Mold naturally — believe it or not, it’s pretty much everywhere! Well, not exactly. Molds are fungi in the environment breaking down material or growing on soil and plants. This musty, fuzzy, and slimy substance threatens one’s health if not treated.
Some indications of mold include earthy, stuffy, or musty smell, standing water, especially near A/C units — and visible growth resembling fuzzy cotton with colors ranging from white to brown to black.
Since mold occurs naturally in the environment, we work to reduce our exposure to it with proper ventilation, regular cleaning, and maintaining surfaces dry. Here are a few tips to getting rid of mold naturally.
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How to Get Rid of Mold Naturally
Plenty of products readily available at Walmart help remove mold; however, most contain toxic chemicals that can be more harmful than the mold itself. Luckily, we have five ways to help you treat mold naturally — the next best thing to hiring professionals for certified mold remediation.
When cleaning, you should mix your natural solution in a spray bottle to minimize usage. Also, be sure to wear shoes, long-sleeve clothes, gloves, a mask, and goggles when handling mold because exposure can irritate the skin and/or eyes.
Timing is everything. Given any sign of mold, you should work quickly to remove it and prevent future growth. Now, let’s get rid of it.
Lemon
Readily available and affordable, lemon is a household staple that smells great and can help with the surface removal of mold naturally. Simply press two to three lemons, apply on the desired surface, let it sit for five minutes, and wipe clean. This fix is better paired with any of the solutions mentioned below.
Baking Soda
Used around the house, baking soda is another safe and effective absorbent that can get rid of mold. Mix at a 1:1 ratio with water to make a paste, apply to the surface, and scrub it with a brush. Once dry, apply a coat over the area to protect it from the future mold.
Vinegar
Known for its cleaning potential, white distilled vinegar is a common antifungal with pH levels high enough to kill mold. Add four tablespoons to a cup of water, pour or spray lightly over the affected area, and wipe off or scrub clean.
Essential Oil
Most homes use essential oils for their different properties, mostly aromatherapy; tea tree oil, in particular, is a natural fungicide that can be used by itself, in water or combined with other ingredients like eucalyptus, clove, and cinnamon. Just add two teaspoons per cup of water, shake and spray. Let it dry and wipe clean.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Commonly known as an antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal solution, Hydrogen peroxide is predominantly used to remove mold on permeable surfaces. Take one part of 3% peroxide to two parts of water, pour over mold, let it sit, and wipe or scrub until the area is clean and dry.
Tips to Prevent and Control Mold
Most commercial cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can be worse than the mold itself. Remember these five non-toxic ways to help you get rid of mold naturally and prevent future growth.
When cleaning, always be careful to avoid unnecessary exposure to materials affected by mold. Use personal protective equipment listed above.
Keep in mind, as soon as you believe there is a sign of any mold, you should work quickly to remove it and prevent future growth.
