Australian tea tree oil is a broad spectrum germicide, fungicide, and bacteriacide.

The essential oil known as “tea tree oil” comes from the melaleuca tree, a shrub/tree that has needle-like leaves. There are 100 varieties of melaleuca, but for the purposes of this discussion we are speaking of Australian tea tree oil, or melaleuca alternifolia.

Tea tree oil has many uses for housekeeping. You can prove to yourself how well it works to kill mold and mildew with this simple test: Put 2 teaspoons of Australian tea tree oil in a spray bottle with two cups of water. Don’t rinse. Spray the mixture on something musty. Let the smell dissipate (it will take a few days). The smell of mold and must will be gone, too, never to return as long as the source of moisture has been removed.

Here are five smart ways to use Australian tea tree oil at home:

1. General Tea Tree Oil Spray
As mentioned above, combine 2 teaspoons of Australian tea tree oil in 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake to blend. Spray on mold and don’t rinse. The smell will dissipate in a few days.

2. Tea Tree Oil Grout Spray
Using the same formula as in #1, spray grout to repel mold and mildew. While this formula won’t take away the mold discoloration, it will kill the mold.

3. Musty Mold Remover
The must will be removed from anything using the above formula. Just don’t rinse.

4. Household Antiseptic Spray
Use the above formula to spray areas that need antiseptic attention, such as after someone has vomited.

5. Laundry Helper
Add 1/2 teaspoon tea tree oil to your laundry for towels and other fabric prone to getting moldy.