Does Heat Kill Mold? What Temperature Kills Mold (2026)
Yes, heat kills mold. Temperatures of 140-160°F (60-71°C) can kill most mold species on both food and building materials. However, heat alone is not a complete mold solution. Dead mold spores remain allergenic and must still be physically removed. Using heat without proper containment can also spread spores through your home via air currents.
Many products on the market today claim to kill mold, but what if you don’t need any specific product?
What if you can use something very natural such as temperature.
Can heat kill mold?
In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about using heat to kill mold.
Does Heat Kill Mold?
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
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.
Heat Does Not Get Rid Of Mold
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.
Problems With Using Air Blowers
Some of the products used to distribute hot air can cause more harm than good.
Because the machines are blowing air, it’s going to be blowing mold spores around. It’s the same reason if you have a flood in your house and there is already mold present, the emergency dry out company won’t install fans.
They don’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.
Using Heat To Kill Mold Vs. Using A Fungicide
Heat is recommended for the choice over a fungicide or disinfectant mainly because it does not have any chemicals. You don’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.
When heat is the wrong tool
A hair dryer, space heater, or oven will not remediate a house. Heat can kill spores on a small object. It does not remove the material those spores grew on, and it can push spores into other rooms if you blow hot air around an open patch.
Call a professional instead of experimenting with heat if:
- The mold is on building materials, not a cutting board. See who to call.
- You are thinking about heating a wall cavity. Open it or hire someone who will.
- The area is larger than about 10 square feet, or the HVAC system might be involved.
Killing mold is not the same as mold remediation. Dead spores still trigger allergies. The job is containment, removal, and drying. Price that work with the cost guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature does mold die?
Most mold dies at 140-160°F (60-71°C). A few heat-resistant species, such as Byssochlamys fulva, survive those temperatures and need boiling water at 212°F (100°C) for at least one minute. Keep in mind that dead mold still triggers allergies, so the material has to be cleaned or removed either way.
Does heat kill mold spores?
Yes, sustained temperatures above 140°F (60°C) will kill most mold spores on food and building materials. Heat does not break down the mycotoxins some molds leave behind, though, and dead spores can still cause allergic reactions. That is why heat should always be paired with physical removal of the contaminated material.
What temperature kills mold permanently?
No temperature kills mold permanently. Heat in the 140-160°F (60-71°C) range kills the mold that is present, but new spores land on surfaces every day. Mold stays gone only when the moisture problem that fed it is fixed.
How long does heat take to kill mold?
It depends on the temperature. Boiling water at 212°F (100°C) kills even heat-resistant molds in about a minute, while temperatures near the 140°F threshold need longer, sustained exposure. A quick pass with hot air will not do it and can blow spores around the room.
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’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’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.
Conclusion
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.
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- Mold Removal Methods
- Air Duct Cleaning For Mold
- How To Get Rid Of Mold In The Bathroom
- How to Remove Mold from Clothes and Shoes
- Shower Mold Keeps Coming Back? How to Stop It for Good
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