Non-Toxic Solutions To Get Rid Of Mold Naturally
I wanted to find out how to get rid of mold naturally and I didn’t want to use anything toxic that I may breathe or get on my skin, so I started looking up some natural options for removing mold. I found three main options that sounded good. One was using essential oils such as tea tree oil and the other ones were using vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. I like using all of these options because not only are they very effective in getting rid of mold, but they are natural ingredients I am comfortable with using. Of course there is the option of using bleach and many people say they have good results with it. That is definitely a good option to consider if needed. However, I was hoping that I wouldn’t have to use bleach and one of these natural methods might work.
3 Methods For How To Get Rid Of Mold Naturally:
1. Tea Tree Oil Mixture
Mix about 10 drops tea tree essential oil or a teaspoon with a cup of water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle (I use this small glass one). Spray the tea tree oil mixture on to mold or dampen mold with a cloth if no spray bottle is available. Leave on for a few hours or overnight to kill mold. Once this is done, scrub area with solution to remove any mold and spray again. Leave on surface to prevent mold from coming back. Optional: Finish by wiping area with baking soda.
How does this work?
Tea tree oil has been found to be a very effective mold killer, it is anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-bacterial. It’s powerful anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties help kill the mold.
2. Vinegar
Use vinegar straight from bottle, spray on and scrub or apply with cloth. Use the baking soda mixture (below) to finish the job. This helps make sure you get all the mold. It also prevents mold from returning.
How does this work?
The pH of vinegar is around 2.5 and because it is acidic, it breaks up the structure of the mold.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture
Mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of water, put in a spray bottle or wet cloth with it and wipe on mold. Let the hydrogen peroxide stay on the surface for ten minutes or so. Wipe off with more hydrogen peroxide then use baking soda mixture to kill any remaining mold and help prevent more from returning.
How does this work?
The hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen, which breaks up the mold by oxidizing it’s surface. Hydrogen peroxide also has anti-fungal properties, which help eliminate the mold. Several studies have found it effective for killing fungi.
Bonus Baking Soda Finish:
When you’re done using any of these solutions for how to remove mold naturally, you may want to finish up with baking soda, a natural disinfectant. Spray the area with a mixture of 1/2 tsp baking soda and a cup of water. Scrub the area clean and rinse with water. If you use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide then finish with baking soda you’ll be sure to get all the mold with this double attack on it!
*To prevent mold from returning use a dehumidifier or try to reduce dampness in your room. I’ve been trying to prevent mold in my basement during the summertime when it is really humid and using a powerful dehumidifier has really helped. Dehumidifiers are really effective for preventing mold from forming.
Do These Natural Solutions Really Work? – My Results With Each
Tea Tree Oil
- I tried the tea tree essential oil first and I was very happy with it as this killed the mold right away. The only drawback to using this is it can be a little expensive although a few drops does quite a good area. Tea tree oil does have a strong smell that you have to get used to, but the smell will go away in an hour or so.
Vinegar
- I found that vinegar is also good and it is less expensive. It is antimicrobial and will kill mold. If you’re not a fan of the smell you can add some essential oils to it to leave a more pleasing scent. Studies have found that vinegar (straight 5%) kills 82 percent of mold. So, this is my favorite solution for how to remove mold naturally! When you finish with baking soda this is a great way to make sure you’ll get all the mold.
Hydrogen Peroxide
- This is a good option and it is a common household item that you may already have in your bathroom cabinet. It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. I like to use the baking soda scrub after using all these methods as it will be sure to get any leftover mold.