Household mildew and mold often present health complications. It’s proven to encourage asthma, yeast infections, colds and allergies, and is thought to induce not only depression, but mood swings as well. The preferred technique to remove the problem is to prevent it. However, the issue with mold and mildew is we often don’t realize that it’s forming until it’s suddenly there!
If you’re one of the lucky ones, stay on top of mold prevention before it becomes a real problem. There are a lot of commercial products that can solve the problem, but they can also encourage it to worsen. The question now becomes: how can we do this without using harsh chemicals? There are a few simple things that you have to do first to start the mold treatment.
Dry out the Moisture
Damp areas promote the growth of mold and mildew. A house can hold a variety of different spots that are great for accumulating moisture and housing mold. You can dry out these damp areas using a dehumidifier, or by sprinkling arrowroot powder on the affected area.
Fix leaks
Your home undergoes a lot of wear tear, which can create leaks and cracks in the roof or pipes. These leaks can worsen the conditions of damp areas, encouraging mold to grow. You need to find any leaks in the house, and fix them.
Improve the Air Circulation
By strategically placed fans, you can boost the air circulation in your home. Improved air circulation prevents mold and other bacteria from hiding out in the air.
Enter the Sun
Natural light can aid in preventing mold and mildew from growing. If areas like the basement become particularly bad, a UV light will kill almost 100% of the mold hiding out in the area.
Natural Mold Removal
I have found a few tried and true remedies that can kill mold easily. Below are the best ones.
1. Tea Tree
Tea tree oil is optimal in killing mold naturally. By combining a tablespoon of the tea tree oil for each cup of water, you can create a mold-killing concoction. Load the mixture into a spray bottle, shake well and douse the areas containing mold. Don’t rinse it off as that would completely ruin the effort you’ve just made.
2. Grapefruit Seed
Grapefruit seed spray is made from grapefruit seed extracts (external use only). Combine the extract with water in a ratio roughly 20 drops per 1 cup. Shake well, and spray the area. Just as with the tea tree spray, don’t rinse the area. Let it dry and you’ll find the mold destroyed.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
The mixture for the hydrogen peroxide spray needs to be made carefully. You must have a large batch to ensure that you can do one application at a time. Combine 2 parts water with 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide. This mixture can be sprayed directly onto the mold, and must be left to dry.
4. Vinegar
For this, you’ll need a spray bottle of pure white vinegar. First, you need to scrub the molding with hot water and castile soap. Second, spray heaps of vinegar onto the mold spots.
Resources
I know everyone wants to learn how they can create useful homemade creations that are toxin-free. There are a number of books available that can provide a wealth of information to anyone wanting to learn more.
- Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living
- Make Your Place: Affordable & Sustainable Nesting Skills
- The Naturally Clean Home: 150 Super-Easy Herbal Formulas for Green Living
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