Natural Ways To Clean and Remove Mold

So you have a little surface mold and you want to kiss it goodbye! This is typically not a problem so long as it is just a little bit of mold (like bathroom mold) and not some crazy toxic mold infestation like we had. If you are dealing with a major, large scale mold issue, this post will not solve your problems. And remember, this is only good for SURFACE mold.

So what is a natural-cleaning minded person to do? Easy! There are lots of great ways to clean mold off of non-porous surfaces. Porous surfaces, like clothing, typically aren’t worth cleaning as mold spores can’t be completely removed. However, I will give you some suggestions for washing protocols. If it were me, I would just throw out any porous items that are victims of mold.

5 Natural Products Known To Clean and Remove Mold

Distilled White Vinegar

Studies have shown that household white distilled vinegar kills 82% of mold when used straight up. This is a very good destroy rate and it doesn’t get much cheaper than this.

Distilled Ethanol

Distilled grain alcohols like vodka will kill mold and mildew just as quickly as vinegar. The alcohol is used as an emulsifier and also as a drying agent. Inexpensive “bottom shelf” alcohols tend to be filtered less and distilled fewer times, meaning they contain more congeners like acetaldehyde which is far more toxic mold than ethanol.

Hydrogen peroxide

Use a three percent hydrogen peroxide solution straight up on moldy surfaces. You can also use hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together, and then store the bottle in a dark area (as light breaks down the potency of the hydrogen peroxide).

Baking soda

Used with vinegar and water or alone with water, baking soda is effective at removing surface mold naturally. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant and very mild, so this solution will clean mold without leaving behind a scent.

Essential oils and oil blends

I wrote an entire post on using essential oils so please go visit that for lots of great information on which essential oils work and when.

The Proper Method To Clean and Remove Surface Mold

Mold spores like to fly around so “wet” cleaning is the safer option. If you need to clean up mold or mildew on contact, spray your cleaning agent on surfaces and allow it to sit for a minute before wiping off. Be sure to wipe in a downward motion. Do not scrub as this can send spores flying.

Mold Cleaning Spray – vinegar based

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 20 drops of essential oils/blend of your choice (don't forget to check this post out for ideas)

Directions

1. Mix everything in a glass spray bottle (plastic will leach out some of the essential oils’ benefits)
2. Spray directly onto the mold and follow suggested cleaning protocol above.

Mold Be Gone Spray – distilled ethanol based

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup distilled ethanol (I use Vodka)
• 20 drops Tea Tree oil
• 10 drops Thyme
• 10 drops Cinnamon

Directions

1. Blend essential oils with the Vodka in a glass spray bottle.
2. After you have blended this well then add the distilled water.
3. Shake well.
4. Spray area to be cleaned and let sit for 10 minutes or longer. If it is not dry by then, use a clean paper towel or cloth to dry these areas.
5. DO NOT SPRAY on FINISHED OR PAINTED surfaces – it could ruin these types of surfaces.

Remember – you can clean away mold all you want but it will come back if you do not remove the source of the mold. Mold likes wet, damp, moist, warm environments. So fix those leaks, seal those cracks, use a dehumidifier to remove condensation, and wipe up wet showers and sinks after use.