(Updated 5/18/2017)
This is our personal story of how we removed a mole. We are not medical professionals, nor should this post be construed as medical advice.
Mrs. Crumbs and I have come to really like using apple cider vinegar (ACV) for a variety of reasons, including a daily detox drink and as a homemade produce wash. We even figured out how to make our own homemade apple cider vinegar!
We’re all about using homemade remedies whenever possible. We’ve healed spider bites using a potato, healed acne with bentonite clay, created flea and tick dog collars with essential oils, made our own homemade bug repellents and even figured out how to heal gum disease naturally.
Today, we’re documenting an apple cider vinegar mole removal tutorial.
THE MOLE (before)
If you can’t tell by the look on my face, I’m not exactly thrilled to have these “epic” photos on the internet. But it is important to display the magnitude of how large this mole grew over the years. I’m also willing to suffer for the greater good of everyone else removing moles with apple cider vinegar at home.
For as long as I can remember, this mole started out as a tiny speck near my ear. Obviously it has grown substantially over my 30+ years on earth.
This mole constantly got in the way of haircuts and would ALWAYS get nicked by clippers. It also caused my hair to grow sideways – yes, parallel with the ground (which was very annoying). Just a few days after a haircut, there would be 3 or 4 hairs sticking far out of my head because of this mole!
To make matters worse, every year I went to the doctor for a physical, the doctor would always say “let me remove that for you” or “let me zap it!” No, thank you. It wasn’t changing color and having it frozen off my head didn’t sound fun.
“No,” I replied. “It’s not hurting anything.”
Wanting the doctor to leave “the mole” alone, I set out to find a more natural or holistic way to remove this guy. “How to remove moles naturally” led to all sorts of Google generated responses, from expensive topical creams to using alcohol. Apple cider vinegar mole removal is a pretty common one too.
Plus we had some high quality apple cider vinegar in the kitchen cabinet. It seemed to be the least painful method, so Mrs. Crumbs and I thought it was worth a shot.
A Quick Side Note on the Quality of Apple Cider Vinegar…
When it comes to natural remedies, it’s good practice to use the highest quality ingredients you can find, and afford. As the level of processing goes up, the benefits of ingredients goes down. So ideally, you want your ingredients to be raw and unprocessed whenever possible.
Adding factors like non-GMO and organic are good, but they’re not necessary and they make the price tag go up.
For this apple cider vinegar mole removal, it means using vinegar that is raw AND contains the mother. It’s available locally in most areas, but I’ve found the best prices online. As of this posting:
- Amazon – Viva Naturals is 42¢ per ounce and if you have Prime, it has free 2-day free shipping. (If you don’t have Prime, you can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial of Amazon Prime right here.)
- Thrive Market – The famous Bragg apple cider vinegar is 18¢ per ounce, but if you don’t care about brands, the Thrive Market brand is the best bet at just 14¢ per ounce. Thrive Market requires a yearly membership. Click here to see the Exclusive Offer for Crumbs readers!
Various sites returned different protocols and instructions on how to implement the apple cider vinegar method. Not wanting a band aid on my head at work, we decided that the apple cider vinegar mole removal process could be done at night while sleeping.
Apple Cider Vinegar Mole Removal Tutorial
How to Remove Moles with Apple Cider Vinegar: Supplies
- Cotton balls
- Apple Cider Vinegar (see notes above)
- Band-Aids
How to Remove Moles with Apple Cider Vinegar: Method
- Dip half a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar, saturating yet squeezing out excess.
- Apply the cotton ball on top of mole.
- Use a band-aid to secure cotton ball over mole.
- Leave the secured cotton ball on the mole for up to 8 consecutive hours each day.
- Continue steps 1 though 4 until mole scabs up and falls off.
Note: Although weak, apple cider vinegar is acidic and it may cause skin sensitivity. Using apple cider vinegar to remove a mole also creates a “wound” on your skin, just like a scrape or a cut. Treat it like a wound, keep it clean and use your best judgement as it continues to heal.
