How to Banish Mold and Mildew from Your Home
Mold
and mildew are speedy invaders and may cause many health issues,
including allergies and respiratory infections. These tiny spores
cluster in the thousands and are also airborne. Once you detect their
presence, it’s important to act fast. The best way to prevent them from
appearing is to control the amount of moisture in your home, but even if
they do arise, there are natural ways to kill them.
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1. Tea tree oil
Most
people know tea tree oil as being effective for skin treatments and
aromatherapy, yet few realize it can be useful as a household cleaner
too. All you need for this safe alternative is a spray bottle. Mix two
cups of water with two teaspoons of tea tree oil to create the solution.
Before you spray, shake the bottle well. Do not wipe the surface after
spraying as the solution needs time to remove the mold. Take into
account that tea tree oil has a strong smell, which will take a few days
to dissipate.
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2. Grapefruit seed extract
Another
natural treatment that effectively counters mold is grapefruit seed
extract. This option has the benefit of being odor free. Use a spray
bottle and a solution of two cups of water mixed with 20 drops of
grapefruit seed extract. It’s important to shake the bottle well to mix
the two ingredients. Spray the problem areas, allowing it to sit. Make
sure not to wipe the sprayed area.
3. Distilled vinegar
Distilled
vinegar effectively kills up to 82% of mold. It’s also useful in
preventing new spores from forming. Apply the vinegar to the affected
area and do not wipe. Many people find the smell of vinegar overpowering
and unpleasant. If you’re one of those people, I suggest adding an
essential oil, such as lemon, to the mix to mask the sour smell. If you
choose not to add the essential oil, the smell should only last for a
few hours. Please note that using regular vinegar will not treat mold. Only distilled vinegar will work for this solution.
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