I’ve dealt with mold in the kitchen and bathroom more times than I’d like to admit. Mold is a common problem in kitchens and bathrooms.
It can show up on dishes, in sinks, on countertops, or even inside your fridge.
It looks unpleasant, smells bad, and might even be harmful, especially if you have allergies or breathing problems.
If you’ve found mold on your dishes or around the house, your first thought might be to grab some dish soap. But does dish soap actually kill mold, or does it just clean the surface?
That’s a good question – and one many people ask. Dish soap is easy to use and readily available in your kitchen, making ita simple solution.
In this post, we’ll look at what mold is, how dish soap works, when it’s enough, and when you need something stronger to remove mold fully.
What Is Mold and Why Is It a Problem?
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in places that are damp, warm, and poorly ventilated. It feeds on organic matter, such as food, paper, wood, and even certaintypes of fabric.
In homes, mold often shows up as fuzzy or slimy spots in colors like green, black, white, or gray.
It can appear on old leftovers in the fridge, damp sponges, dirty dishes left too long, or around sinks and drains where moisture builds up.
The biggest problem with mold is that it spreads fast. Once it starts growing, it can move from one surface to another and become hard to control.
It doesn’t just look and smell bad; itcan also be harmful to your health.
Mold releases tiny spores into the air, and inhaling them can cause symptoms such assneezing, coughing, headaches, or skin rashes.
For individuals with asthma or allergies, mold can exacerbate symptoms. Because of this, it’s important to clean mold properly and prevent it from coming back.
Can Dish Soap Kill Mold?
Dish soap is great at cleaning up messes, especially greasy or dirty dishes. But when it comes to mold, many people wonder if it’s strong enough to actually kill it.
The short answer is: dish soap does not kill mold spores, but it can still be useful.
Dish soap does not kill mold spores. Mold spores are tiny and tough. Regular dish soap isn’t strong enough to kill them. It can help clean up the visible mold, but the spores may still be present.
It helps remove surface mold. When combined with hot water and scrubbing, dish soap can effectively lift mold off smooth surfaces, such as dishes, countertops, and tiles. It helps physically remove the mold.
It breaks down grease and food particles. Mold often grows on leftover food, oils, or grime. Dish soap cuts through these messes, removing what mold feeds on and helping prevent it from coming back.
It’s best for light mold problems: If you spot a little mold on dishes or around the sink, dish soap is usually enough to clean it. It’s a good first step before using stronger cleaners if needed.
It doesn’t work on deep or hidden mold: For mold in porous surfaces (like wood, drywall, or fabric), dish soap isn’t enough. These materials hold moisture and spores deeper inside, where soap can’t reach.
Mold can return if spores aren’t killed: Even after scrubbing, leftover spores can grow again if the area stays moist. It’s important to keep things dry and, in some cases, disinfected.
For stubborn mold, use stronger cleaners. White vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or mold-specific sprays can help kill spores. These work better for bathrooms, walls, or larger mold patches.
Is It Safe to Wash Moldy Dishes with Dish Soap?
Yes, it is generally safe to wash moldy dishes with dish soap, as long as you clean them thoroughly.
Start by using hot water, which helps loosen mold and makes the soap more effective.
Scrub each dish carefully using a sponge or brush to remove all visible mold, especially around corners and textured areas where mold can hide.
Once clean, rinse the dishes under running water to wash away any leftover soap and mold residue. After rinsing, dry the dishes completely, since moisture can cause mold to return.
However, if a dish still smells musty or shows deep stains even after cleaning, it may be safer to throw it away, especially if it’s made of plastic, wood, or other porous materials that can trap mold deep inside.
Also, please refrain from using a sponge or cloth that already has mold on it, as thiscan spread spores to other surfaces.
Can Dish Soap Clean Mold on Other Surfaces?
Works On
- Countertops:like laminate, granite (sealed), and stainless steel
- Bathroom Tiles:great for smooth tiles when combined with scrubbing
- Plastic Containers:such as food storage bins or plastic cutting boards
- Glass Surfaces:like glass jars, shelves, or shower doors
- Sinks and Faucets:especially stainless steel or porcelain
Dish soap helps break down mold, grease, and food residue.
When used with hot water and a scrubbing tool, it can effectively clean surface-level mold from these hard, nonporous materials.
Doesn’t Work On
- Drywall: it absorbs water and holds mold deep inside
- Unsealed or Raw Wood:mold can grow beneath the surface
- Fabric or Upholstery:soap won’t reach the mold trapped in the fibers
- Paper or Cardboard:too delicate and absorbent for wet cleaning
Porous surfaces soak up moisture, making it easy for mold to return. In these cases, dish soap isn’t strong enough; you’ll need a mold-killing cleaner or to replace the item.
