Election Day mould clean out

While you might not want to think about cleaning mould, it’s still better than standing in line to vote.  While one of the hot election topics was the damage done to the Great Barrier Reef here are some cleaning tips that don’t involve harmful chemicals.

Before you start

Sort mouldy items into non-porous (hard plastics, wood, steel), semi-porous (walls and surfaces) and super-porous (clothes, carpet, paper, furniture).

Throw out anything that is super-porous and covered in mould – it’ll be hard to restore it unless you have your carpet professionally cleaned.

DIY mould solutions

Vinegar solution

Steps

1. Pour a concentration of 80% vinegar to 20% water into three buckets
2. Grab a microfibre cloth, dip it into the first bucket and clean a patch of mould
3. Rinse the cloth in the second bucket, and rinse again in the third
4. Repeat until all mould is cleaned off
5. Wipe areas with dry microfibre cloth when finished

Tea tree oil

Steps

1. Add 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil to a spray bottle filled with water
2. Spray on problem areas and do not rinse
3. Wipe areas with dry microfibre cloth when finished

Grapefruit seed extract

If you don’t like the smell of tea tree oil, grapefruit seed is just as effective.

Steps

1. Add 20 drops grapefruit seed extract to a spray bottle filled with water
2. Spray on problem areas and do not rinse
3. Wipe areas with dry microfibre cloth when finished

Bi-carb soda

You can use bi-carb with vinegar too.

Steps

1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda into water and spray onto surface.
2. Let it sit, then scrub and wipe with a damp cloth.
3. Wipe areas with dry microfibre cloth when finished

Vodka

You don’t need to use an expensive vodka for this solution.

Steps

1. Put half a cup of vodka into a spray bottle and add a little water.
2. Spritz the vodka straight on mould and leave on.
3. Use a rag or sponge to wipe away the mould.
4. Wipe areas with dry microfibre cloth when finished

Of course, the best solution is prevention. Here’s some tips:

• Invest in a dehumidifier for damp areas – these can be bought from cheap stores for around $2. You’ll be amazed how much moisture they will gather.
• Fix any leaks in a room or gaps in floor boards.
• Let in the fresh air and sunlight – open some windows even in colder months.
• Keep clothes and other fabrics dry – don’t leave on the line all week in the rain