxidation. As it oxidizes the surface of the mold it, in turn, decomposes it.
Another major ingredient in OxiClean is surfactants. These will break down the surface of the mold allowing it to be easily wiped away.
The last ingredient we will talk about is sodium carbonate. Now, typically, most molds prefer slightly acidic environments. So a pH range of 4-7. But sodium carbonate is usually more alkaline with a pH of about 11.
So by introducing this ingredient to a mold colony, the mold is put into an environment that is extremely difficult for it to survive and multiply in. This eventually leads to its death.
How Long Does It Take OxiClean To Kill Mold?
For general mold issues, OxiClean usually takes anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to take effect.
However, on some items or with more extensive mold it may take much longer.
How To Use OxiClean To Kill Mold?
No matter what method you use or where you are using it, please be sure to wear the proper protective gear when dealing with mold.
On Clothes
Clothing can be a tricky thing to deal with when it comes to mold. A lot of mold cleaners can damage fabrics so knowing what to use and what not to use is important. OxiClean is safe to use on all color fabrics. But do keep in mind that not all clothes are colorfast.
It’s not recommended for OxiClean to be used on wool, silk, lace, linen, leather, or dry-clean fabrics.
Here are some different methods to eliminate mold from clothes using OxiClean:
- Mix a scoop of OxiClean into a gallon of hot water. Be sure to mix/shake well. Next, pour a generous amount of the OxiClean mixture onto the moldy clothes. Make sure the clothing is covered fully. Let sit for 12-15 minutes. Using a soft brush, scrub the clothing for a few seconds. Then wash the article/s with lots of water.
- This method is for very light and not severe mold. Simply add a scoop of OxiClean to your washer as well as your usual detergent. To know how much OxiClean to add, adhere to packaging directions.
- If your clothes are experiencing a more serious mold problem spot cleaning before washing may be the way to go. In a bowl, combine equal parts of Oxiclean and water. This will become like a paste. Use a clean toothbrush or a spoon to cover any visible mold stains with the paste. Allow to settle for 1-6 hours. Wash normally with OxiClean and regular detergent.
OxiClean is quite effective for killing mold. It is just as effective as chlorine bleach but much gentler and safer on clothing.
Before using OxiClean on your clothes, be sure to do a spot test. Find an area on your clothing that is not easily visible. For OxiClean powder follow the directions and combine a small amount with water. Apply it to the selected spot.
For OxiClean liquid or gel, apply it directly to the test area. Let sit for 5 minutes, do not allow to dry. Rinse completely and check to see if the color was disturbed or faded. If it did not fade or damage at all, then OxiClean is safe to use on the garment.
On Shoes
For shoes, you’ll want to create a mixture of OxiClean and water. 1/2 scoop of OxiClean per gallon of hot(not boiled) water. First, brush off any loose mold spores. Preferably outside.
Then apply the OxiClean solution directly to the moldy areas and leave for 10-15 minutes.
Lastly, blot the area with warm water. Allow to dry completely to prevent regrowth.
On Deck Or Patio
First, you will need to mix one cup of OxiClean and one gallon of water in a cleaning bucket. Then use a scrub brush to thoroughly scrub mixture on affected areas. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Then rinse with garden hose. If using OxiClean on wooden decks, following up with a deck brightening solution may be best to balance the high pH in
OxiClean and make the deck more stable for finishing.
On Indoor Surfaces & Bathrooms
For indoor surfaces and bathrooms, use the following method:
In an empty spray bottle, combine half a scoop of OxiClean and 4 cups of hot water. Shake well.
Generously spray the mixture on all areas affected by mold.
Let sit for 12-15 minutes.
Next, you will spray another generous amount of the solution onto the area and scrub the area with a stiff-bristle brush for a few seconds.
Wipe away with a mop or rag.
Mold In Grout
For the first method we have to remove mold in grout, combine equal parts OxiClean and hot water to form a paste. Apply it to the moldy grout. Allow to rest for about 15 minutes. With a brush, thoroughly scrub the grout. Rinse well.
For an alternative method, mix 1/4 cup of OxiClean for every 2 cups of hot water in a spray bottle.
Spritz and apply the mixture everywhere that’s affected by mold. Let sit for 30 minutes. Use a brush to scrub the area. Rinse well.
Safety Tips If Using OxiClean For Mold Removal
Always be sure to wear a face mask, eye protective gear, and gloves when working with mold. Keeping the mold area well contained is best. Avoid letting loose mold spores into the air. Dispose of damaged and moldy items.
Be sure to wash clothing before drying after using OxiClean.
Do not store OxiClean solutions in containers such as a spray bottle.
Pressure may build up and cause the container to rupture. Never mix OxiClean with other chemicals. This can cause toxic fumes and other dangerous outcomes to occur.
Where Not To Use OxiClean For Mold
The following are items and materials that are not recommended to use OxiClean on:
- wool/wool blends
- silk/silk blends
- dry-clean only fabrics
- leather
- jewelry
- latex paints
- woven baskets
- unpainted wicker
- jute
- teak
- finished woods
Do not use on rusty areas. Never soak metals and rinse quickly and well.