You can get rid of mold on kitchen cabinets fast by getting ready first, cleaning the mold carefully, drying the area completely, and then taking steps to stop it from coming back. This guide tells you exactly how to do that. We will show you the best way to remove mold from cabinets, including how to clean mold off wood cabinets, kill black mold on cabinets, and even how to get rid of mold under kitchen sink. We’ll cover homemade mold remover for cabinets, like using vinegar for mold on cabinets, and talk about preventing mold in kitchen cabinets later. If the mold is really bad, you might need mold remediation kitchen cabinets. Sometimes people see mildew on kitchen cabinets; the cleaning steps are similar.
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Why Mold Likes Kitchen Cabinets
Mold is a type of fungus. It grows well in places that are wet, dark, and have food for it. Kitchen cabinets are often near water (sink, dishwasher). They can get splashes. Steam from cooking or the dishwasher can also make them damp. Food bits, spills, or grease can give mold something to eat. Cabinets are also often dark inside or underneath. All these things together make kitchen cabinets a perfect place for mold to grow.
Signs of Mold
How do you know if you have mold?
* Look: You might see spots or patches. Mold can be green, black, white, orange, or purple. Black mold on cabinets is a common worry.
* Smell: Mold often smells musty or earthy.
* Feel: Sometimes surfaces might feel a bit slimy or fuzzy.
It is important to deal with mold quickly. Mold spores can cause health problems for some people, like runny nose, sneezing, or trouble breathing.
Getting Ready: Safety First
Before you start mold removal kitchen cabinets, you need to protect yourself. Mold spores can spread when you clean. Breathing them in is bad.
Essential Safety Gear
Here is what you need to wear:
- Gloves: Use rubber gloves that go up your arm a bit. This stops mold from touching your skin.
- Mask: Wear a mask that filters small particles. An N95 mask is good. This stops you from breathing in mold spores.
- Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles. This keeps mold spores out of your eyes.
- Clothes: Wear old clothes that cover your arms and legs. You should wash these right away after cleaning.
Setting Up the Work Area
Prepare the space to make cleaning easier and safer.
- Clear the Cabinets: Take everything out of the cabinets. Check items for mold. If something has mold, clean it or throw it away.
- Protect Nearby Areas: Cover counters, floors, and furniture near the cabinets with plastic sheets or old newspapers. This catches falling mold or cleaning liquids.
- Open Windows: Make sure the area has fresh air. Open windows and doors wide. This helps remove mold smells and spores.
- Turn Off Air Systems: If you have fans or air conditioning, turn them off. This stops mold spores from spreading through your house.
What You Need to Clean Mold
You will need some basic things to clean mold off wood cabinets and other parts.
Cleaning Tools
- Buckets: You will need two buckets. One for your cleaning mix and one for clean water to rinse.
- Sponges or Cloths: Use old sponges or cloths you can throw away after.
- Scrub Brush (Soft): For tougher spots, but be gentle, especially on wood.
- Spray Bottle: For applying cleaning solutions.
- Paper Towels: To wipe surfaces dry.
- Trash Bags: To put moldy items and used cleaning supplies.
Cleaning Solutions
You have a few choices for your cleaning mix. The best way to remove mold from cabinets might use one of these.
- Option 1: Soap and Water
- Mix a little dish soap with warm water.
- This works for light surface mold or mildew on kitchen cabinets.
- It is gentle, good for wood.
- Option 2: Vinegar for Mold on Cabinets
- Vinegar is a great homemade mold remover for cabinets.
- Mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio (half vinegar, half water).
- Put it in a spray bottle.
- Vinegar can kill many types of mold, including black mold.
- Option 3: Baking Soda
- Mix baking soda with water to make a paste.
- Put it on moldy areas. Let it sit.
- Baking soda cleans and helps remove the mold smell.
- You can also add baking soda to vinegar or soap solutions.
- Option 4: Borax
- Mix one cup of borax with one gallon of hot water.
- Borax kills mold and stops it from coming back.
