Few things cause homeowners to feel more disgust than to find mold growing inside their homes. The splotchy black and green fuzz is not only funky looking, it's also associated with being unclean. However, mold actually has little to do with germs and more to do with moisture.
According to the CDC, mold spores are found inside and outside the home. Mold spores settle on surfaces and multiply under the right conditions. You could even bring mold into your house on your clothes, shoes or pets. Fortunately, most healthy people are not affected by mold -- though allergy sufferers may experience coughing, sneezing and a stuffy nose. Try one of the following natural remedies instead.
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Note: While you can clean black mold yourself, it may require the help of an expert to safely remove this type of mold from your house.
Tea tree oil
Combine a teaspoon of tea tree oil and a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the mold and let it set overnight. In the morning, rub the area down with more tea tree oil.
Combine a teaspoon of tea tree oil and a cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the mold and let it set overnight. In the morning, rub the area down with more tea tree oil.
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Baking soda solution
Combine 1 part baking soda with 1 part water. Mix to create a paste. Apply the paste over the mold and allow it to dry before wiping away. If there's any staining left, use the paste and scrub the area with a toothbrush. The baking soda helps remove staining and moldy odors too.
Combine 1 part baking soda with 1 part water. Mix to create a paste. Apply the paste over the mold and allow it to dry before wiping away. If there's any staining left, use the paste and scrub the area with a toothbrush. The baking soda helps remove staining and moldy odors too.
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Vinegar
White distilled vinegar is a great cleaning solution for most any problem, including mold. Vinegar has antibacterial properties which can help keep the mold at bay. Just spray vinegar directly onto moldy spots and wipe clean. You may need to use a toothbrush for a little extra scrubbing power.
White distilled vinegar is a great cleaning solution for most any problem, including mold. Vinegar has antibacterial properties which can help keep the mold at bay. Just spray vinegar directly onto moldy spots and wipe clean. You may need to use a toothbrush for a little extra scrubbing power.
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Borax
Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of borax in a quart of warmer water. Mix the solution well before applying directly to moldy areas. Scrub with a sponge to remove the mold. You may need to repeat as needed
Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of borax in a quart of warmer water. Mix the solution well before applying directly to moldy areas. Scrub with a sponge to remove the mold. You may need to repeat as needed
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Grapeseed extract
A citrus seed extract (like grapeseed) helps remove mold from most surfaces. Combine 2 teaspoons of the odorless extract with 2 cups of water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the entire area with the mixture and wipe away excess. Do not rinse.
A citrus seed extract (like grapeseed) helps remove mold from most surfaces. Combine 2 teaspoons of the odorless extract with 2 cups of water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the entire area with the mixture and wipe away excess. Do not rinse.
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Kill mold with hydrogen peroxide
You probably have a bottle of this solution right in your medicine cabinet. The antibacterial solution helps kill mold and keeps it from coming back. Use a 3% concentration for best results. Spray the peroxide onto the mold and let it set for 10 minutes and then use a rag to scrub the entire area. Peroxide may bleach walls, so be careful.
You probably have a bottle of this solution right in your medicine cabinet. The antibacterial solution helps kill mold and keeps it from coming back. Use a 3% concentration for best results. Spray the peroxide onto the mold and let it set for 10 minutes and then use a rag to scrub the entire area. Peroxide may bleach walls, so be careful.
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Dry it away
One of the best ways to keep mold at bay is to prevent it in the first place (or prevent it from coming back!). Try installing mold and mildew air filters. In addition, if you have a flood or other moisture build up, make sure to completely dry the area with an industrial fan to prevent spores from settling.
One of the best ways to keep mold at bay is to prevent it in the first place (or prevent it from coming back!). Try installing mold and mildew air filters. In addition, if you have a flood or other moisture build up, make sure to completely dry the area with an industrial fan to prevent spores from settling.
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