Natural Mold Removal: 7 Safe and Non-Toxic Methods
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Mold is a common problem in homes and many people turn to harsh chemical cleaners in order to eradicate it.
But did you know there are natural, safe, and effective ways to get rid of mold without using these harsh chemicals?
In this article, we’ll share some tips for natural mold removal. So if you’re looking for an easy, environmentally-friendly way to get rid of mold, keep reading!
Related: White Mold in the Basement: What Is It, and How To Prevent It?
Natural Mold Removal Methods
Here are the most practical and effective methods to be aware of.
Killing Black Mold with Vinegar
Harris Cleaning Vinegar, Orange
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, it’s inexpensive, and you probably already have some in your house. Best of all, it can be used to kill mold, and it’s very effective for natural mold removal.
Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it directly to the moldy surface.
Leave it for an hour or so, then wipe away the mold with a damp cloth. You may need to scrub a little to remove all the mold.
If you’re dealing with a large amount of mold, white vinegar can be an excellent solution because it’s so inexpensive, easy to use, and can be used on most surfaces.
Some people hesitate to use vinegar for cleaning because of the smell, but the scent goes away very quickly. Just be sure to ventilate the area well while cleaning and afterward to prevent any irritation from the vinegar fumes.
It’s important to note that vinegar won’t work on all types of mold. If you’re dealing with tough mold that’s not being killed by vinegar, you may need to move on to another solution.
Using Baking Soda on Mold
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
Baking soda is another common household item that can be used to kill mold.
Make a paste out of baking soda and water, then apply it to the moldy area. Scrub the mold away, then wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.
Baking soda is also effective at absorbing moisture, so it can help prevent mold from coming back.
Just like vinegar, baking soda is non-toxic and safe to use around your family and pets. It’s also very inexpensive, which makes it a great solution for those on a budget (aren’t we all?).
You can also mix baking soda and vinegar to create a thick paste that is especially effective.
Vodka for Natural Mold Removal
Yup, that’s right – vodka can be used to kill mold!
Pour vodka into a spray bottle (you don’t need to spend a lot of money on the good stuff, any cheap vodka will do) and spritz it onto the moldy area.
Let it sit for an hour or so, then scrub away the mold with a brush or cloth. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth afterward.
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Vodka is effective at killing mold because of the alcohol, which is a natural disinfectant.
It’s also non-toxic, which makes it safe to use around your family and pets. Just be sure to keep it out of reach of little ones.
Mold Removal with Hydrogen Peroxide
Amazon Basics Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe, natural disinfectant. It’s also an effective mold killer to use when doing natural mold removal.
Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and apply it to the moldy surface. You don’t need to dilute it first. Just use it straight from the bottle.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub the mold away and wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to bleach, hydrogen peroxide is a great option because it’s safe to use and very effective at killing mold and mildew.
Just be aware that hydrogen peroxide can discolor some surfaces, so it’s best to test it in an inconspicuous area first before using it on a larger area.
Related: Mold on Carpet: How to Get It Out Without Chemicals
Treating Mold with Lemon Juice
Iberia 100% Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is another natural disinfectant that can be used to kill mold.
Pour lemon juice into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the moldy surface. Let it sit for an hour or so, then scrub away the mold with a brush or cloth. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth afterward.
Lemon juice is effective at killing mold because of the citric acid, which is a natural disinfectant.
It’s also non-toxic and completely natural, which makes it an excellent use for your DIY cleaning recipes.
Just like vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice can discolor some surfaces, so it’s important to test it in an inconspicuous area first.
Using Grapefruit Seed Extract to Kill Mold
NutriBiotic – GSE, 4 Oz Liquid
Grapefruit seed extract is another example of the cleaning power of citrus. It is an antimicrobial agent that is very effective at killing mold.
Create a solution that uses about 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract for every cup of water. Put it into a spray bottle and spray it onto the moldy surface. Let it sit for a while until it is almost dry, then scrub away the mold with a brush or cloth. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth afterward.
