Guide to Mold Disinfectants

A mold disinfectant is a chemical substance used for killing molds found in clothes, furniture, and home and office spaces. Mold commonly develops in humid or flooded areas such as near pipe leaks and water, beneath discolored or yellowed walls or ceilings, and under warped wood.

A mold disinfectant is available in alcohol, phenolic, quaternary ammonium compound, iodophor, glutaraldehyde, hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide varieties.

• An alcohol mold disinfectant contains isopropanol and ethanol substances that effectively kill fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
• It does not irritate the skin and does not stain most materials.
• However, it is flammable and useless against organic matter.
• It comes in concentrations of 60% to 90%.

• A quaternary ammonium compound mold disinfectant contains 0.4% to 1.6% of ammonium concentrate.
• It is effective against fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
• However, it is useless against organic compounds and cannot effectively kill viruses.

• Phenolic mold disinfectant comes in diluted concentrations between 0.4% and 0.5%.
• It is very affordable.
• However, it is corrosive, irritating, and toxic.
• It is frequently used in hospitals.

• An iodophor mold disinfectant effectively kills spores, bacteria, fungi, and viruses given an extended contact time.
• It is more effective if used in a concentration of 75 ppm.
• It is a stable disinfectant.
• However, it is expensive and unable to kill organic matter.

• A glutaraldehyde mold disinfectant requires a high concentration of 2% to kill spores, fungi, bacteria, and viruses effectively.
• It is expensive but noncorrosive.
• However, it emits toxic vapors that can cause irritation.

• A hypochlorite mold disinfectant requires a long contact time and a high concentration to kill spores, bacteria, viruses, and fungi effectively.
• It can bleach, corrode, and discolor fabrics.
• It can also dissolve soft, protein-based fibers like silk and wool.

• A hydrogen peroxide mold disinfectant requires an extended contact time to kill spores, fungi, bacteria, and viruses effectively.
• It works best in a diluted concentration higher than 3%.
• It is expensive, corrosive, and easily disintegrates under UV light or heat.

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