3 Ways to Kill Mold Naturally

A proliferation of mold and mildew can be the hallmark of hot and humid summers. I have a friend who has green mold growing on the shoes in her closet! A humidifier might be the best help for her, but there are also three natural materials that can be used as a spray to kill mold and mildew. They are all an excellent substitute for less environmentally safe bleach.

Learn these three tricks for killing mold and mildew. One of these you most likely already have in your kitchen cupboard.

Over the years I have found three natural ingredients that kill mold: Tea tree oil (an essential oil found in most health food stores), grapefruit seed extract and vinegar. There are pros and cons of each, but all three work. Vinegar is by far the cheapest. Tea tree oil is expensive, but it is a broad spectrum fungicide and seems to kill all the mold families it contacts. The problem is that it has a very strong smell, but that dissipates in a few days. Grapefruit seed extract is also expensive, but has no smell.

Mold can be dangerous to your health, even if you aren’t allergic. Many people react to mold by getting tired and even depressed. Try to stay on top of moisture and mold as soon as either arises. Dry out anything that is damp, such as basements (use a dehumidifier) and carpets. Fix leaks in plumbing and roofs. Wipe up spills. Make sure water doesn’t escape from shower curtains. Vigilance will pay off!

4 Reasons Why Your Damp House is Wrecking Your Health

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

New G.

9:27PM PST on Jan 12, 2012

Thank you.

send a green star

George M.

11:01AM PST on Jan 11, 2012

Why, if all of these home remedies and natural wonders are so much better than the products they replace, have they not become products themselves? Surely there are some smart entrepreneurs out there?

Nimue P.

11:04PM PST on Dec 27, 2011

Thanks :)

James J.

10:29PM PST on Dec 27, 2011

to kill mold on leather use vicks vapour rub jack b. scrub boots with soapy water to get rid of most of it. dry in front of air conditioner to dry out. smear with vicks. my leather jacket looks great.

Joy W.

6:45AM PDT on Nov 2, 2011

Thank you for the info.

John S.

6:23AM PDT on Nov 1, 2011

Thanks.

Bob B.

11:26PM PDT on Oct 24, 2011

Yes, she would have been better off with a dehumidifier. Tells you what this author is... another Internet Hack! "I want to be a writer, but I don't have the time to proofread my stuff or research the subject... I know, I'll write BS and post it on the Net!"

Dear Author: write about stuff you know and proofread your writing. You look silly when you don't.

Lolana K.

8:27AM PDT on Oct 1, 2011

Wouldn't the woman with the moldy shoes in the closet want a dehumidifier, rather than a humidifier?

William D.

12:45PM PDT on Aug 10, 2011

Jackie Boyd,

Had a similar problem with some work boots of mine! Try using Ultra7! It will kill the existing mold, as well as put a protective layer over the shoes that will inhibit growth of new mold! http://bit.ly/otlaLn

Jackie B.

8:51PM PDT on Aug 9, 2011

I have the exact same problem of green mold growing on my shoes in my closet. I went out of town for a month so my ac was turned off and I live in a VERY hot and humid area. It is mainly by boots(suede, leather, rubber, etc..) What should I use to clean my boots? I have read a few articles that say I need to just throw them out but they are very expensive so I would like to salvage them if possible, any suggestions??