It’s a constant battle, especially in the winter, to try to get rid of mould from around the house.
But the even bigger problem is stopping it from coming back. It’s one thing to clean it away, but making sure mould spots and spores don’t return is far tougher.
And a lot of people are looking for ways to clean naturally, without having to resort to harsh or abrasive chemicals which can not only damage your home but can affect your health too.
According to cleaning expert Scott Evans from Pink Storage, one of the best ways to get rid of mould is to use salt.
Regular old table salt is naturally absorbent, and pulls moisture from the air. Not only this, it has antimicrobial properties which can also stop it from coming back, too.
Scott said: “Mould thrives in damp environments and salt is a natural moisture absorbant. While you may never considered using salt to combat mould, it can be an easy and chemical-free way to remove it from your home.”
Salt absorbs moisture in your home through a process called osmosis. By removing the water from the mould in your home you can stop it from growing.
He added: “Many people store belongings in damp areas like basements or garages without realising they are storing their items where mould can grow. To remove the moisture from the air you can place dishes of salt around these spaces so that it doesn’t develop in the first place.
“If you already have dampness and mould you can still use salt to stop mould in its tracks.”
Firstly you should remove any excess moisture from your walls or surfaces using a dry cloth, next you can sprinkle a generous layer of table salt over the mould and let it sit overnight. The salt will begin to remove the moisture from the mould and break it down.
Finally, you can scrub and clean away the mould with a damp cloth or brush.
Scott continued: “For tougher mould patches, you can make a salt paste by mixing a little water and salt and applying it to the affected area. Let this paste dry and follow the same steps above to remove the mould from your walls or surfaces.”
“If you find that your surfaces are developing mould you can mix two tablespoons of salt with warm water and wipe down your walls, windowsills and any other affected are, this creates a thin protective layer that discourages mould spores from settling.”