Should you use vinegar to remove mould? Experts in different countries disagree

The last thing you want to find around your home is black mould, yet those familiar spots often start making a return in autumn. They appear in cold corners, around window frames, behind wardrobes and in bathrooms where moisture has nowhere to go.

With windows closed more often and condensation building up as temperatures drop, mould can quickly become a familiar problem again. And if you search online for a way to remove it, vinegar is one of the first remedies you'll come across.

It sounds simple enough. But before spraying anything on the wall, there's a question worth asking: does this familiar kitchen staple actually belong in your mould-cleaning routine?

The answer isn't as straightforward as you might expect.

Why the advice on vinegar is divided

Gravesham Borough Council in Kent says a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water worked best for removing surface mould after years of testing. They suggest mixing one cup of each in a spray bottle.

A page from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust also suggests white vinegar or a mould-remover spray for small patches, while advising against bleach.

Dutch guidance on the other hand takes a different approach. Milieu Centraal's advice on mould recommends using authorised products and following their instructions. It warns against homemade mixtures because they are not authorised as mould-control products.

For Dutch households, the practical starting point is to choose a product authorised for its intended use and follow the label. The Ctgb's authorisation database can help you check whether a biocidal product is authorised.

The safety rules you shouldn't ignore

Whichever approach you consider, there are precautions to take before tackling mould yourself.

• Never mix cleaning products. In particular, never combine vinegar with chlorine bleach, as this can release dangerous chlorine gas.
• Don't brush dry mould. Disturbing it can release spores into the air. Gravesham advises wetting the affected area before cleaning.
• Protect yourself. Wear gloves and suitable eye protection, ventilate the room and follow the product's safety instructions.
• Use cleaning cloths carefully. Don't spread mould around by reusing a dirty cloth on other surfaces.

When a small patch needs professional help

A little mould around a window is different from widespread growth across several walls.

The NHS Healthier Together guidance recommends professional help when mould covers more than one square metre or results from structural problems or sewage. People whose asthma is triggered by mould should avoid removing it themselves.

If you're renting, report persistent damp or mould to your landlord, particularly if you suspect a leak or building defect.

Why the mould keeps coming back

Cleaning away the visible spots is only part of the solution.

Milieu Centraal explains that mould is a sign of moisture problems or insufficient fresh air. Condensation can collect on cold surfaces, especially around windows and in poorly ventilated corners.

Keep ventilation grilles clear, use extractor fans when cooking or showering, and leave space between furniture and walls so air can circulate. If mould repeatedly returns, investigate the underlying moisture problem rather than simply treating the surface again.

Vinegar may be recommended by one authority and discouraged by another. But unless you address the moisture that allows mould to grow, the black spots can return whatever you use to clean them.