How to clean mold in the kitchen

Mold free cleaning strategies for your kitchen; removing the visible and invisible!

Backsplash: if your backsplash is a hard surface like tile, stone, or glass, follow instructions on cleaning grout at least once a week to keep mold from growing. Also wiping daily with a clean, dry cloth to keep moisture and particles from accumulating. Take care around faucets, built in soap dispensers or built in spray nozzles. Often, the seals between these and the sink are not water tight and when you clean, soapy water might be dripping between and into the cabinet beneath your sink.
The effective, non toxic way to clean grout:
Spray grout lines with a non toxic bathroom cleaner like this affordable version
Sprinkle with Oxygen Boost and re-wet with a gentle spray of cleaner
Use a designated scrubbing brush or toothbrush over the grout to loosen mold or debris
Let the cleaning solution sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing
If needed, spritz hydrogen peroxide onto the grout lines and let dry.

TOOLS and TIPS:

Behind appliances: Slide the fridge or stove away from the wall and unplug electricity. Use a HEPA vacuum to clean all dust & debris from the floors/walls, and sides of the range or refrigerator. Then wipe/scrub the walls with a cloth soaked in vinegar + water or warm soapy water and remove any stuck-on food particles. For the appliance, use an appliance cleaning brush/ cleaning toothbrush to dislodge old dust and then use a HEPA vacuum to clean up the dry bits. If cleaning a gas range, be very careful not to disturb the gas line or connections and always refer to the manufacturer instructions for proper cleaning. You can find most manufacturer instructions online by searching the model number of the appliance. Frequency: once a month for sensitive individuals with conditions like CIRS, allergies, and asthma. If not sensitive to airborne particles, cleaning once every three months is sufficient. Follow up the thorough vacuuming by wiping appliance surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth that has been sprayed lightly with a cleaner like this. Make sure everything is clean and dry before the appliance is pushed back into place.

Blender: Clean the surfaces and the blender jar with food grade soap and warm water after each use; deep clean every 3 to 4 uses. Refer to the manufacturer recommendations as each blender is different. In general, if the parts can be easily separated, do so after each use and wash & dry thoroughly. If the blades do not separate from the cup, you still need to wash thoroughly after every use with warm soapy water, using a sponge or rag that won’t make the plastic rough.(rough surfaces harbor germs) Glass cups are always preferred as they are not nearly as porous as plastic. Food grade soaps are always preferred over synthetics, and natural antibacterials like a few drops of grapfruit seed extract (GSE) to disinfect if intricate blender parts do not wash easily.
TOOLS and TIPS: For stains, use a dilution of food grade peroxide or Oxygen Boost

Cabinets, drawers, and food storage areas: Once a week: wipe outside surfaces and handles with a damp cloth. After dry, swiffer or HEPA vacuum the entire surface floor to ceiling. Once a month: remove all items inside and wipe/swiffer or HEPA vacuum. DAILY: be sure all items are completely dry before putting them away. Often, there’s a little water left on dishes, pots, drinkware, or utensils after the dishwasher or drying rack. Use a clean, dry, cotton towel to remove all excess moisture before putting it in the cupboard. Remember that after the drawer or cabinet door is closed, extra moisture is unable to evaporate quickly from an enclosed space. Avoid the use of shelf liners as they can trap moisture.

TOOLS and TIPS: Aim to increase air circulation by using items like slide on mug hooks , bamboo plate racks, these metal shelves are stylish, recyclable, sturdy and keep your dishes & pantry organized Those suffering from CIRS should avoid consuming most pantry items as long storage can support mycotoxin growth. If you do keep food items, use glass containers and keep them away from light, warmth, humidity. For this same reason, Mold Free Menu does not suggest storing dried spices. Read more on this post. Cleaning cabinets: remove all items monthly, inspect, wipe interior thoroughly with an unscented swiffer or vacuum with a HEPA vacuum (even if you don’t see any dust! Toxic mold dust accumulates quickly and it’s practically invisible to the unaided eye.)

Cleaning cloths/rags: same as kitchen towels but pay attention and switch out more often since cleaning towels are more likely to have bits of food stuck in the fibers.

