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6 Natural Ways to Kill and Prevent Dangerous Black Mildew and Mold
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No one likes mold and mildew. Besides being ugly, it’s also dangerous. Some people are terribly allergic to mold, others develop symptoms similar to a flu or cold, and still others say the presence of mold makes them feel fatigued or even depressed.
Clinically, mold has been linked to respiratory problems, sinus infections, skin irritation, and further irritates those with allergies and asthma.
Most people turn to bleach to kill mold, but bleach (chlorine) can be just as toxic. There are plenty of other natural ways to kill mold and not risk your health.
Keep reading and discover the top 6 ways you can kill and prevent toxic black mold and mildew in your home and breathe easy once more!
1. Vodka
Did someone give you a cheap bottle of vodka that you’ve been thinking about re-gifting? Use it as a natural mold killer instead. It’s the alcohol that is going to do the work so you don’t have to use your more expensive vodka. Pour the vodka directly into a spray bottle and spritz that alcohol all over the affected area. Wait about 10 minutes, and then you can simply rinse or wipe it off with a wet towel. If that cheap vodka can kill off mold, imagine what it could do to your stomach?
2. Tea Tree Oil
This is a fantastic oil that works like a charm. Tea Tree Oil makes the perfect spray for places where you don’t want to rinse later. Spray this on a moldy ceiling, inside a musty dresser drawer, or a moldy corner or wall, such as those behind a refrigerator. Although you might think tea tree oil is too expensive to use in this way, a tiny bit goes a long way when it comes to mold. It might smell a bit strong, but that smell dissipates in a day or two.
To use this method, mix 2 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil in a spray bottle and shake well before using. Don’t rinse this one; simply allow to dry after you spray the area. This works like a charm and you will find yourself recommending this to your friends.
3. Dry It Out
Mold and mildew grow almost anywhere that is continuously wet. This means certain areas of the home, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, tend to have real problems with mold. Keeping the areas as dry as possible will go a long way towards preventing mold before it starts. When possible, open windows to let fresh air and sunshine inside. Use dehumidifiers and always fix leaky pipes as soon as possible.
Fully extend shower curtains after showering so that they can dry, and don’t leave damp towels or wet clothes to lie around for very long, especially not in corners or inside closed hampers. You can run fans to provide air circulation. Chalk is an excellent tool for absorbing moisture cheaply. Buy plain white chalk at an office supply store and leave a few sticks in dresser drawers, bathroom cabinets, or tie a dozen or so sticks together and hang it in a musty closet.
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Photo credit: bigstock.com
4. Vinegar Spray
Plain white vinegar kills about 82 percent of mildew and mold. Vinegar is super cheap and easy to use. Simply pour plain vinegar into a spray bottle and spray liberally on the affected areas. If you can live with the smell, don’t rinse.
If not, wipe the remainder of the mold off with a wet rag or rinse it well, preferably with hot water. Another option is to add a few drops of a sweet smelling essential oil, such as orange or lemon, to help mask the vinegar smell. Read more about uses for vinegar.
5. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Although this says grapefruit seed, this particular option is odorless. Many people find this option preferable when they dislike the smell of vinegar or tea tree oil. You can find grapefruit seed extract at almost any health food store. Simply mix 2 cups of water and 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract in a spray bottle. Shake well before using and spray liberally on the problem areas. Do not rinse. If you would like a nice smell, you can always add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice.
SEE ALSO: 5 Fantastic Non-Toxic Cleaners that Should be in Your Home
6. Seal Tile and Grout
After you have removed the mold or mildew from your tile or grout, you might want to consider resealing them. Grout and unfinished tile are the perfect place for mold to get a start. If you notice that the grout in your kitchen or bathroom darken when they get wet, this means that they are absorbing water. It’s not very difficult to reseal grout or tile; usually it’s as easy as painting on a colorless sealant or mopping a tile floor with the same substance. Visit your local home improvement store for information on how to do this.
Nothing seems to be as gross as finding black mold growing in your house, but on top of the yuck factor, mold is dangerous. So use one of the above methods and get rid of that black growing stuff as soon as you possibly can.
References:
David Lee
Apr 7, 2015 at 8:46 pm
Fungus cannot tolerate acid. Spray everywhere it may be a problem with plain, white vinegar. This includes your body. Whenever you get out of the shower, spray it from the top of your head to your toes. It will stop athletes foot and dandruff instantly. Also, spray it anywhere you suspect black mold in your home. Vinegar Smell? Gone in 10 minutes or less. Try it — my doctors here were amazed and they now use it.