What Chemicals are Safe to Use for Mould
By Ruth MacEachern
Product Manager
Dec 18, 2024
Mould is an unwelcome guest in any home, and those nasty looking dark patches on the ceilings and walls in damp areas can be more than just an eyesore. Mould can pose serious health risks, especially for those with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems like children and the elderly.
Domestic mould thrives in damp, humid environments and can spread quickly if not addressed. Tackling mould promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining a healthy home.
While dedicated mould sprays and bleach can be used to remove mould, many people want to avoid the use of these chemicals in their home as they can create unwelcome smells and potentially damage surfaces when used. Thankfully, there are safe alternatives that will still remove mould effectively but are less harsh.
Household products you can use to remove mould
Inhaling mould or getting it on your skin can trigger allergic responses, cause irritation, and even lead to respiratory problems, so it’s important to protect yourself when cleaning mould.
Wear eye protection and a face mask, as well as gloves and old clothes. Any cloths that you use to clean the mould should be disposed of after use to prevent the spread of mould to other areas.
If you suspect that the mould growing in your home may be Stachybotrys Chartarum – often known as toxic black mould – you should arrange for it to be professionally cleaned, as the mycotoxins that the mould releases can be extremely damaging to your health.
White vinegar
White vinegar has anti-fungal properties that can kill mould and slow its regrowth. To use white vinegar to remove mould, you should pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it directly to the mouldy area.
It will need time to soak into the mould and kill off the growth, so allow it to sit for at least an hour before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing with water.
Baking soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate is a mild alkali that will act as an antifungal. When used for cleaning, baking soda is also abrasive and will help to remove stains from walls where mould patches have been found.
Mix one part baking soda with one part water to create a thick paste and then apply to the mouldy area, scrub with a brush, and rinse with water.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that has antibacterial and antifungal properties that make it effective at killing mould.
Mix equal parts of dilute hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration) and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the mould, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse with water.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that can effectively kill mould and stop it from growing back as quickly.
Mix one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the mould, let it sit for a few hours, and then wipe clean.
Lemon juice
Like white vinegar, lemon juice has natural acidic properties that can break down mould and leaves a fresh scent behind after use.
Apply freshly squeezed lemon juice directly to the mouldy area, let it sit for five minutes, then scrub and rinse with water.
Stopping Mould
While cleaning mould with household products is effective, preventing mould growth in the first place is even better. The key to long-term mould prevention is reducing humidity levels in your home through proper ventilation. Here are some tips:
Ensuring that the extractor fans in your bathroom and kitchen are working properly and are used when cooking and bathing will help to reduce the amount of water vapour in the air. Modern extractor fans such as the EnviroVent Cyclone 8 feature humidity sensors that detect the amount of moisture in the air and adjust their power levels to remove it as quickly as possible to prevent it spreading to other areas.
Whole house ventilation systems such as PIV (Positive Input Ventilation) can be retrofitted into most properties. These systems use a central unit mounted in the loft to draw air into your home and then release it around the property to displace the humid air through natural gaps. They are extremely efficient in use, and have the benefit of improving air circulation, which means that your home will heat more efficiently.
Get help today
If you have found patches of mould in your home, it is important to act quickly to reduce the risk to your health. Book a FREE home survey from one of EnviroVent’s local ventilation specialists. They can visit your property, identify the sources of moisture that are creating the conditions for mould to grow and then provide you with advice about the best solution to your mould problem. Enter your postcode below to find an expert near you.
