Question 1

Does Heat Kill Mold?

Accepted Answer

Yes, temperatures of 140-160°F (60-71°C) can kill most mold spores in both foods and on building materials. Some mold species do produce heat-resistant spores that can survive extreme heat such as a mold named Byssochlamys fulva but can still be killed with heat when boiled in water at 212°F(100°C) for over a minute. Source: usda.gov
(source)
While most mold will grow and thrive in warm to hot temperatures, multiple studies suggest that extreme heat over 140°F / 60°C will kill mold. Heat can also be used to remove surface mold off mold contaminated wood that was pressure cleaned.
So yes, heat will kill mold, but there is more to the story that you must know.

Question 2

Heat Does Not Get Rid Of Mold

Accepted Answer

While yes, heat does kill mold; it does not get rid of it. Just because the mold has been “cooked,” dormant mold will still be present and not magically disappear alotgether.
There is one misconception when it comes to mold…
Dead mold can affect humans just as much as living mold.
In many cases, when water-damaged building materials are dried by heat with mold present on it, the mold spores will become more airborne than when they were wet.
The reason is that the mold spores will not be as heavy when they are dry. The dead mold spores can be dispersed into the air and travel through your air conditioning ductwork.
Mold, damaged building materials will need to be removed. Some remediation companies claim that if you have dead mold within your walls, it will not affect you.
However, standards in the industry always recommend removing the mold and not just leaving it dormant.

Question 3

Problems With Using Air Blowers

Accepted Answer

Some of the products used to distribute hot air can cause more harm than good.
Because the machines are blowing air, it&rsquo;s going to be blowing mold spores around. It&rsquo;s the same reason if you have a flood in your house and there is already mold present, the emergency dry out company won&rsquo;t install fans.
They don&rsquo;t want to cross-contaminate your home.
Unless the mold affected area is already a containment zone with air scrubbers set up to capture the mold spores, units that blow hot air is not the best idea.
Using heat to kill mold can be an added tool for mold remediation professionals. Still, it should not be used by an everyday person that is not familiar with procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
High temperatures can also cause damage to other belongings in the house. Plastic can let off chemicals when burned. Precautions will need to be taken to protect furnishings in the home as well as to prevent a fire.

Question 4

Using Heat To Kill Mold Vs. Using A Fungicide

Accepted Answer

Heat is recommended for the choice over a fungicide or disinfectant mainly because it does not have any chemicals. You don&rsquo;t have to choose between the two, though. Both chemicals and heat can be used to kill mold, but neither should be the sole source of mold remediation.
Heat can have a positive effect on penetrating wall cavities compared to disinfectants.
But again…
If mold is suspected to be found inside a wall cavity, the wall covering should be removed.

Question 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Accepted Answer

Does heat kill mold spores? Yes, temperatures above 140°F (60°C) will kill most mold spores. However, some heat-resistant species like Byssochlamys fulva require boiling water temperatures (212°F / 100°C) for at least one minute to be destroyed. Dead spores can still cause allergic reactions and must be physically removed.
What temperature kills mold permanently? Most mold species die at temperatures between 140-160°F (60-71°C). The USDA has documented that sustained heat above these thresholds effectively kills mold on both food and building materials. However, &ldquo;permanently&rdquo; requires addressing the underlying moisture source — otherwise mold will return.
Can I use a hair dryer or space heater to kill mold? This is not recommended. Household heat sources cannot reach the sustained temperatures needed to kill mold, and the air movement will spread mold spores throughout your home. Professional heat treatment uses specialized equipment within contained areas with air scrubbers.
Is heat better than bleach for killing mold? Heat has the advantage of penetrating wall cavities and porous materials where bleach cannot reach. It also doesn&rsquo;t produce harmful fumes. However, neither heat nor bleach should be the sole method — proper mold remediation requires physical removal of contaminated materials.
Can I kill mold in my oven or microwave? For small contaminated items, yes. Microwaving food kills mold, and ovens above 160°F will kill mold on heat-safe objects. Never attempt to heat building materials in an oven, and always discard severely mold-contaminated food rather than trying to salvage it.
Does sunlight and heat kill mold outdoors? UV light from the sun does have antimicrobial properties, and combined with heat, it can slow mold growth on outdoor surfaces. However, it&rsquo;s not reliable as a sole treatment. Outdoor mold on siding, decks, or fences should be cleaned with appropriate solutions and the underlying moisture issue addressed.

Question 6

Conclusion

Accepted Answer

Does heat kill mold?
Yes, it does. However, it does come with some drawbacks that need to be accounted for.
Heat is one of many processes that can be used in the mold abatement process.

Does Heat Kill Mold? Yes, But There is A Catch