Remove mould from your home the safe and easy way

Mould likes a warm and moist environment, so after the recent weather events, it’s sure to make an unwelcome appearance.

While lowering the humidity will work towards reducing the amount of mould that will grow, what can you do to get rid of what is there?

Forget using bleach when it comes to cleaning mould.

While it works on some surfaces, it doesn’t kill the mould growing on non-porous surfaces.

Bleach might also only take away the colour and make it invisible to the eye but the mould will still be there.

Instead try a few natural alternatives.

It’s a good idea to do a patch test first on certain surfaces to ensure there will be no damage.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural fungicide that is not only effective but environmentally friendly.

Try a solution of 80% vinegar, 20% water and use it to scrub over the area.

Do a final wipe with a different (clean) sponge with water.

Watch you don’t get streaks on your surfaces.

Clove oil

Clove oil is often recommended as a great way to remove mould quickly and easily.

Mix ¼ teaspoon in a litre of water.

You can wipe in on or put in a spray bottle and leave overnight.

Don’t forget to wipe it off the next day.

There are warnings with this option, as they can leave permanent marks on certain surfaces.

Some people may also have an allergic reaction to clove oil, so be careful.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is another natural fungicide that can be an effective solution.

Mix one teaspoon of a good quality tea tree oil in one cup of water and put it in a spray bottle.

Leave it on the surface to do the job.

Wipe the surface with a dry cloth.

Many will find this a more pleasant smell than the other alternatives, although it can be very strong at application.

Anti-bacterial wipes and sprays

Alcohol is another good product for removing mould, so choose wipes or sprays containing around 60 percent alcohol or with a disinfectant.

The bonus with wipes is you throw them away and don’t have a risk of contaminating other areas.

Salt

Un-iodised salt works well of soft items, such as couches.

Mix 500g of salt into 4.5 litres of water.

Pack the mixture over the area containing the mould.

Wait until it forms a crust then remove it and wipe off the excess with a soft brush.

 Read more: 10 ways you can use salt around your house. 

An extra trick while trying any of these methods is to use a microfibre cloth.

They not only reach into tiny crevices they have a slight electric charge and attract the moult fibres.

 Read more: Amazing uses for tea tree oil.

Remember while cleaning mould to take precautions.

Being exposed to mould spores can make you sick, so wear gloves, safety goggles and a mask while doing the job.

Mould can also make health conditions worse so it pays to get rid of the problem quickly. 

What tricks for household cleaning do you have that really work?