Doesn’t that sound better than having a doctor freeze it off? Mrs. Crumbs would apply the saturated cotton ball right before bed time and would remove it in the morning before going to work the next day. The first morning the mole looked “white.”
Day 2 of Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment
The mole turned darker again during the day, but by day 3 it started scabbing up and “crusting over.”
Day 3 of Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment
Day 4 of Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment
After day 4, we decided not to apply any more ACV to the area. We weren’t really sure what was going on, but it appeared to be working.
Additionally, the area around the mole became a little red from the vinegar because it’s acidic.
One Month After Treatment
This method was painless. Maybe a little irritation from ripping the band-aid off of my scalp, or from the apple cider vinegar on the skin, but it was easy and I would definitely do it again.
Note: Although I did not experience any skin sensitivity to the ACV, some readers who tried this felt some burning and skin irritation. Using Aloe Vera or Coconut Oil around the mole before or after application of the ACV may help. If you experience pain that seems out of the ordinary quit treatment immediately and let your skin heal.
Here are a couple of shots of what the area looks like now six months later (with my hair shaved extra short so you can get a good look):
And that’s it!
UPDATE: Here’s another couple of shots, now 8-9 months later.
A funny side note: when I mentioned to a family member that we were going to attempt to remove moles ourselves, they were completely against it. Once we told them we were only using apple cider vinegar to remove the mole, their tone of voice changed and they figured “what’s the worst that could happen.”
And that was pretty much our view too, until it worked!
The apple cider vinegar mole removal process appears to be relatively safe, and you are not applying harsh chemicals on your skin. If you are looking for an alternative to mole removal, you might want to give this a try!
Other Non-food Related Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Facial Toning: Mix 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar with 1 – 3/4 cup water (Mrs. Crumbs has done this and liked it.)
- Treat Sinus Infections: Mix 1 tsp apple cider vinegar with 2-3 Tbsp water, gargle for 30 seconds and swallow. Repeat every hour for the first 6 hours, then every 2 (except while sleeping). Repeat until symptoms subside and the body heals itself. (I’ve actually done this myself. The sinus infection took about a full week to heal – which was how long it took to see a doctor – but I was able to heal it myself and the doctor confirmed it!) (ACV is shown to have anti-microbial effects)
- Manage Seasonal Allergies: Similar to treating a sinus infection with apple cider vinegar, mix 1 tsp with 2-3 Tbsp water, gargle for 30 seconds, and swallow. Repeat twice daily, or up to four times for more severe allergies. (Mrs. Crumbs did this and her symptoms were gone within two days).
- Rid Croup: My son had a strange cough that included no other symptoms. We waited for a week to see if the cough would go away, but it didn’t. It was harsh, loud and often. We gave him the same remedy as the sinus infection and his cough had reduced significantly within one day and was completely gone within three.
- Regular Immune and Detoxification Support: ACV contains polyphenols and polysaccharides, which help boost the immune system. Try it in a daily drink like this DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Drink.
- Bug Repellent: We make our own bug repellent with essential oils (Plant Therapy oils are a great option. You can find their shop here.). However, readers have suggested that drinking just 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar on a daily basis has kept bugs away too!
- Homemade Conditioner: Just 1 tablespoon and warm water can replace your typical shampoo. Not only does it work, but this will save you TONS of money too!
The anti-infective properties of ACV are amazing! The studies on vinegar show that it can help with a wide variety of infectious issues. Anytime you’re thinking about healing something naturally, definitely consider apple cider vinegar!
I removed a mole with apple cider vinegar!
- I know it sounds a little crazy, but it works!
- Typically we make our own apple cider vinegar using this method, but for this home remedy I used Bragg’s raw apple cider vinegar. (You can find it for a great price HERE.) I also recommend this brand and this one for their quality.
- I also recommend a little aloe vera or coconut oil around the mole you are trying to remove. This helps with any sensitivity you may experience from the ACV.
I LOVE when one item serves multiple purposes. Apple cider vinegar is no exception! I use it in the kitchen for cooking, but also homemade conditioner, a detox elixir, and now mole removal!
