It’s that time of the year when temperatures turn colder and you wake up in the morning to find a layer of condensation on your windows.
Condensation is the most common cause of dampness in homes and if left unchecked, it can allow black mould to thrive. Mould can grow on walls, ceilings, around your windows and even your clothes, and is expensive to fix so it’s best to tackle the problem as soon as you see it. For some, white vinegar is the go-to natural cleaning solution to get rid of black mould as it’s cheap, safe and non-toxic, but the downside is it leaves a pungent smell and needs to be left to sit on the mouldy area for at least one hour. But there is a better natural alternative you can use instead that works in a mere five minutes and won’t leave a lingering odour in your home.
According to cleaning experts, grapefruit seed extract is very effective at killing and removing black mould, and unlike vinegar it doesn’t have any odour.
The extract is a natural antifungal and fungicide, environmentally friendly and also a deodoriser, so it can help to eliminate those unpleasant musty odours that mould can cause and you only need to apply a small amount.
Experts at Beyond Toxics explain: “Grapefruit seed extract is rich in essential oils and antioxidants. It is an environmentally-friendly choice as a cleaning agent, similar to tea tree oil but without the strong scent.
“It is a microbial that has been shown to be effective in eliminating 60 types of bacteria and yeasts. It is also a deodoriser. It is most effective on nonporous surfaces but can also be used on porous ones.”
To use grapefruit seed extract to kill mould, you simply need to combine around 10 drops of the extract in a cup of water and transfer this into a spray bottle.
Simply spray it on areas of your home that are affected by mould and it will get to work in as little as five minutes. After leaving the solution to sit on the surface for a short time, wipe the area clean and repeat again if necessary.
Experts at Mould in Homes said: “A small amount of grapefruit seed extract is very effective at killing mould. Grapefruit seed extract is also similar to baking soda, in the sense that it is also deodorises, so it will help remove bad smells.
“Mix 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract per cup of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the solution directly onto the mould and leave for 5 to 10 mins.
“If you don’t have a spray bottle, just thoroughly dampen a disposable towel and apply to the affected area. Use a scrub to brush and remove the debris. Repeat if necessary, until the mould has been completely removed.
“Don’t rinse the solution away afterwards, allow the solution to naturally dry. The longer the solution is in contact with the mould, the more killing it will do and prevent the mould from returning.”