- You usually don’t need to rinse borax off non-food surfaces, which helps prevent mold return. But on cabinets, especially inside, rinsing is often best to avoid residue.
- Option 5: Mold Cleaners (Store-Bought)
- There are many products you can buy. Look for cleaners made for mold or mildew.
- Important: Never mix different cleaners, especially bleach with ammonia or vinegar. This makes dangerous fumes.
- Bleach is often used for mold, but it’s harsh, bad for wood, and its fumes are strong. It kills mold on surfaces but doesn’t soak into porous materials well. For kitchen cabinets, especially wood, vinegar or borax is often better and safer. We will focus on less harsh methods first.
Step-by-Step Mold Removal Process
Here is how to clean mold off wood cabinets and other cabinet parts.
Step 1: The First Wipe Down
- Dip a cloth or sponge in your cleaning solution (like soap and water or diluted vinegar).
- Make sure it is damp, not dripping wet, especially on wood. Too much water can hurt the wood.
- Gently wipe the moldy areas. Do not scrub hard at first. Scrubbing can send mold spores into the air.
- Wipe from top to bottom.
Step 2: Apply the Mold Killer
- For tougher mold, use a stronger cleaner like vinegar or borax solution.
- Put your chosen solution in a spray bottle (like the 1:1 vinegar/water mix).
- Spray the moldy area well.
- Let the cleaner sit on the mold for at least 15-20 minutes. This gives it time to kill the mold roots.
Step 3: Scrub and Clean
- After letting the cleaner sit, gently scrub the area with a soft brush or sponge.
- Wipe away the mold as you scrub.
- Use your second bucket of clean water to rinse your sponge or cloth often. This stops you from spreading mold around.
- Keep spraying and scrubbing until all visible mold is gone.
Step 4: Rinse the Surface
- Once the mold is gone, dip a clean cloth in the bucket of clean water.
- Wipe the cleaned area to remove any leftover cleaning solution.
- Rinse your cloth often in the clean water.
- This step is very important when using vinegar or borax on surfaces where you store food or dishes.
Step 5: Dry Everything
This is a very important step in mold removal kitchen cabinets. Mold needs moisture to grow. If the area stays wet, the mold will come back.
- Use clean, dry paper towels or a clean, dry cloth to wipe the cleaned surfaces until they are completely dry.
- Pay extra attention to corners, edges, and underneath cabinets where water can collect.
- Use a fan to blow air on the area.
- Keep windows open to help air move.
- Make sure the area is totally dry before closing the cabinets or putting items back. This might take a few hours or even a day.
Cleaning Different Cabinet Materials
The steps above work for most cabinets, but here are tips for specific types.
Clean Mold Off Wood Cabinets
Wood is porous. This means mold roots can go into the wood.
- Use gentle cleaners first, like soap and water or diluted vinegar (1:1 mix is best for wood).
- Do not use too much liquid. Wring out sponges or cloths very well.
- Avoid bleach. It can damage wood finishes and doesn’t kill mold deep inside wood.
- If mold is deep in the wood, you might need to sand the area after cleaning and drying, then refinish the wood.
- Test cleaners in a small, hidden spot first to see if they harm the finish.
Cleaning Laminate or Painted Cabinets
These surfaces are less porous than wood.
- Soap and water, vinegar mix, or borax solution usually work well.
- You can be a bit less worried about water damage than with wood, but still dry thoroughly.
- Avoid harsh scrub brushes that can scratch the surface.
Cleaning Metal Cabinets
Metal is not porous, but mold can grow on dirt or grease on the surface.
- Soap and water or a vinegar mix should clean it easily.
- Make sure to dry metal completely to prevent rust.
Specific Areas: How to Get Rid of Mold Under Kitchen Sink
The area under the kitchen sink is very common for mold. This is because of:
- Leaky pipes or drain traps.
- Splashes from the sink.
- Cleaning supplies stored there (can make it damp).
- Poor air flow.
Steps for Under the Sink
- Empty Everything: Take out all items. Check them for mold. Throw away anything with mold you can’t clean.
