Non Toxic Mold Removal

Mold grows in a variety of colors including black, green and purple.

Mold may be lurking in various areas of your home. Mold is a common fungus found both indoors and out and thrive in areas that are damp, humid and void of sunlight. Mold spreads quickly and will stain and deteriorate the item it is growing on while filling your home with an unpleasant musty odor. There are a variety of methods to remove the mold from your home. However, many of these methods use harsh chemicals that can leave a layer of toxic residue. Fortunately, there are several non-toxic mold removal options that use all-natural items that will not harm you, your family or your pets.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Cloths
• Laundry detergent
• Scrub brush
• Small container
• Tea tree oil
• Long-handled spoon
• Grapefruit seed extract

Instructions

White Vinegar

1. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Spray mold growing on hard surfaces liberally with the vinegar. Let the vinegar sit for 10 minutes before wiping it and the mold off with a damp cloth. Mist the surface once again with the vinegar and let air dry.

2. Set a washing machine to the hottest setting allowed for mold-infected clothing. Add 1/4 cup laundry detergent and 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar into the washer. Submerge the molded clothing into the water and close the lid. Let the washing machine complete a full cycle. Remove the clothing immediately and let dry.

3. Remove mold on carpets by scrubbing it with a mixture of 1 pint water, 1/4 cup powdered laundry detergent and 3 tbsp. white vinegar. Use a scrub brush to scrub the molded area clean. Rinse the carpet by blotting with a clean cloth dampened in cool water. Pat the carpet dry with a towel.

Tea Tree Oil

1. Fill a small container with 4 cups water. Add 4 tsp. tea tree oil and mix thoroughly with a long-handled spoon. Tea tree oil is available for purchase at health and vitamin stores.

2. Pour the mixture gently into a clean spray bottle. Mist the mold with the mixture and let sit for 15 minutes.

3. Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth. Spray the mixture once again on the surface and let it air dry.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

1. Mix 2 cups cool water with 20 drops grapefruit seed extract. Fill a clean spray bottle with the mixture.

2. Spray the mold liberally with the mixture and let it soak for 10 minutes before wiping the surface clean with a damp cloth.

3. Reapply the mixture and let it air dry on the surface. Repeat the process until you have removed all traces of the mold.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear rubber gloves, N-95 respiratory and safety goggles without vent holes during the mold removal process.

References

• Reader's Digest: Wipe Out Mildew
• Vinegar Book: Combat Mold and Mildew with Vinegar
• CBS News: Heloise Hears A Hint
• Reader's Digest: 150+ Household Uses for Vinegar
• The Good Human: The Mother Of All Natural Mold Fighters -- Tea Tree Oil
• Dirt Works: Grapefruit Seed Extract

Resources

• EPA.gov: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home
• CDC.gov: Mold Cleanup and Remediation