Can Air Fresheners Kill Mold?
Many people use air fresheners to cover up the smell of mold, but can they actually kill the mold itself?
The short answer is NO. Air fresheners do not have the ability to kill mold spores or prevent their growth.
In fact, some air fresheners may even contribute to mold growth by increasing the humidity in a space.
This is because the chemicals in air fresheners can react with the moisture in the air, creating a more humid environment. Mold thrives in humid conditions, so using air fresheners may actually create an ideal environment for mold growth.
While air fresheners may temporarily mask the smell of mold, they are not a reliable method for controlling or eliminating mold growth. To effectively control mold, it is important to address the root cause of the problem and use appropriate methods for mold control.
Best ways to freshen the air in a room that’s been infested with mold
If you have a room in your home or building that has been infested with mold, it is important to take steps to eliminate the mold and freshen the air. Here are the best ways to freshen the air in a room that has been contaminated by mold:
Kill the mold with a dedicated mold-killing solution
The first and most important step is to eliminate the mold using a cleaning solution that is specifically designed to kill it. Many household cleaners may not be effective at eliminating mold, especially if it is hidden in porous materials such as grout or drywall.
Make sure to use a cleaner that specifically states it kills mold, not just prevents it from growing.
Some cleaning chemicals may only prevent new mold from growing, but are not effective at killing mold that is already well-established on difficult-to-clean surfaces.
There are several cleaning solutions available that are effective at killing mold, such as
- Lemocide Lemon-scented Mold Killer
- Concrobium Mold Killer
- CleanSmart Mold Killer Spray Bottles
- BioCide Mold-killing Fog “Bomb”
- Borax Powder
These products come in various forms, such as concentrate liquids, spray bottles, and powders, and can be used on a variety of surfaces.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take appropriate safety precautions when using these products.
Prevent immediate mold regrowth
After killing the mold, use a cleaning solution that is designed to prevent new mold from growing on the surface. These cleaners contain chemicals that “stick around” for a while and prevent the growth of mold and other bacteria.
There are several options available that are effective at preventing mold growth, such as:
- OdoBan Scented Spray 4-scent Value Pack
- Concrobium Mold Control Aerosol Spray.
These products come in various forms, such as spray bottles, and offer a variety of fragrances to choose from.
Prevent long-term mold regrowth
To prevent mold from growing again in the future, it is important to address the root cause of the problem. This may include fixing any leaks or moisture problems, maintaining proper humidity levels in the room, and ensuring proper insulation and ventilation.
An air purifier can be used in a room that has recently been contaminated with mold to remove mold spores from the air. These spores are how mold spreads and can continue to contaminate other areas if not removed.
Running an air purifier with multiple filtration layers, such as the Bissell 3-filter Air Purifier, can effectively capture and remove mold spores from the air.
It is also important to maintain proper humidity levels in the room to prevent mold growth, which can be achieved by using a dehumidifier, such as the homeLabs Dehumidifier. This product is available in different sizes to accommodate a single room or an entire house.
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take appropriate safety precautions when using these products.
Use an air freshener or deodorizer
After eliminating the mold and preventing its regrowth, use an air freshener or deodorizer to remove any lingering odors. Make sure to choose a product that does not contribute to mold growth by increasing the humidity in the room.
Which Air Freshener Kills Mold?
It is important to effectively control and eliminate mold in homes and buildings to prevent property damage and protect the occupants’ health.
While air fresheners may temporarily mask the smell of mold, they are not a reliable method for controlling or eliminating it.
Instead, it is necessary to address the root cause of the problem and use appropriate methods for mold control, such as physical removal, the use of mold-killing products, and maintenance of proper humidity levels in the home.
By following these steps, it is possible to effectively freshen the air in a room that has been contaminated by mold and prevent future mold growth.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take appropriate safety precautions when using any mold control products.