- Find the Water Source: Look for leaks. Are pipes dripping? Is the drain loose? Fix any leaks before you clean the mold. Mold will just come back if you don’t stop the water.
- Dry Wet Areas: Use towels or a mop to soak up any standing water.
- Clean the Mold: Follow the general steps above. Use your chosen cleaner (vinegar is good here). Spray surfaces, let sit, scrub, and wipe. Pay attention to the back wall, bottom board, and sides.
- Check Behind Things: Look behind pipes and into corners. Mold can hide there.
- Dry Completely: Use fans. Leave the cabinet door open for a long time to let air dry everything inside. Make sure it is bone dry.
- Fix and Prevent: After cleaning and drying, fix any leaks. You might need a plumber. Think about using shelf liners that resist water. Don’t put wet items back.
What About Black Mold on Cabinets?
Finding black mold on cabinets can be scary. Often, what looks like “black mold” is just a common type of mold that happens to be black. However, some black molds, like Stachybotrys chartarum, can be more harmful, especially to people with health problems.
- Treat it Carefully: Assume any black mold could be Stachybotrys and take extra safety steps. Wear your mask, gloves, and eye protection. Keep the area closed off from other parts of the house if possible.
- Killing Black Mold: Vinegar is effective at killing many types of black mold on surfaces like cabinets. Borax is also good. Apply, let it sit, and clean carefully as described in the main steps.
- When to Get Help: If the black mold area is large (more than a few square feet), or if you have health issues that make you sensitive to mold, it’s best to call a professional for mold remediation kitchen cabinets. They have special tools and methods to remove it safely.
Preventing Mold in Kitchen Cabinets
Stopping mold from growing is easier than cleaning it. Here are ways to prevent mold in kitchen cabinets.
Control Moisture
- Fix Leaks: Check pipes, drains, and faucets often for leaks. Fix them right away, especially under the sink.
- Wipe Spills: Clean up spills inside or on cabinets immediately.
- Use Fans: Use an exhaust fan when cooking or running the dishwasher to remove steam and moisture from the air.
- Dry Dishes Well: Make sure dishes are fully dry before putting them away in cabinets.
- Improve Air Flow:
- Leave cabinet doors open for a while after cooking or running the dishwasher.
- Don’t pack cabinets too full. Leave a little space for air to move.
- If an area is often damp (like under the sink), consider a small fan or a moisture absorber product.
Keep it Clean
- Regular Cleaning: Clean cabinets regularly, inside and out. Wipe away crumbs, spills, and grease.
- Use Mold Inhibitors (Optional): After cleaning and drying, you could wipe surfaces with a diluted borax solution (1 cup borax to 1 gallon hot water) and let it dry. Borax helps stop mold from growing again. Do not do this on surfaces that touch food unless you rinse well after.
- Check Under Sink Often: Make it a habit to check the area under your kitchen sink for wetness or smells.
Consider Dehumidifiers
If your kitchen is always humid, a dehumidifier can help lower the moisture in the air, making it harder for mold to grow anywhere, including in cabinets.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, mold is too much to handle yourself. You might need mold remediation kitchen cabinets professionals if:
- The Mold Area is Large: More than about 10 square feet.
- It’s Black Mold and a Large Area: Especially if you are worried about health risks.
- The Mold Comes Back Quickly: This means the source of moisture was not found or fixed, or the cleaning was not complete.
- You Have Health Issues: If you have asthma, allergies, or a weak immune system, cleaning mold can be risky.
- The Mold is Deep: If mold has soaked into the drywall behind cabinets or large parts of wooden cabinets.
Professionals have the right gear, cleaners, and drying equipment to remove mold safely and effectively.
