10 Proven Best Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mold

Mold is a common problem in buildings, especially in areas where humidity and moisture may be high and where air flow may be limited. However, mold can grow on almost any surface including plastics, ceramic tile, brick and cement, wallboard, cloth, and ceilings.

Some cleaning solutions may be great at eradicating all kinds of messes, but they are not always made with the user’s health in mind. Many of these products contain chemicals that can be harmful when inhaled and toxic if ingested. They can also be damaging to the skin and eyes.

Alternative to these are natural mold cleaners that will do the job without creating even more problems.
Natural cleaners are generally safe and environmentally friendly. They are often easily accessible and easy and affordable to use.

1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is well known for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, but it is mainly used for natural health and beauty purposes. However, tea tree oil is also great for cleaning and it is very effective at removing mold and mildew. It also prohibits their return for a good while afterwards.

Ingredients

• 2 cups distilled white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil
• Spray bottle
• Safety gloves
• Scrubber

Instructions

• Mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups of vinegar.
• Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
• Spray the solution directly onto the mold and leave it for an hour.
• Use a scrub to brush and remove the debris.

2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an extremely versatile product and is used in baking, cleaning, deodorizing and even in toothpaste. It also can be used as a natural non-toxic treatment solution for getting rid of mold. When cleaning the mold, baking soda can work with or without vinegar.

To make a baking soda spray solution, combine two tablespoons of baking soda with two cups of water in a spray bottle and shake until it is completely dissolved. Spray on the mold and scrub with a brush. To create a paste, mix a 50/50 solution of baking soda and water in a bowl. Apply the paste onto the mold and let dry. Scrub the area with a brush until the mold is cleared away. If the area needs additional attention, follow the paste treatment with the spray solution.

3. Vinegar
One of the most effective, natural and non-toxic mold cleaners is vinegar, specifically distilled white vinegar. Vinegar is actually mildly acidic and has been shown to be effective in treating over 80% of mold species. Vinegar typically performs best on mold when it is used undiluted in full strength. Simply transfer the white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar directly onto the mold. Let the vinegar sit for a minimum of one hour. This will allow the mold to absorb the vinegar. Then scrub with a brush.

4. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is rich in essential oils and antioxidants. It is an environmentally-friendly choice as a cleaning agent, similar to tea tree oil. Mix ten drops of the grapefruit seed extract in a cup of water to make a solution and put it into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the mold and let set for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a brush to clear the mold and repeat as necessary.

5. Distilled Ethanol
Ethanol kills mold and also controls mold regrowth in the mold prone areas. If you can bear the smell, spraying distilled ethanol directly on the mold affected areas is the best way to remove mold. You can buy distilled ethanol from any pest control store.

6. Chlorine Bleach
Bleach is a cheap and well-known bacteria and virus slayer. It kills mold, spores and allergens on hard non-porous surfaces like tiles and countertops. Wear gloves, protective clothing and protective eye wear while using chlorine bleach. Mix together one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Pour some of the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray onto affected surface and let sit for about 5 minutes. Rinse with warm water, using a sponge or rag and allow to air dry. Repeat if necessary.

7. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural, non-toxic mold cleaner that leaves behind a refreshing, clean aroma. Its 5% acid content makes it effective in eliminating mold. Lemon juice can be freshly squeezed or purchased as a concentrate. It can be applied using a spray bottle or by soaking with a scrubber sponge. Lemon juice treatment of mold should start by using simple soap and water to begin the cleaning process. Once rinsed, apply the lemon juice directly to the mold. Scrub the area immediately with a brush or scrub sponge. Repeat the process until satisfactory results are achieved.

8. Alcohol Spray (Vodka)
Did you know vodka is great for cleaning? Put some straight vodka into your spray bottle. Spray on the affected area, and leave for an hour. You will see the mold getting frizzy. Then wipe off the dead mold with warm water.

9. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, and it can kill mold. This is a good alternative to chlorine bleach because it is safe to use and it doesn’t harm the environment. It also doesn’t leave behind toxic residue or produce toxic fumes like chlorine bleach does. Hydrogen peroxide is also inexpensive to buy. Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide on the surface and leave it for 10 minutes. Scrub, clean and wipe off using a dry cloth to remove residual mold spores.

10. Borax
Borax is a common household cleaning agent that effectively gets rid of mold and fungus. Add 1 cup borax to 1 gallon of water and spray or rub on the affected area. Let the affected article soak in this solution for two hours, or until the stain disappears. Then rinse off the dead mold.

Try these recipes and let us know if you receive relief or not by visiting our comment section.