TOOLS and TIPS: Great for dishes, nice enough for other uses too: https://amzn.to/3EgMQZh upgrade your cleaning up with a few sets of these and replace often

Coffee maker: According to BHG, wash the key parts every day, then deep clean the machine once a month with vinegar and water. Deep cleaning instructions will vary depending on the type of coffee maker you own. Don’t forget to thoroughly wash any spot that could get wet- but take caution and always unplug before any maintenance.

Cutting boards: if you are not already using two separate boards- one for produce and one for animal products, the time to start is right now. Rinsing off immediately is one of the best ways to keep any cutting board free from pathogens. Letting any board sit with moisture & debris is a recipe for toxins. A few general rules when caring for wood cutting boards:

wash immediately with food grade soap and warm water on all sides
rinse thoroughly in warm water
dry with a clean absorbent towel and store in a place with great air circulation.

Do not let the board sit in water or run in the dishwasher. Use a stiff bristled cleaning brush (keep it clean too!) to remove stuck particles.
General rules when caring for plastic/glass/metal/stone cutting boards: wash immediately with food grade soap and warm water on all sides, rinse thoroughly in warm water, dry with a clean absorbent towel and store in a place with great air circulation. Use a stiff bristled cleaning brush (keep it clean too!) to remove stuck particles. For stains, use a dilution of food grade peroxide or Oxygen Boost
TOOLS and TIPS:

Food grade peroxide or Oxygen Boost
Scrubber
Solid maple, cherry, or walnut wood cutting boards. Second choices are beech or teak. Look for end grain and scrutinize any finishes/glues to be sure they are food safe.

Dish towels: 1. switch out towels often with a freshly laundered one. 2. use quick dry fabric options for dish drying and don’t overlap layers when hanging the towel to dry. 3. Line dry the towels in the sun whenever possible. 4. Discard towels if laundering does not eliminate all odors. 5. Soak in a mix of water and Borax or food grade hydrogen peroxide dilution or powdered oxygen bleach & water overnight

TOOLS and TIPS: These GOTS certified towels are durable, quick dry, natural, and a simle design.

Dishwasher:

Clear the drain of debris every time you empty the clean dishes. See manufacturer instructions for hidden debris traps.
Run a hot cycle without dishes once a week or as needed, using 1 cup vinegar
Keep seals clean and have them replaced when brittle or damaged. (yes! This is a thing. Just like washing machine parts, an appliance repair professional can replace all the stinky plastic & rubber pieces in dishwashers & washing machines. And instruct you on how to keep them from getting grimy & stinky)

TOOLS and TIPS: Fungal cells from the inside of the dishwasher can disperse throughout your kitchen via steam if the seals and the inside are not kept clean. The heat drying cycle is not always necessary and can damage a variety of items over time. Especially anything plastic- like a blender cup.

One of the best practices to keep mold at bay is to hand dry the items that have been washed with a clean towel as soon as possible. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific dishwasher. fun scientific stuff here. Popular Mechanics also has an interesting science read.

Floors: Most kitchens have a smooth surface like tile, stone, vinyl, or wood. If you have flooring that is fibrous like carpet, it’s best to have it replaced. Anyone recovering from CIRS is unlikely to tolerate all that lives in a porous kitchen floor. For most hard surface floors, the recipe for a clean mold free floor is this:

Vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA vacuum
Damp wipe or mop to remove all spills and spots
When completely dry, swiffer at least once a week.

TOOLS and TIPS:

Garbage cans (kitchen), compost bins, recycling bins and surrounding areas: The key to keeping these areas mold free is to empty the bins daily. A few times a day if you live in a humid climate. No exceptions. These areas are hot spots for mold & bacteria growth and the longer any organic material sits around, the more toxins are released into the air you breathe. If a bag leaks, sanitize the area by first cleaning well, rinsing, and drying the affected area. A simple all purpose, non toxic cleaner is just as effective as a harsh cleaner but you won’t have to deal with the additional cleaner smells or various toxic fumes. Empty all bins daily, wash anything that has been in contact with food scraps or garbage. Once a week – even if the bin doesn’t look dirty- wash, rinse, dry.

