6 Ways to Kill Mold Naturally

Mold can appear anywhere in your house like basements and window sills. Bathroom windows are particularly vulnerable to mold because of the high exposure to moisture. Any window sill can develop mold though, especially if it lacks proper caulk avoid moisture seeping inside.

If you prefer to avoid chemicals, killing mold seems tricky. Don’t you HAVE to use bleach and other chemicals to clean and kill mold from surfaces? The answer is NO! There are several ways to kill mold naturally without resorting to harsh, dangerous chemicals that may not be safe to use around your children.

The Dangers of Mold

Exposure to mold is dangerous for your health, especially if the exposure is prolonged. You may have no idea that the way you’re feeling is due to mold exposure. People can suffer for years without any clue, and their doctors may have no idea either!

Symptoms that come with mold exposure include:

Runny noses
Headaches
Fatigue
Rashes with unknown causes
Depression
Memory problems
Respiratory problems
Neurological conditions

Prolonged mold exposure is also associated with cancers. That is why it’s so important for you to get rid of the mold that you find in your house as soon as possible!

6 Ways to Kill Mold Naturally

Despite the belief that you can only get rid of mold with bleach, that’s wrong. There are effective, natural ways of killing mold that rely on ingredients you can trust.

Tea Tree Oil

Essential oils are popular right now, and tea tree oil is quite effective against mold. Mix around 10 to 15 drops of tea tree essential oil with a cup of water. Put the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the mold with the mixture and let it sit for a few hours to effectively kill the mold.

After it sets, scrub the area with the same solution to remove any mold. Spray the area once more with the solution to prevent the mold from coming back again. You also can wipe it down with baking soda as an alternative for the second spray.

This method works well because it’s a natural fungicide that effectively kills the mold spores. It also works to get rid of mildew throughout your home. People love tea tree oil because its known for its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties.

Vinegar

Another great choice is vinegar. Vinegar is prized as being a fantastic, all-purpose cleaner and those who live a more “green” lifestyle often select vinegar as their preferred cleaning agent.

To use vinegar to kill mold naturally, use vinegar straight from the bottle. Spray it on the mold or spread it with a dishcloth. Then, scrub it in well. To finish the job, use baking soda to get all of the molds.

Vinegar is an effective choice because it has mild acidic properties that are safe to use against vinegar. It’s an anti-bacterial agent that works great against mold in places like your bathroom and kitchen sink.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another fantastic choice that is readily available in most homes. All you have to do is mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of water. Put it in a spray bottle or use a wet cloth to apply it to the mold liberally. Let the hydrogen peroxide stay on the surface for 10 minutes or longer.

Then, wipe off the hydrogen peroxide and use a mixture of baking soda and water to kill off the remaining mold. Doing so helps to prevent it from returning.

Make sure that you use a testing area first because hydrogen peroxide functions as a mild bleaching agent as well. So, if you use it on something such as your couch, it could possibly leave a small bleached area.

Ammonia

Ammonia is strong stuff, so it’s best to use it away from your kids and with a mask. It is a strong disinfectant and it can effectively kill mold that lives on hard, non-porous surfaces. That means it will work well on areas like your bathroom sink or shower doors. You can use it on kitchen counters or marble window sills.

Whatever you do, never mix ammonia and bleach together. It’s dangerous.

Combine water and ammonia in equal proportions. Put into a spray bottle and liberally spray areas contaminated with mold. Let the solution sit for 5 to 10 minutes to work properly. Then, scour with a brush and wipe clean. You can do these steps several times if necessary.

Citrus Seed Extract and Water

Citrus seed extract (such as grapefruit) doesn’t have a strange odor like vinegar and tea tree oil. So, if you’re sensitive to smells, this could be an effective choice. Dilute 20 drops of extract in 2 cups of water. Mix in a spray bottle and spray, then wipe off the mold. Then, spray it again and leave it to dry which stops the mold from coming back again.

We love grapefruit extract because it disinfects, deodorizes, and it’s safe for everyday use around pets and children. It works as a black mold prevention tool as well. You can use it daily or weekly on the areas that are prone to mold, and using it often won’t harm anyone with the strong fumes!

Baking Soda

You’ve probably noticed that we mentioned baking soda several times already. You can use it alone or with vinegar. Either way, baking soda is an effective way to remove mold naturally. Simply dissolve the baking soda in water. You can also use a vinegar and water solution. Apply it to the mold and scrub. Then, wipe it clean with a damp washcloth.

Killing Mold Naturally

Mold and mildew live everywhere, and your home is no exception. It can easily appear anywhere in your home if you aren’t cautious and moisture is trapped. It can be difficult to kill because it grows rapidly. It can even invade the air in your home as the tiny particles clump together. Mold isn’t fun stuff! Use these six natural, yet effective, ways to kill mold naturally in your home.