How to Remove Mold from Plastic Surfaces

Plastic is everywhere in our modern world. Globally, we produce over 300 million tons of it annually. From medical devices and automotive components to water storage tanks, plastic’s versatility makes it indispensable for both complex and everyday applications.

In this article, we’ll explore an often overlooked topic: can mold grow on plastic? We’ll discuss how to effectively clean mold from plastic surfaces and identify when it’s time to discard a plastic item due to mold damage.

Key Takeaways:

• Mold can grow on plastic under the right conditions, especially when additives or surface debris like dust and dirt are present.
• Plastic is not mold’s ideal surface, but moisture, warmth, and organic particles can create a suitable environment for growth.
• Effective cleaning methods include using bleach or undiluted vinegar, with options like baking soda for added scrubbing power.
• Proper drying is crucial after cleaning to prevent mold from returning.
• Some plastic items should be discarded if mold embeds in cracks, grooves, or worn-out areas, especially food-related or children’s products.
• Professional mold remediation is recommended for large infestations or when mold affects multiple surfaces in your home.

Can Mold Grow on Plastic?

Plastic is incredibly durable, taking up to 450 years to break down. Despite its resilience, mold can still grow on plastic under specific conditions, though it’s not an ideal surface for mold. While mold itself cannot easily break down plastic, the situation changes when additives like cellulose, lubricants, stabilizers, and colorants are present. These additives enhance plastic’s functionality but also make it easier for mold to decompose certain components.

Once mold takes hold, it can break these additives into digestible compounds. The acids produced by mold can even degrade the plastic’s resin, turning it into a viable food source. Mold encompasses many species, most of which can survive in unusual environments with minimal requirements. When embedded in plastic, factors like dust or dirt (acting as food), moisture, and suitable temperatures create the perfect conditions for mold growth. While plastic isn’t mold’s preferred surface, it can thrive if the environment is right.

How Can I Clean Mold From Plastic?

Even though mold can become embedded in plastic, there are ways to remove it. Here is a step-by-step process to clean mold from plastic:

Clean the Debris

Remove any food, dust, mold, or residue from the plastic surface. Be sure to wear gloves and take precautions to avoid inhaling or spreading fungal spores. Use a sponge or cloth with antimicrobial soap to thoroughly clean away debris, ensuring a safe and hygienic result.

Create a Cleaning Solution

Once you’ve removed visible mold particles, you can start cleaning. Take 1 cup of bleach and combine it with 4 liters of water, or use undiluted vinegar. Do not dilute the vinegar so you can benefit from its full acidic strength. Both solutions will effectively remove mold, but you should be aware of a few things:

• Bleach is great for removing stains, but it can discolor plastic.
• Vinegar is great for removing odors and is safe if you have sensitive skin, but it will not get rid of stains as well as a bleach solution. Also, vinegar is safe for pets and young children.

Follow a Cleaning Process

Soak the plastic in your solution for at least 15 minutes if using bleach, or for 1 hour if using vinegar. If stubborn residue remains after scrubbing, try adding baking soda to the vinegar for an extra boost. The oxidative reaction will effectively loosen mold from the plastic, making it much easier to clean. Once the soaking time is complete, rinse the plastic thoroughly to remove the solution and any remaining debris.

Dry the Area

Finally, make sure to dry the area. This must be done quickly, as keeping a moist environment will only encourage further mold growth.

When Do Moldy Plastic Items Need to Be Thrown Away?

Sometimes, thoroughly cleaning mold from plastic items can be challenging. So, how do you know when it’s time to replace them? It largely depends on the type of product. Take cutting boards, for instance, an essential kitchen tool that comes into direct contact with the food we eat. The clearest sign that it’s time to replace your cutting board is the presence of deep knife grooves. These grooves can harbor bacteria and mold, making them nearly impossible to clean thoroughly.

Plastic food containers, on the other hand, can often be salvaged if they develop mold. However, their condition matters. If you notice cracks or scratches in the plastic, it becomes increasingly difficult to clean them properly. In such cases, it’s best to discard the container.

For other plastic items, such as children’s outdoor toys, tools, or household goods, the same principles apply. Always clean them thoroughly, rinse well, and ensure they are completely dry before use, especially for items that children handle. By following these steps, you can maintain plastic items safely and know when it’s time to let them go.

Call the Professionals for Mold Remediation

While plastic is a highly durable and versatile material, it is not immune to mold growth under the right conditions. Understanding how and why mold develops on plastic, and knowing how to clean or when to discard affected items can help protect your health and maintain the longevity of your belongings. With the right cleaning methods and a bit of vigilance, you can keep mold at bay and make informed decisions about when to replace contaminated plastic products.

If you encounter mold growth on your home, no matter what surfaces are affected, you need to call a mold remediation professional right away. These professionals specialize in removing mold from a variety of surfaces, restoring your property to its original condition with care and precision. They use advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure thorough mold removal and prevent its return. For mold on plastic, they utilize high-quality cleaning solutions to eliminate growth and do their best to salvage the item.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.