Reviewing the Best Ways
Let’s quickly look at the best way to remove mold from cabinets depending on the situation.
| Situation | Best Cleaning Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light surface mold/mildew | Soap and water | Gentle, good for most surfaces. |
| Moderate mold | Vinegar (1:1 with water) or Borax solution | Kills mold effectively, good for wood (vinegar). |
| Tough mold, black mold | Vinegar or Borax solution | Let sit longer. Use safety gear. |
| Under kitchen sink | Vinegar or Borax solution | Fix any leaks first! Dry completely. |
| Mold on wood | Diluted Vinegar or Soap & Water | Use minimal water. Dry very well. |
Remember, drying is key! No matter what cleaner you use, if the area stays wet, mold will return.
Deep Dive into Homemade Mold Remover for Cabinets
Using simple things you might already have at home is a great way to make mold remover. It’s often safer and cheaper than store-bought cleaners.
Vinegar Method
- How it Works: The acid in vinegar (acetic acid) can kill many types of mold. It also helps to stop spores from growing.
- How to Use:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Clean the surface first with soap and water if it is very dirty.
- Spray the vinegar solution directly onto the moldy area.
- Do not wipe it off right away. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes. This gives the vinegar time to soak in and kill the mold.
- After 15-20 minutes, scrub the area gently with a sponge or soft brush.
- Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth (using clean water).
- Dry the area completely with a dry cloth or paper towels.
- You can spray the vinegar solution again lightly and let it dry without rinsing, especially on surfaces that don’t touch food. This can help prevent mold return, but the smell might linger.
- Good For: Wood cabinets, painted cabinets, laminate, walls, under sinks.
- Things to Note: Vinegar has a strong smell, but it goes away as it dries. Do not mix vinegar with bleach – it makes poisonous gas.
Baking Soda Method
- How it Works: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a gentle cleaner. It also absorbs moisture and smells. It can kill mold and help prevent it.
- How to Use:
- Mix baking soda with water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste to the moldy spots.
- Let the paste sit for a while, maybe 15 minutes or more.
- Scrub the area with a brush or sponge.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- You can also mix 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda into a spray bottle with water. Spray this solution on cleaned areas and let it dry. This helps prevent mold.
- Baking soda can be used with vinegar (it will fizz!) or added to soap and water for extra cleaning power.
- Good For: Most cabinet surfaces, helps with mold smell.
- Things to Note: It’s gentle but might need more scrubbing for tough mold.
Borax Method
- How it Works: Borax (sodium borate) is a natural mineral. It kills mold, mildew, and helps stop them from coming back. It also cleans and removes odors.
- How to Use:
- Mix one cup of borax with one gallon of hot water. Stir until most of the borax dissolves.
- Clean the surface mold first.
- Apply the borax solution to the moldy area. You can use a cloth or sponge.
- For tough mold, let it sit for a while.
- Scrub the area.
- Wipe off visible mold and leftover borax solution.
- You can leave a thin layer of borax residue behind on non-food surfaces (like the back of cabinets or under the sink) after the area dries, as this helps prevent mold return. But rinse well on shelves where you put dishes or food.
- Good For: Killing mold and preventing return, good for tougher spots.
- Things to Note: Borax is less toxic than bleach but should still be used with gloves. Keep it away from children and pets.
Extra Tips for Mold Removal
- Test First: Always test any cleaning solution in a small, hidden spot on your cabinet before using it on the main mold area. Make sure it doesn’t damage the finish.
- Work in Small Areas: Don’t try to clean the whole kitchen at once. Focus on one cabinet or section at a time.
- Bag and Remove Trash: Put moldy items and used cleaning cloths into a plastic bag. Tie it tightly and take it outside right away.
- Clean Your Tools: Wash your gloves, mask, and reusable cleaning cloths after you are done. If you used old cloths, throw them away.
After Cleaning: Airing Out
After cleaning and drying, keep the area well-aired for a while.
- Keep windows open.
- Use fans.
- Leave cabinet doors open.
This helps remove any lingering smells and makes sure everything is completely dry. It’s a key part of effective mold remediation kitchen cabinets on a small scale.
What If the Finish Is Damaged?
If mold has grown on wood cabinets, it might leave stains or damage the wood finish.
- Stains: Even after killing the mold, a stain might remain, especially if it was black mold on cabinets.