When Is Dish Soap Enough for Mold Cleanup?
Dish soap is a great option for cleaning small amounts of mold, especially when it’s found on nonporous surfaces like dishes, countertops, tiles, and sinks.
If you spot mold on plates, plastic containers, or in damp corners of your kitchen, dish soap combined with hot water and scrubbing can safely remove it.
It’s a quick and easy solution for minor mold cleanup, especially when caught early.
However, dish soap is not strong enough for larger mold problems.
If mold is growing behind walls, on ceilings, or deep inside porous materials like wood or drywall, dish soap won’t be able to reach the mold spores that are hidden below the surface.
These situations typically require stronger cleaning agents, such asvinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or a mold-specific product.
In more serious cases, especially if the mold persists, you may need to hirea professional to fully address the issue.
What Works Better Than Dish Soap for Killing Mold?
While dish soap helps remove mold from surfaces, it doesn’t actually kill the mold spores that can grow back. That’s why it’s not the best choice for deeper or more serious mold problems.
Bleach
Bleach kills mold on nonporous surfaces like tiles, sinks, and bathtubs. It works fast but is very strong; use it with gloves and proper ventilation.
Never mix bleach with other cleaners like vinegar or ammonia, as it can release toxic fumes. Best for stubborn mold in bathrooms or laundry areas.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural, non-toxic option that kills about 80% of common mold types, making it a reliable go-to for household mold cleanup.
I usually spray it directly onto the moldy surface and then let it sit for at least an hour so it can break down the mold. After that, I give it a good scrub and rinse with warm water.
It works especially well on glass, ceramic tiles, and sealed wood, and it doesn’t leave behind any harsh chemical residue.
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
This powerful cleaner kills mold, bacteria, and viruses, making it a solid choice for deep cleaning problem areas.
Spray it directly on the surface, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then scrub and wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
It’s safer than bleach and doesn’t create any harsh or harmful fumes, which makes it perfect for indoor use, especially in bathrooms or kitchens.
It’s strong enough to disinfect without being too harsh on surfaces or air quality.
Baking Soda
Mild but effective, baking soda doesn’t kill mold completely on its own, but it helps scrub it off surfaces and deodorizes the area.
Mix with water or vinegar to form a paste, apply it to the moldy spot, scrub thoroughly, then rinse with clean water.
Safe for most surfaces, it’s a great option for regular upkeep in kitchens and bathrooms.
Borax
Borax is a mineral-based cleaner that kills mold and prevents it from coming back, making it a dependable choice for long-term mold control.
Mix 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water until it fully dissolves. Apply the solution to the affected area, scrub the mold thoroughly, and let the surface dry naturally – there’s no need to rinse it off.
It works well on tile, wood, and walls, and also helps absorb moisture, which discourages mold from returning.
Tea Tree Oil
I’ve found tea tree oil to be a natural mold killer that’s surprisingly effective, especially for smaller problem areas.
Mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle and shake it well.
Then spray it directly on the moldy surface, let it sit without rinsing right away, and finally wipe it clean with a cloth.
It’s definitely more expensive than other options, but I like it for eco-friendly cleaning and for treating spots where I don’t want to use harsh chemicals.
Commercial Mold Removers
There are many store-bought mold removers made for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
These often contain a mix of strong cleaning agents that target mold and mildew. Follow label directions carefully and test on a small spot first.
Tips to Prevent Mold in the First Place
- Keep dishes and surfaces dry: Mold loves moisture, so always dry dishes, counters, and sinks after use.
- Don’t leave wet sponges, rags, or food sitting out: These create the perfect conditions for mold to grow—clean and store them properly.
- Improve airflow in kitchens and bathrooms: Use exhaust fans, open windows, or run a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air.
- Clean sinks and drains regularly: Food particles and standing water in drains are common spots for mold buildup.
- Use airtight containers for food storage: This helps stop mold from forming inside containers or spreading in the fridge.
- Fix leaks and drips right away: Even small plumbing leaks can lead to mold if left unchecked.
- Dry dish racks and trays often: These areas stay wet and can collect hidden mold over time.
Conclusion
Dish soap is a helpful everyday cleaner, and it can remove small patches of mold from dishes, countertops, and other nonporous surfaces.
With hot water and scrubbing, it clears away mold and the grime it grows on. But it’s important to know that dish soap doesn’t kill mold spores.
If those spores remain, mold can grow back, especially in damp or poorly ventilated areas.
For small mold problems, dish soap may be enough.
However, if the mold continues to return, covers a large area, or is growing on porous materials like wood or drywall, it’s time to employ stronger solutions, such asvinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or a commercial mold remover.
Cleaning mold quickly and thoroughly helps protect your home and health. When used correctly, dish soap can still be usefulin that process.