TOOLS and TIPS:

over the door daily garbage/compost/recycle also link to bags. Remove garbage bins from enclosed spaces like under the sink or if you have a dedicated space, at the very least, empty and replace the bags daily. Recycle bins only stink when things are dirty. Following good recycling practices is more important than ever to keep contamination at bay. Interesting research by public health researcher about air quality and waste bins.

Garbage disposal: Weekly: remove all debris around the flaps with a small brush & all purpose cleaner and rinse thoroughly with warm water. DAILY: The simple act of running the disposal daily with ample amounts of hot water and a gentle degunking soap like your eco friendly dish soap- should keep it from accumulating mold, fungus, bacteria. Using bleach is not necessary and can severely damage the inner workings of the disposal. Refer to the manufacturer recommendations as each device is different. If your area has hard water, adding distilled white vinegar to the rinse will be helpful.

TOOLS and TIPS: In general, having the garbage disposal removed by a professional plumber will eliminate any potential leaks (as garbage disposals are prone to leaking if not adjusted professionally) and eliminate the need to keep cleaning it. (Bonus: you’ll never hear a spoon grinding again 😉 But be cautious not to let your pipes become clogged with debris by using quality sink strainers to catch food particles etc.. If you do not want to have the disposal removed, be sure to follow good garbage disposal etiquette and never grind pits, artichokes, bones, coffee grinds etc.

Ice Makers and built-in water dispensers: Though it may be a nice convenience, these items are typically not easy or fast to clean, but ABSOLUTELY worth doing regularly if you use them. This is another common place fungus and mold thrive. Refer to the manufacturer recommendations as each device is different. In general, all parts that can be removed for cleaning must be, and do this weekly if you live in a humid environment or have had issues in the past. Be sure to clean all the crevices thoroughly , as small amounts of mold or fungus left behind will replicate quickly. If you opt to use a countertop style or water filter in a pitcher like Brita, it’s not enough to simply replace the filters- see the entry titled “water filter pitchers and other containers” for additional information.

TOOLS and TIPS:

food grade hydrogen peroxide
cotton swabs

Microwave: if you do use a microwave, do not forget to clean it regularly. Mold, bacteria, and fungus can lurk where you don’t usually look and the microwave is no exception. Wipe down the smooth surfaces inside and out with a clean, non abrasive damp sponge or cleaning towel. Food grade soaps are always preferred. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for details, but generally, place a small amount of vinegar in a bowl of clean water and warm it in the microwave just enough to make a bit of steam and let it dwell in the closed microwave for a few minutes to soften any debris. The steam will make wiping down the interior pretty easy. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down and dry the interior after cleaning. Note: If vinegar or baking soda is used too often, interior parts will corrode and ruin the device. Try using just using water to steam up the inside a bit so it can be easily wiped, and save the vinegar mix in for less frequent use.

TOOLS and TIPS:

pure food grade vinegar, not ‘cleaning vinegar’

Pet bowls and surrounds: your pets deserve fresh clean water and mold free spaces just as much as you do! They aren’t capable of cleaning their own space, so show some love and treat them like part of the family. Wash bowls and dishes daily along with your dishes. Use a non-slip tray to keep drips contained, thoroughly clean the area with non toxic cleaners and keep the area dry. Water fountains/dispensers for pets should be cleaned just like water pitchers & filters noted on this list.

TOOLS and TIPS: stainless steel is a good choice for bowls- doesn’t break, easy clean, no harmful plastics.

Refrigerator: Once a week: HEPA vacuum top, drawers, grates. Wipe down smooth surfaces with a food grade all purpose cleaner and a clean/dry microfiber cloth to prevent scratches and streaks. Once a month: “deep clean”: In general, if the refrigerator parts can be easily separated or removed, remove them and wash them in the sink with warm soapy water. Rinse well, and dry with a clean towel before putting everything back. (example: drawers, shelves, grates). Always refer to the manufacturer cleaning & maintenance recommendations as each refrigerator is different.

