So, will vinegar kill mold spores? Yes, some of them, often enough to keep your bathroom looking clean and your sinuses happy. But it’s not a guarantee, and pretending it is will only lead to stubborn regrowth and frustration.
Use vinegar as your first line of defense, especially on hard surfaces and for regular wipe-downs. Keep a bottle under your sink, but also keep a bottle of commercial mold killer for the tough spots. Trust your nose: if the musty smell persists after cleaning, the spores are winning.
Life is full of small compromises, and this is one of them: you don’t have to be perfect, just persistent. A little vinegar, a little elbow grease, and a fan to keep things dry—that’s the recipe. And if the mold fights back? Call the pros, make a cup of tea, and let the sour scent of your cleaning efforts be a reminder that you tried your best. That’s all any of us can do.