How to remove mold in kitchen cabinets

Posted on

Introduction

Opened a cabinet and noticed a musty smell or dark spots on the wood? That’s a red flag. Knowing how to remove mold in kitchen cabinets is essential for keeping your kitchen safe, healthy, and functional. Mold isn’t just ugly—it can spread fast and affect your air quality, food storage, and even your health. If you’ve spotted signs of mold in your cabinets, this complete step-by-step guide will show you how to clean it properly and prevent it from coming back.

Why Removing Mold Matters in the Kitchen

Mold in kitchen cabinets is more common than most people think. It thrives in dark, damp spaces—especially around sinks, leaky pipes, and poorly ventilated corners.

Here’s why removing mold is critical:

  • Health Protection: Mold spores can trigger allergies, respiratory problems, and other health issues.
  • Food Safety: Mold in your cabinets can contaminate food, utensils, and cookware.
  • Preservation: Untreated mold can damage wood, laminate, and cabinet structures permanently.
  • Odor Control: Mold smells musty and unpleasant, making your entire kitchen feel unclean.

Fast action and the right cleaning methods can eliminate mold and keep your cabinets fresh and safe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Mold in Kitchen Cabinets

1. Wear Protective Gear

Before you start cleaning mold, protect yourself:

  • Wear gloves, a face mask, and eye protection.
  • Open windows or turn on an exhaust fan to ensure good ventilation.
  • Remove all items from the affected cabinet and discard anything with visible mold.

Safety Tip: If the mold covers a large area (more than 1 square meter), or keeps returning, contact a professional mold remediation service.

2. Identify the Cause of Moisture

Mold can’t grow without moisture. Before cleaning, find the source:

  • Check for leaks under the sink, around pipes, or in adjacent walls.
  • Look for condensation, water damage, or poor ventilation.
  • Repair any plumbing or structural issues before cleaning the mold.

Reminder: If you clean the mold but don’t stop the moisture, it will return.

3. Choose the Right Mold Remover

Depending on the severity, choose one of the following cleaning solutions:

  • White vinegar: Kills most common household molds.
  • Hydrogen peroxide (3%): Effective for porous surfaces like wood.
  • Baking soda and water: Gentle and safe for all surfaces.
  • Commercial mold removers: Use if natural options don’t work, but follow safety instructions.

Avoid: Mixing bleach with vinegar or ammonia—it produces toxic fumes.

4. Clean the Moldy Area Thoroughly

Here’s a safe and effective cleaning process:

  1. Spray your chosen solution onto the moldy area.
  2. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to kill the mold spores.
  3. Scrub gently with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
  4. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove residue.
  5. Dry the cabinet completely with a clean towel.

Kitchen Tip: For wood cabinets, use minimal liquid to avoid damage—always wring out your cloth well.

5. Disinfect and Deodorize

Once the visible mold is gone, disinfect the area:

  • Spray with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide again and let it air-dry completely.
  • Place a small dish of baking soda or activated charcoal inside the cabinet to absorb odors.

Bonus Tip: You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil or lemon oil for natural mold resistance and a fresh scent.

6. Allow Cabinets to Breathe

After cleaning, leave cabinet doors open for several hours or overnight:

  • This allows full drying and reduces the chance of mold returning.
  • You can also use a fan or dehumidifier nearby for faster results.

Drying Tip: Never restock the cabinet until it’s 100% dry—moisture breeds mold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Cleaning Without Fixing the Leak

Solution: Always address the source of moisture first. If you skip this step, mold will come back quickly.

Mistake 2: Using Too Much Water

Solution: Excess water can soak into wood or MDF cabinets and worsen mold growth. Use damp—not wet—cloths for cleaning.

Mistake 3: Keeping Moldy Items

Solution: Throw away any items stored in the cabinet that have visible mold, especially porous materials like cardboard or wood.

Mistake 4: Skipping Protective Gear

Solution: Mold spores can affect your lungs and skin. Always wear gloves and a mask during removal.

Mistake 5: Not Drying Thoroughly

Solution: Even if a cabinet looks clean, it must be bone dry before you close it up or refill it.

Extra Tips & Kitchen Hacks

Tip 1: Use Moisture Absorbers

Place moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets, baking soda, or dehumidifying canisters in cabinets prone to humidity.

Tip 2: Add Ventilation

Install cabinet vent covers or use slightly open doors in high-moisture zones like under the sink to promote airflow.

Tip 3: Seal Unfinished Surfaces

If your cabinets are unsealed wood or particle board, use a waterproof sealant after cleaning to prevent future mold growth.

Related Task: Check out our guide on how to prevent mold growth in the kitchen to stop issues before they start.

Conclusion

Mold in kitchen cabinets is a common but serious issue that can impact your health and your home. The good news? With the right cleaning solutions, safety steps, and moisture control, you can remove mold effectively and prevent it from coming back. Whether you’re tackling a small spot or doing a deep clean, this guide gives you the tools to keep your kitchen cabinets clean, dry, and mold-free.

Bookmark this guide and revisit it at the first sign of mold—it’s easier to tackle early than to deal with a full-blown infestation.