Mould tends to be a big problem in British households even in summer due to our humid and rainy weather, and it will keep coming back unless you clean it with the right products. This fuzzy sludge can only grow in areas with lots of moisture, which is why you often spot it in bathrooms, kitchens or hard-to-reach places in the home like tile grout lines.
It is common to use harsh chemical cleaners like bleach to deal with mould, but Katy, a mum and the founder of What Katy Said has shared that a more natural and non-toxic way to kill it is with tea tree oil. Katy said: “Tea Tree Oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and will penetrate down into the porous surfaces to kill the mould spores at the root. All you have to do is make up a solution with water (or you can use white vinegar if you prefer) and spray it onto the affected area.”
Tea tree oil contains a substance called terpene, which breaks down mould spores to destroy them completely, and will also prevent any future growth if you use it regularly.
It is known to kill a wide range of mould types, including black mould, so it worth trying out if you do not want to have to breathe in toxic fumes while cleaning your home.
White vinegar is also a popular natural cleaner that can kill mould as it contains acetic acid, but many people do not like using it as while it is very effective it does have a pungent smell.
How to naturally kill mould and stop it coming back
You will need:
- One teaspoon of tea tree oil
- 120ml of white vinegar (optional)
- 240ml of water (or enough to fill a spray bottle)
Spray bottles can be bought in the gardening aisle of most supermarkets and in pound stores. White vinegar can usually be found near salad dressing in supermarkets or near the cooking oils.
Most big supermarkets will have tea tree oil in the healthy or beauty section, but it can also be found in pharmacies or heath food shops.
Method:
To begin, put on protective gloves as mould can irritate the skin and cause health issues so it is better to be cautious.
Then, all you need to do is place the ingredients in an empty spray bottle. Screw the lid on firmly on the spray bottle, and then give it a shake to mix the ingredients.
Simply spray a generous amount onto a mouldy stain or surface. Do not wipe it off, as you need to give the solution time to kill the mould spores.
You can also spray the cleaning solution onto a cloth and use it to wipe surfaces to prevent mould.
Using tea tree oil to clean your home will ensure your home stays clean and mould-free.
However, make sure to ventilate humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens by opening a window as mould will grow anywhere with lots of condensation.