5 Steps to Remove Mold From a Cooler With Vinegar and Baking Soda

Empty the cooler and wipe out loose debris. Undiluted white vinegar kills most mold species without harsh chemicals.

Spray or pour undiluted white vinegar over the moldy areas. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to penetrate and kill the mold.

Scrub with a baking soda paste. Mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. The paste scrubs without scratching plastic.

Rinse thoroughly with hot water and dry completely. Moisture invites mold back, so dry the cooler fully before storing.

For musty smells or stubborn mold, repeat the vinegar soak and leave the lid open in the sun. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant that helps eliminate remaining spores.