Grapefruit seed extract is available in most health food stores or online at retailers like Amazon.
Tea Tree Oil for Mold Removal
Ethereal Nature 100% Pure Oil, Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is a very effective natural disinfectant that can be used to kill mold.
Pour water and tea tree oil into a spray bottle (about 10 drops of tea tree oil to 1 cup of water). Shake it up to mix the two ingredients, then spritz it onto the moldy surfaces.
Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then scrub away the mold with a brush or cloth. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth afterward.
You can also add tea tree oil to your regular cleaning products to boost their mold-killing power. Just add a few drops to your favorite natural cleaner.
Related: The Best Essential Oils for Mold Prevention and Removal
Natural vs. Chemical Mold Killers
While there are many effective mold killers on the market, they often come with some pretty nasty side effects.
Many of them contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health, and they can also be toxic to animals and children.
If you’re looking for a safe and natural alternative to chemical mold killers, try one of the natural mold removal methods above. They’re all effective at killing mold, and they’re much safer for you, your family, and the environment.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Chlorine Bleach to Kill Mold
While chlorine bleach is often used to kill mold, it’s not the best option.
Chlorine bleach is very corrosive and can damage your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It’s also toxic to animals and children.
In addition, chlorine bleach doesn’t always kill mold. It only bleaches it, which means the mold may return eventually.
Oxygen bleach is a much better option for killing mold. It’s non-toxic and gentle, yet still very effective.
We recommend the other methods listed above, but if you’re going to use bleach, oxygen bleach is a better choice than household chlorine bleach.
Molly’s Suds Natural Oxygen Whitener | Natural Bleach Alternative, Plant-Derived Ingredients
Related: How to Remove Mold from Clothes Using Baking Soda (and Other Methods)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best natural mold killer?
There are many natural mold killers, but we recommend distilled white vinegar. It’s inexpensive, you probably already have it, and it’s effective at killing most types of household mold and mildew.
How do you get rid of mold naturally?
You can get rid of mold naturally by using distilled white vinegar, lemon juice, grapefruit seed extract, or tea tree oil. These natural ingredients are all effective at killing most types of household mold and mildew.
Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mold?
While chlorine bleach is often used to kill mold, it’s not the best option. It’s corrosive and can damage your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It’s also toxic to animals and children. In addition, chlorine bleach doesn’t always kill mold. Vinegar is a safer, more effective option.
Can vinegar kill black mold?
Vinegar is an effective natural cleaner that can be used to get rid of black mold. Just make sure you use distilled white vinegar, as other types may not be as effective.
To make a vinegar solution, mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Then, spritz it onto the moldy surface and let it sit for an hour. After that, scrub the mold away with a brush or cloth. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth afterward.
Is vinegar or hydrogen peroxide better for mold?
Hydrogen peroxide is a good alternative to vinegar for killing mold. Just make sure you use 3% hydrogen peroxide, as higher concentrations can be harmful to your health.
To use hydrogen peroxide, pour it into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the moldy surface. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub away the mold with a brush or cloth. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth afterward.
Does baking soda kill mold?
Baking soda is a natural mold killer that can be used to get rid of mold in your home. To use it, mix equal parts of water and baking soda to form a paste. Then, apply it to the moldy surface and let it sit for an hour. After that, scrub away the mold with a brush or cloth. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth afterward.
Can I remove black mold myself?
Yes, it’s possible to remove small amounts of black mold on your own. However, if you have a serious problem in your house, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Black mold can be very dangerous, and it’s important to take the proper precautions when dealing with it.
If you have black mold in your home, we recommend calling a mold removal company to handle the situation. They have the experience and equipment necessary to safely and effectively remove black mold from your home.
Related: Black Mold On a Wood Deck: How to Remove It and Prevent It
Final Thoughts on Natural Mold Removal
There are a variety of natural mold removal methods that you can use to remove mold from your home safely and naturally. Baking soda, vinegar, vodka, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, grapefruit seed extract, and tea tree oil are all effective at killing mold and mildew. Just be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area first to avoid damaging your surfaces.