Refrigerator crisper: 1xmo if sensitive exp CIRS. Average is once every three months. Tips: only purchase the food produce you will use in the next few days. Refer to the manufacturer recommendations as each refrigerator is different. In general, if the parts can be easily separated or removed, do so. Use warm soapy water and a sponge that won’t make the plastic rough. A food grade soap is preferred, rinse well, and dry with a clean towel before putting everything back. For stains, use a dilution of food grade peroxide or Oxygen Boost

Refrigerator drip pans/tray: Some drip pans are removable for easy cleaning, and some are not. Use a sanitized wet dry vac or remove the tray and dump any existing water in the toilet. This DIY home maintenance site has an easy to follow tutorial. This article is also useful for non-removable pans– but use vinegar + water instead of bleach mentioned. Remember to refer to the manufacturer recommendations for your particular refrigerator as each device is different.

TOOLS and TIPS: This handheld vacuum is under $50, includes a HEPA filter and all the tools to comfortably reach small areas like cabinets and refrigerator drawers. For the whole home, MFM still highly recommends a professional grade true HEPA vacuum like the Miele, ProTeam, or Nilfisk. Streak free spray cleaner mixing bottle

Rubber spatulas, food storage lids, baby bottles: items like these should really be hand washed soon after use with warm soapy water and dried with a clean towel as soon as possible. Food grade soaps are always preferred as plastics & silicons are porous and can easily transfer residual cleaners.

TOOLS and TIPS: A great non toxic soap for baby items is Attitude soap. bonus: works on toys too.

Note: if something spoiled in a plastic container or under a plastic lid, it’s best to dispose of it rather than trying to clean it. The surface may seem smooth, but really it is porous and unlikely to ever become truly clean. Consider replacing the plastic lids with an easy to use beeswax wrap like these.

Sponges: One of the fastest growing mold sources in the kitchen (besides the garbage) and one of the easiest to fix. Here are your moldy sponge options:

Replace often and toss the old.
Soak every other day or sooner in a mix of water and Borax or food grade hydrogen peroxide or Oxygen Boost overnight.
Use this dishwasher tablet and place the sponge in the dishwasher when you run your dishes.

TOOLS and TIPS: General tips to prevent moldy sponges:

Always wringing out excess water and rinse out soap after each use. Allow the sponge to quickly dry out by leaving room for air circulation. lean upright with lots of space around, or invest a couple of dollars in a sponge holder like this with adequate room for air.
Use disposable paper towels to clean meat juices/dairy instead of the kitchen sponge. Avoid using all-in-one soap dispensers+scrubber as the soap keeps the scrubber from drying out, and moisture harbors pathogens. And worthy of mentioning is ~Don’t bother with the old microwave-your-sponge trick as it doesn’t always work and could be a fire hazard on some settings. Link to stainless steel sponge holder, lean it against the detergent bottle. This rust resistant sponge holder has 33k positive reviews on Amazon. Replace your sponge with something greener that works just as well as the old reliable blue ones.

paper towels that are a little better for the environment and easily wipe up things your sponge should avoid.

this dish soap in solid bar smells wonderful, and there’s no plastic bottle to recycle

Stove tops and ovens: The less organic matter left behind, the cleaner your air will be. Wipe spills right away or within the hour to keep them from solidifying. Spray or soak washable pieces (see manufacturer recommendations as each appliance is different) with food grade all purpose cleaner, wait 15 minutes and rub off debris with a damp cloth. Avoid using toxic oven cleaners- this super simple miracle cleaner really works: make a paste of baking soda & water (think toothpaste consistency) and generously cover any baked on gunk, let it sit overnight and wipe off in the morning. If you live in a dry climate, the paste might dry up too fast. The trick is to keep the baking soda in its wet paste form to be effective.

