Both bleach and vinegar can kill mold, but vinegar is much more effective at removing mold from porous materials. This is because bleach only kills mold spores on the surface of affected materials. Vinegar will penetrate porous materials and kill mold on the roots. If you use bleach to get rid of mold growth, there's a good chance that the mold will return.
Vinegar really is better than bleach at killing mold. The EPA does not recommend the use of bleach to kill or eliminate mold, except in special circumstances. In most cases, “a background level of mold spores will remain after the application of bleach. Does vinegar kill mold on drywall and leather? You can safely use vinegar to get rid of mold on drywall, but be careful when scrubbing so you don't damage the surface underneath.
Vinegar is more effective than bleach when cleaning drywall because bleach only kills mold on the surface, not underneath. This means that the mold is likely to grow again. When bleach is used on porous surfaces, the mold will penetrate deeper into the material to prevent it. Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold.
White vinegar that contains 5% acidity will also work well. If you don't have white vinegar at home yet, you can buy cheap white vinegar at most grocery stores. If you notice a small amount of mold growing somewhere in your house, vinegar is the best option to get rid of it. It's not as effective at removing mold from porous materials (such as wood and drywall), which absorb moisture and allow mold to penetrate below the surface.
As with generic bleach, these products are more effective at removing mold from hard, non-porous surfaces. After solving the moisture problem and drying the area completely, here's a list of household products that can help you eliminate and eliminate mold.
