Not only is mold unsightly and smelly, but it can be downright dangerous if it gets out of hand. In serious mold infestations, this nasty little substance can cause a variety of different symptoms including respiratory problems, eye, nose AND throat irritation, rashes or skin problems, headaches, general aches and pains and more.
If you spot mold in your house it is really important to be proactive and take steps to kill it right away.
Here’s the problem, though. Many products that have traditionally been used to kill mold are really harsh and can irritate your skin or give off toxic fumes. It can be a toss up as to whether the mold or the cleaner is worse for you.
Take heart, though. The good news is that you aren’t limited to using harsh chemicals or commercial mold killers to deal with a mold problem. Instead, you can kill mold in a gentler, more natural way. Here’s how:
1. Start by Fixing the Underlying Problem
The first step is to fix the underlying problem, meaning that you need to try to stop the water leakage that is causing the mold in the first place. Water can leak from any number of sources so it may mean that you need to fix leaky pipes or drains, cracks in your foundation, replace your windows or fix leaks in your ceiling.
Although some repairs may be costly, taking the time to do things right can permanently stop the mold growth and make your home a healthier, safer place to live.
2. Mix Your Natural Mold Killer
One of the best natural mold killers is tea tree oil. Although it is a bit on the expensive side, a little bit will go a long way and it can be used for a variety of different cleaning purposes around your home.
You can find tea tree oil at just about any health food store. I’ve also found it in the natural food/natural care sections of several grocery stores including both Fred Meyer and Safeway.
To make your natural mold killer, mix 1-2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with approximately 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Close the bottle and shake it to mix evenly.
3. Spray the Mold
Thoroughly spray down any areas where mold is growing. You may want to spray a bit beyond the edges of the visible mold to make sure that you have completely covered it.
After spraying, do not rinse the tea tree oil mixture off. Instead, allow it to dry naturally. Tea tree oil has a strong smell; however, the odor should fade away within a day or two.
Final Thoughts
If you can’t find tea tree oil you can also use a vinegar and water solution to kill mold. Just mix together in a spray bottle and spray on the surface. Again, allow it to dry naturally without rinsing.
Choosing a natural mold killer is not only better for your own health and safety, but is also better for the environment since you won’t be putting harsh chemicals down your drain.
Finally, if you have a large mold infestation or believe the mold is inside your ceiling or walls where you can’t easily get to it, your best bet is to contact a professional to help you deal with the mold problem. They will know the best way to eradicate the mold from your home ensuring the safety and comfort of your family.