Written by Mr. Crumbs
Calista Kelly
Do y’all think I could get rid of a mole I have in 2 months if I put on the ACV overnight? I have a formal dance coming up and I would like it gone by then.
Tiffany
I don’t see why not. My husbands came off pretty quickly.
Susan Wine
Hi there Tiffany. I’ve been reading all of the comments & I’m wanting to try this, But I’m still not for sure how you use the ACV & how to apply it & how long to keep it on at night. Would you mind either sending me some information through my email or commenting me back? I would really appreciate it. . I look forward to hearing from you… God Bless You 🙏🙏🙏
Tiffany
Hey Susan! Put the ACV on a cotton swab, use a band-aid to secure to your skin and sleep on it. Take it off in the morning!
Kerrie
Been doing the acv for couple of days. Mole looks really scabby but I’m concerned it’s very red all around the mole. Is it infected ? Should I see the doctor?
Kerrie
Hi there. Today I have applied my first acv cotton ball and I’m going to sleep with it on. Quick question you say up to 8 hours for 4 days but how much of a gap do I need to leave in between applications ?
Tiffany
We only applied the ACV at night, so definitely a few hours. 🙂
Kerrie
Thanks. Did my first night last night. Felt nothing but I’m perhaps existing too much too soon lol. I’m struggling to find plasters that actually stick once it’s going over something wet plus the Vaseline to protect the surrounding area but I’m sure I’ll find something.
Lisa Roberson
can u share a picture of the bottle of acv you got I am using a store brand
Tracey
I have a raised mole, just below my eye , had it years hate it ,makes me very self conscious. Trying the ACV , Started yesterday , its turning darker so hopefully it will scab over in next few days and fall off, will let you know what happens 🙂
I am applying the ACV during the day time, and leaving it off at night , so will see what happens in next few days .
LittleB
I did one on my neck as a test run a while ago, haven’t had a scar or anything you would never know!
I swear by this stuff!
I’m currently getting rid of two moles (checked by doctors but they refused to remove 🙄) which are always getting rubbed and I’m so excited 😊
But they have currently got to the flat/blackening stage so I am just waiting for it to drop off. The other might need another dose of ACV.
Thank you soooooo much for sharing this literally changed my life!
lolly
I tried the iodine route, but that didn’t work on my small facial mole. May I suggest what I learned??? : use a Q-tip to protect the surrounding skin with coconut oil or vaseline. . . and a Q-tip to daub ACV accurately on the spot
Erika
Thank you! It worked. I used this method on 3 moles, one was raised and had it most of my life the other two I actually had cut out before and they grew right back! This method worked, two of them in a hair zone took only 4 days, one bigger one that was raised took 8 and that was on my side… I wonder if it being in a non hair area, if it takes longer? Either way, they are gone and it’s amazing that this actually worked! I did use some medical tape to cover the edges of the band aid to help keep the moister in better.
Andrea
I did this and it took much longer than 4 days. I tried it on 3 moles. 2 were very small, about 3mm, and they took about 3 weeks each to scab over and when they did, there was no crater, one has a tiny colorless but firm dot where the mole used to be. The 3rd one, about 5mm just started to scab over, after a month of applying twice a day and bandaging. This one is taking much longer, but is also the most annoying of all. I have many others that do not annoy me but I’m happy to say 2 down, 1 to go! And if it takes longer than expected don’t give up, I think it just takes longer to work on some!
ravi
hey bro what is your brand of apple cider vinegar?????????????????????
tell me please…………
Erika
They mentiiton it above but it’s by viva naturals, Organic Apple cider vinegar with the “mother” you can find a 32 oz on amazon… nothing smaller but well worth it. It worked for me in 4 nights.
GENEVA G TOMPKINS
I USED ACV AT NIGHT WHILE I WAS A SLEEP.AFTER THE 4TH MORN I TOOK OFF BANDADE AND WHITE STUFF DRAINED FROM MY MOLE WHEN I CLEANED IT..A RED HOLE WAS THERE.IS THIS OK? ARE SHOULD I STOP THE ACV?
