Cleaning Mould Without Harmful Chemicals

Cleaning Mould Without Harmful Chemicals

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

Mould can be a persistent and troublesome problem in homes, particularly in damp and poorly ventilated areas. While commercial mould removers are effective, they often contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.

Fortunately, there are several products that you might already have in your home that can be used to clean mould from walls and ceilings without resorting to bleach and other chemicals.

Here’s how you can clean mould effectively without resorting to harmful chemicals and what you need to know about long-term prevention.

Common household products for cleaning mould

If you’ve found patches of mould growing on your walls, there are products that you might have in your kitchen cupboard that can be used to clean surfaces easily.

When cleaning mould in your home, it is important to protect yourself.  Wear eye protection, gloves and a facemask to avoid ingesting any of the mould spores that will be released and dispose of any cloths and brushes after you have finished.  If you are worried that you have toxic black mould in your home (also called Stachybotrys Chartarum), or you have allergic reactions to mould it is best to have the mould professionally cleaned.

White vinegar

White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill up to 82% of mould species. Simply pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it directly to the mouldy area.

You will need to let it sit for at least an hour before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing with water.

Baking soda

Baking soda is another effective mould cleaner. Mix one quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to create a mixture with the consistency of toothpaste.

Apply the paste to the mouldy area, scrub with a brush, and rinse with water. You can also mix baking soda with white vinegar for an even more powerful solution.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is safe for the environment and doesn’t leave a toxic residue. It is also a potent antifungal and antibacterial agent. Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected area.

Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub the mould away and rinse with water.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is more expensive than some of the other products that you can use to remove mould, but it is a highly effective natural fungicide that leaves a pleasant scent after use.

Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the mouldy surface and let it sit for at least an hour before wiping it off.

Lemon juice

Like white vinegar, lemon juice is mildly acidic and has natural antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Spray fresh lemon juice over the mouldy area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.

Long-term mould prevention

Cleaning mould from surfaces is only a temporary solution. To prevent mould from returning, it’s essential to address the underlying causes.

Mould usually grows in a moist or damp environment and as such, the most effective ways of preventing mould from becoming a problem is to reduce the amount of humidity in your home.

Installing extractor fans like the EnviroVent Cyclone 8 in bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas can help remove excess humidity and improve air circulation.

If you discover mould away from an obvious source of moisture, whole house ventilation system can provide continuous air exchange, reducing humidity levels throughout the home. Solutions like the EnviroVent ATMOS Positive Input Ventilation system draw fresh air in from outside your home to displace stale and humid air and reduce the risk of mould growth.

Find out more

If you have discovered mould patches in your home and are worried about the potential impact on your health, our local ventilation specialists can help.  Enter your postcode below to find an expert in your area.  They can visit your home and conduct a free survey that will identify the causes of condensation and mould and provide advice about the best solution for your needs.