Along with looking unappealing, bathroom mould on your walls or any room, for that matter is also unhealthy and unsafe. Studies have shown that mould in the home is linked to upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in healthy people and worsening symptoms for those who have asthma.
While mould can be hazardous to your health, there are some natural remedies that you can use to get rid of it - completely chemical-free. Stay tuned for our list of 8 natural ways to clean mould off walls.
First off, what is mould, and how does it form?
Mould is a black fungus that attaches itself to surfaces in your home. Mould is caused by dampness, and you’re most likely to find it in the ‘wet areas’ of your home. For example, you may find it the bathroom or kitchen.
However, mould can be found anywhere that doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, is damp, or has poor ventilation. Mould can have serious health effects, particularly to your respiratory system. Consequently, it’s important to get rid of mould as soon as you find it.
So let’s get down to it. There are many household items that you can use to remove mould naturally:
1. Baking Soda
A little baking soda can take care of just about anything. This non-toxic product is safe for you and your pets, and it’s super easy to use. Besides killing mould, a baking soda mixture will absorb moisture and has drying properties that can prevent future mould from growing.
To kill mould with baking soda, combine a quarter tablespoon baking soda with water in a spray bottle and shake until it has dissolved. Spray mouldy walls and use a sponge or non-scratch scouring pad to clean the mould off. Rinse the surface with water to remove any residual surface mould. Spray the mouldy area one last time and let the surface dry. This will ensure you’ve gotten the last of it.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is another favourite non-toxic cleaning product that works well on mouldy walls. It makes a great cleaner and disinfectant because it’s made from acetic acid, a colourless organic compound that gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. It’s also an ingredient in some store-bought household cleaners.
The acidic nature of vinegar is so powerful it can dissolve mineral deposit, dirt, grease, and grime. It’s also strong enough to kill bacteria. Some people even combine vinegar with baking soda to kill different varieties of mould.
To kill mould with vinegar, pour white distilled vinegar into an empty spray bottle. Don’t mix it with water. Spray liberally onto mouldy surfaces, and let the vinegar sit for an hour. Then, wipe the area clean with water and let it dry.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, a natural essential oil, is harmless to pets and animals if diluted, making it a great alternative to bleach and other mould-fighting chemicals. For everyday purposes, tea tree oil has antiseptic and antiviral properties and is often used topically to treat skin abrasions, acne, bug bites, and fungal problems. It's useful for cleaning and deodorizing your household, when diluted with water in a spray bottle. Although it’s one of the pricier options, it’s also one of the most effective ones.
Combine 1 teaspoon of oil and 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray affected areas in your home and start scrubbing. If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can also mix the tea tree oil and water in a bowl and simply dip your scrubbing brush into it. Don’t rinse the solution from the wall, as it will prevent future mould from growing.
4. Borax
Borax is a powdery white mineral that has been used as a cleaning product for several decades. When Borax mixes with water, the molecules will convert to hydrogen peroxide. You can use this to clean surfaces in your kitchen or bathroom. Borax also helps fight odours that are caused by mould and mildew. Although it’s toxic if swallowed, borax doesn’t emit chemicals or dangerous fumes like other products do. It’s also affordable, and you can find it at most grocery stores for just a few dollars.
To kill mould with borax, combine 1 cup of borax for every 1 gallon of water. Use a scrubbing brush to loosen the mould from the wall. As the mould comes loose, wipe up any excess mould with a rag and then allow to dry naturally. Leave excess borax on, as it will prevent future mould from growing.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another non-toxic way to get rid of mould. It’s versatile and extremely cost-effective because of its ability to do the job of multiple cleaners. Its strong oxidizing properties make it a powerful disinfectant and cleaning solution. Unlike bleach, it’s eco-friendly, safe to work with, doesn’t exude toxic fumes and doesn’t leave toxic residue. And when used correctly, it can kill multiple germs, toxins, and bacteria. Because of its effervescent fizz, hydrogen peroxide is actually better at penetrating mould on bathroom walls than bleach.