Does Ammonia Kill Mold?

When mold spores start growing in your home, you need to take action fast. Mold can spread quickly and leave you with a devastating problem. 

However, there are many solutions to prevent or remove mold from your home. One of the options is using ammonia to kill the mold. But does ammonia really kill mold? 

There are many potential uses for ammonia when combating mold growth in a home, including an air freshener that helps neutralize the musty odors often found in spaces with excess moisture.

This common household chemical can be used in different ways when it comes to removing or preventing mold. Here’s more information about whether ammonia kills mold and how you can use it to tackle these problems.

What is Ammonia?

Ammonia is a chemical compound in a solution that can be harmful to people, animals, and plants. It is a naturally occurring compound made up of nitrogen and hydrogen. NH3 is the chemical formula for ammonia.

It is used in households, businesses, and industries as a cleaning agent, disinfectant, deodorizer, and fertilizer. It can be found in many household products, including cleaners, soaps, and pesticides.

In large amounts, ammonia can cause health problems such as headaches, burning eyes, and skin irritation. Ammonia has a strong, pungent smell. It is often used as an air freshener to eliminate musty smells that happen when there is too much moisture in a room.

Can You Use Ammonia to Kill Mold?

Yes, ammonia can be used to kill mold spores and prevent future growth. It is a chemical compound that is a colorless gas at room temperature and pressure. It is also called carbamide because it is made when natural gas breaks down.

Ammonia is a strong alkaline cleaner that can kill mold spores and other microorganisms. However, it is not a disinfectant, so it will not kill bacteria. When used to kill mold, ammonia is applied directly to the contaminated surfaces. The ammonia will react with the moisture in the air to form ammonium hydroxide. This product is an oxidizer that will kill mold spores and other microorganisms, stopping mold from growing.

How Does Ammonia Kill Mold?

Ammonia will kill mold by reacting with the moisture in the air to form a strong oxidizing agent. This agent will then kill the mold spores and prevent future growth. The reason ammonia is not used to clean up mold is that it evaporates quickly, meaning it will not last long enough to kill the mold spores.

It also has a pH of 11.5, which is higher than the pH of mold spores, which is between 2.5 and 9.5. This is why ammonia is not classified as a disinfectant. Disinfectants must have a pH level that is lower than the pH level of the microorganisms that are being killed. The higher pH level of the ammonia will not kill the mold spores or bacteria.

Using Ammonia to Clean and Remove Mold

Ammonia can be used to clean and remove mold from hard surfaces such as walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture, Mold can be dangerous and we always recommend getting advice from a professional before you attempt to remove mold. In most cases to clean and remove mold, you will need a mold removal solution made with at least 5% ammonia. This will make the solution strong enough to kill the mold spores.

When using a strong solution, wear rubber or chemical-resistant gloves and goggles. You may also want to wear a mask. Never mix ammonia with other chemicals, as this will create toxic fumes that are dangerous to breathe in.

To clean and remove mold with ammonia, follow these steps:

• Clean the moldy surface with a rag sprinkled with a cleaning solution made of 5% ammonia.
• Let the area air dry completely.
• Use an anti-fungal spray to clean the surface of the wall or furniture.
• Seal any porous surfaces with paint or a sealant to prevent the mold spores from returning.
• Check with the health department before cleaning up mold in an area where there may be people with immune system problems, such as infants and the elderly.
• Wear protective gear while cleaning up and removing the mold.

Is Ammonia a Disinfectant?

Although ammonia is often used to clean and disinfect surfaces in a home, it does not disinfect. Disinfectants are designed to kill bacteria, and ammonia is not strong enough for this task. If a surface has mold and bacteria, you need to kill both the mold and bacteria to disinfect the surface.

For a surface to be properly disinfected, it must be cleaned and then sanitized. Cleaning removes the visible dirt and grime while sanitizing gets rid of the microorganisms that cause disease. Most household cleaners kill bacteria or remove them from the surface, but they can't do both.

Does it Have Any Other Uses?

Ammonia can be used to clean the inside of the ventilation system of a home. It can also be used to clean and remove mold from fabric and soft surfaces, such as curtains and furniture.

If you’re planning on cleaning the ventilation system of a home, make sure to clean it regularly as it will help prevent the buildup of mold and other airborne particles that can affect the health of the home’s occupants. 

Ammonia is often used for this job, as it can be toxic enough to kill the spores and bacteria that live in the vents and plug up the system. Follow these steps to clean the inside of the ventilation system with ammonia:

• Close off the vents leading to the contaminated room.
• Turn on a fan that is connected to the vents.
• Turn on the ammonia.
• Let the ammonia sit in the vents for an hour or so.
• Turn off the fan and open up the vents to air out the room.

Bottom Line

Ammonia is an effective cleaning agent that can be used to clean surfaces, and kill mold,  it is a great alternative for those who want to avoid using more toxic chemicals.

However, keep in mind that ammonia is a strong chemical that should be handled with care. Make sure you’re using the correct amount and dilution ratio for the task, and that you’re wearing proper protection.If you would rather not deal with the mold on your own, we would be happy to handle it for you! Here at ZeroMold we have been in business for more than 20 years freeing homes from many types of mold. We have experience working in homes of all shapes and sizes, and can remove mold from every corner of your home! Click here to get a free quote: https://www.zeromold.net/contact/