TOOLS and TIPS: durable microfiber cloths, non fuming all purpose cleaner, baking soda

Underneath the kitchen sink: this is a very common place for mold in your kitchen as it is warm and susceptible to leaks. Be sure the area is dry by regularly checking for water drips, and have leaks repaired immediately. Storing garbage bins (or recycle, or compost) under the sink is not advised since a warm, dark, and potentially humid environment is the optimal environment for mold, fungus, and bacteria to grow rapidly. Use ventilated risers like these to keep the air circulating around stored items. Consider emptying garbage in smaller bags on a daily basis and eliminate your large garbage can altogether; a simple ‘over the door’ garbage collection bag like this will remind you to empty often. It also happens to be strong, recyclable, affordable, and helps you reuse any leftover plastic bags. If you choose to use a drip catching pan underneath the kitchen sink, remove it weekly to make sure no moisture has accumulated underneath and use the ‘tissue trick’ to find intermittent leaks. Once a month, take everything out from under the sink, inspect for spills or moisture, wipe down with a clean damp cloth, wait for it to dry completely, and put everything back after repairs if they are needed.

Stainless steel ‘over the door’ trash bag solution

bags to fit that don’t leak

bags that fit and work for compost! (hint: one for your garbage AND one for your compost)

organizers like these drawers or these are great for food storage and dishes

Vents & hood filters: weekly: wipe down the inside and outside smooth surfaces of the hood with a microfiber cloth and all purpose cleaner. Repeating and letting the cleaner sit for a few minutes in between if necessary. Regular cleaning will keep grime in check. Check the filter monthly depending on how often it is used and what you cook, and replace filters as needed. Typically disposable filters will need replacement every three months. If your filter is the washable type, run in the dishwasher weekly. Refer to the manufacturer recommendations as hood and filters vary. NEVER spray water or cleaners in something that has electrical components, or on light bulbs. When cleaning your washable kitchen hood filter, it is beneficial to pre-soak it in water with a few drops of food grade soap and/or vinegar before running though the dishwasher. Replace anything that is no longer working properly or is not clean enough to be effective.

TOOLS and TIPS: all purpose cleaner, A call to a quality appliance shop or quick search Amazon by make and model to see if a washable filter is available.

Water filter pitchers & other containers: refer to manufacturer instructions and use only food safe cleaning solutions like vinegar & water, or warm soapy water and a clean soft sponge, replace filters as recommended. For added clean, wipe down with a food grade peroxide after washing with warm soapy water and then rinse thoroughly with clean warm water. Repeat this weekly at a minimum. Always keep water dispensers away from direct sunlight or heat sources even during the day when you are not home to see exactly where the sun strikes.

TOOLS and TIPS:

Brita pitcher
Brita filters
food grade peroxide
For stains, use a dilution of food grade peroxide or Oxygen Boost

Windowsills: vacuum with HEPA, wipe, or scrub, check for water damage and replace as needed. Monitor window condensation. Plants in your home are beneficial only with proper houseplant hygiene (cleaning off dust, removing debris & decay, ensuring adequate drainage, avoiding standing water, and using the appropriate soil type). For those suffering from CIRS, know that a healthy plant itself is not a problem but unhealthy plants and the soil or container may cause toxic mold to grow in and around houseplants…learn more here.

TOOLS and TIPS: Stop over watering your plants, by following the reading on this handy moisture meter

Always use the proper saucer to catch excess water before it leaks all over the windowsill. Designate a stainless steel or glass turkey baster for sucking up excess water from the saucer. Plants don’t like to sit in water anyway. Dont forget to keep dead leaves and branches out of the dirt in your houseplants to keep mold & fungus from growing underneath them. These affordable houseplant shears are extremely useful for tidying up your plant babies.

Mold Free Menu strongly supports the use of non toxic products and practices, there may be specific circumstances when the best solution at the time might not be as environmentally responsible as we prefer. A good example is the use of disposable Swiffer cloths and dusting poufs. At the time this was published, reusable dusting tools were not as effective as these synthetic products to remove toxic dust. In the bigger picture, we hope you will find ways to eliminate the sources of the toxins and therefore eliminate the need for using disposable synthetic materials. Imagine a home that is not only free of mold and other airborne toxins, but also celebrates the health of the planet by using earth friendly methods!

Mold free cleaning strategies for your kitchen; removing the visible and invisible!

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