Shiva
Its my third day i am using ACV on the mole which is at the mustach place above lips and below below nose left.. But it is itching and irriting producing scare at near places… Is that the mole will completely be vanished or there will any mark remains on that place…
Plz say me it is on my face
Alisa
Hey Shiva!
Maybe you should try putting aloe vera around the area..
John Milnes
I have a couple of big moles on my neck and I had been looking for a way to get rid of them. I had long heard that acv was one way of getting rid of moles.
This is the first blog post I have found which actually helps more than any other website I have been to.
John M
TAyna
Hi Tiffany, not sure if you will get this…but did the acv leave scarring? I have a mole I want to remove below the corner of my lip and I’m aftaid of scarring.
Tiffany
Mr. Crumbs has a small scar, but it’s significantly less noticeable than the mole was. He doesn’t mind, but it’s also where his hair grows. Not sure if that helps much!
420
I got the mole off, but I really gotta warn people, use the petroleum jelly around the area, I didn’t because I hate the stuff, well I got a nice infection because I didn’t, I healed it with silver and bandages, but still, use some kind of protectant on the skin near it. It worked, being the stubborn idiot I am, I left the acv on 24/7 for 4-5 days changing it everyday, too much and I burned the heck out my arm. Now again, follow the instructions and it will be great. I’m fine and the mole is gone, but I made it 100x worse not doing it right.
Tiffany
Lesson: read the directions. 😉 Glad you’re all better now!
Crystal
I have tried this for one on my chest I had a huge one that was raised and very large. I used the ACV five times and I noticed the inside of the mole disappeared but I still have the noticeable outside skin of the mole. I have tried to place the cotton ball on top of the outside skin, because of it being on my chest I had to use duct tape, the bandages kept falling off. I am hoping the outside skin will go away after scabbing and healing is complete.
Kimberley
I’m having the same issue as you, Crystal. My mole is a large one on my cheek! Did yours flatten out yet? Mine has not. I may re treat it with vinegar tomorrow.
TM
I’ve been trying apple cider vinegar to remove a mole for the past month. In the last few days I have started to see a change in the mole it is turning a yellowish and black color. It appears to have grown larger in the past couple days as well and it does hurt now, like being repeatedly stung by a bee
LijaW
This is amazing info, both in the original post and all the replies. I’ve learned so much. Thank you very much for posting this information. I am going to give it a try, both on the moles and drinking a small amount each day for General Health. I like the idea of putting ACV into V8 juice. Love your website.
Joseph
Tnks
For the post
Though my mole shrunk to size
I could not even feel it any longer, its turned dark
Though it hasnt fallen yet, it seems dead.
Does the mole nid to fall ?
Heather (contributing author)
It may take a little time for it to fall off once it turns colors. Give it a little more time and if it doesn’t improve, try some more ACV.
Sara
It will eventually but I just applied the acv until it fell off. Depending on how big and deep the mole does go. I have a fairly small mole in diameter but it was quite a bump. It eventually mine came off on day 10. Just be patient.
Sara
So far so good about 4 days in and I had a raised mole that is quite a bump. But it has shrunk to half it’s size. I an unable to bandage it because it is on the back of my head in my hair. So u do small sessions one hour) in the evening because I have to hold the cotton ball. Thus will take longer because i dont have the acv on for more than an hour (my arm gets tired) have shoulder lenght hair and don’t want to shave or cut my hair. Any tips on what I can do to secure the cotton ball to my head without shaving or cutting my hair?
Heather (contributing author)
Could you use a stretchy headband? Or tie it on with a bandana?
Sara
I tried that, it is ok if I am not moving around or lying down. I tired gauze but that was worse then the headband
Sara
I ended up shaving a little around the mole as the mole is on hr back of my head and stays covered as long as my hair is down.
Junior
Can i use the same method on hypertrohic scars on my face , would love to try it
Tiffany
I don’t know Junior – I’d check with your healthcare professional first.