- For light stains on wood, you might try a paste of baking soda and water or a commercial wood cleaner made for stains. Test first.
- Deeper stains might require sanding and refinishing the wood.
- Damaged Wood: If the wood is soft, crumbly, or falling apart, the mold might have caused a lot of damage. You might need to replace that piece of wood or the whole cabinet door/shelf. This is where professional help might be needed.
Thinking Long Term: Preventing Mold
We talked about controlling moisture and cleaning. Let’s add a few more tips for preventing mold in kitchen cabinets.
- Ventilation is Key: Good airflow is crucial.
- Use kitchen exhaust fans when cooking.
- Consider vents in cabinets near moisture sources if possible (though this can be tricky with cabinets).
- Leave cabinet doors open slightly after doing dishes or cooking, if you can.
- Proper Sealing:
- Check the caulking around your sink and backsplash. If it’s old or cracked, replace it. Water can get behind cabinets through small gaps.
- Make sure the seal around your dishwasher is good.
- Storage Habits:
- Don’t store wet sponges or rags inside closed cabinets.
- Make sure food items are sealed well to prevent spills and crumbs.
- Regular Checks: Spend a few minutes every month checking common mold spots, especially under the kitchen sink and in cabinets near the dishwasher or stove. Catching mold early makes mold removal kitchen cabinets much easier.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions people ask about mold on kitchen cabinets.
h4 Is mold on cabinets dangerous?
For many people, a small amount of mold on cabinets causes mild reactions like sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes. However, some people are more sensitive (like those with asthma or allergies). Black mold on cabinets can be more concerning for some. It is always best to remove mold safely and quickly.
h4 How quickly does mold grow?
Mold can start to grow within 24-48 hours of a wet surface appearing, if the conditions are right (warmth, food source). This is why fixing leaks and drying wet spots immediately is so important for preventing mold in kitchen cabinets.
h4 Can I just paint over the mold?
No, do not paint over mold. Painting over mold does not kill it. The mold will likely grow through the paint later. You must clean and kill the mold completely before repairing or repainting the cabinet.
h4 What is the difference between mold and mildew?
Mildew is a type of mold. It is usually flat and can be white, yellow, or gray. Mold can be fuzzy or slimy and comes in many colors, including black mold on cabinets. The cleaning methods for mildew on kitchen cabinets are the same as for mold. Mildew is often easier to clean as it is usually just on the surface.
h4 Can I use bleach to clean mold on wood cabinets?
It is generally not recommended to use bleach on wood cabinets. Bleach can damage wood finishes and may not kill mold that has rooted deeply into the wood. It also creates strong fumes. Vinegar for mold on cabinets or a borax solution are usually better choices for wood. Bleach works best on non-porous surfaces like tile or glass.
h4 How do I know if I need professional mold remediation?
You should consider professional mold remediation kitchen cabinets if the mold covers a large area (more than about 10 square feet), if you think it might be Stachybotrys black mold and you have health concerns, if the mold keeps coming back, or if the mold damage is extensive (like rotten wood).
h4 How can I tell if the area under the sink is really dry?
After wiping, use a fan to blow air into the under-sink area for several hours, maybe even overnight. You can use a moisture meter if you have one, but often feeling the surface and ensuring there is no damp smell after extensive drying is enough for simple cases. If you fix a major leak, leaving the area open with a fan for a day or two is a good idea.
h4 What if my cabinets still smell musty after cleaning?
A musty smell often means there is still mold or moisture somewhere. Go back and check all the surfaces you cleaned. Is anything still damp? Is there a hidden spot you missed? Sometimes, mold can be behind the cabinet against the wall, especially if there was a leak. Baking soda left in an open container inside the dried cabinet can help absorb smells. If the smell is strong and won’t go away, it might indicate a larger mold issue hidden behind the cabinets or wall, and you might need professional help.
Removing mold from kitchen cabinets takes careful work, but it is often something you can do yourself. Stay safe, clean thoroughly, dry everything completely, and take steps to prevent moisture. This will help keep your kitchen cabinets mold-free.