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

Next: 3 mold-killing recipes

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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.

April M.

6:20AM PDT on May 21, 2013

If anyone is interested in learning about natural cleaning products that use the power of Tea Tree Oil, please fill out a request for a FREE Go Green Web Seminar! http://www.gogreenwebcast.com/FamilyComesFirst

May 21
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Jane W.

4:03PM PDT on May 16, 2013

thnx for this

May 16
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Nimue P.

3:49PM PDT on May 14, 2013

Vinegar works well.

May 14
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Lin M.

3:42PM PDT on May 14, 2013

My son used bleach after his basement was flooded. I'd been sick but they didn't. Once he bleached my basement and had to stay out side all day till after dark. Oh, it was awfull.

Darren W.

2:07AM PDT on May 12, 2013

Some very useful advice here... :-)

May 12
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Pam W.

8:55AM PDT on May 11, 2013

I find vinegar works quite well for removing mold stains with a bit of soapy water. Rinsing is important and allowing the area to dry. Using a fan to circulate the area helps.

May 11
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Fi T.

4:26AM PDT on May 11, 2013

There must always be more environmentally friendly ways

Summerannie M.

4:06AM PDT on May 3, 2013

Bleach should be used with utmost caution b/c breathing in the vapours might cause serious health issues. Bleach vapour can be inhaled either thru the nose or mouth. For me its a no no. I wouldnt ever use it as I have heard of terrible things where people get quite sick and or effected. I hear that women go banana's using it in showers, toilet, laundry, clothes anywhere really and its very bad for you. Use something else. Find Shannon Lush's book and website on the internet as she is very eco friendly and with great hints on cleaning things without nearly dying from cleaning whatever.