Three Ways to Kill Mold Naturally

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Three Ways to Kill Mold Naturally

By Annie B. Bond, author of Home Enlightenment (Rodale, 2005).Simple Solution

A proliferation of mold and mildew can be the hallmark of hot and humid summers.

I have a friend who has green mold growing on the shoes in her closet! A

humidifier might be the best help for her, but there are also three natural

materials that can be used as a spray to kill mold and mildew. They are all an

excellent substitute for less environmentally safe bleach.

Learn these three tricks for killing mold and mildew. One of these you most

likely already have in your kitchen cupboard:

Over the years I have found three natural ingredients that kill mold: tea tree

oil (an essential oil found in most health food stores), grapefruit seed

extract, and vinegar. There are pros and cons of each, but all three work.

Vinegar is by far the cheapest. Tea tree oil is expensive, but it is a broad

spectrum fungicide and seems to kill all the mold families it contacts. The

problem is that it has a very strong smell, but that dissipates in a few days.

Grapefruit seed extract is also expensive, but has no smell. Click here for how

to use these three ingredients in your home, to kill mold and mildew.

Mold can be dangerous to your health, even if you aren't allergic. Many

people react to mold by getting tired and even depressed. Try to stay on top of

moisture and mold as soon as either arises. Dry out anything that is damp,

such as basements (use a dehumidifier), and carpets. Fix leaks in plumbing and

roofs. Wipe up spills. Make sure water doesn't escape from shower curtains.

Vigilance will pay off!

* Tea Tree Treasure

Nothing natural works for mold and mildew as well as this spray. I've used it

successfully on a moldy ceiling from a leaking roof, on a musty bureau, a musty

rug, and a moldy shower curtain. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a

very long way. Note that the smell of tea tree oil is very strong, but it will

dissipate in a few days.

2 teaspoons tea tree oil

2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not

rinse.

Makes 2 cups

Preparation Time: Under a minute

Shelf Life: Indefinite

Storage: Leave in the spray bottle

* Grapefruit Seed Extract

The advantage of using grapefruit seed extract instead of tea tree oil for

killing mold is that it is odorless.

20 drops grapefruit seed extract

2 cups water

Combine in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and spray on problem areas. Do not

rinse.

Makes 2 cups

Preparation Time: A minute or so

Shelf Life: Indefinite

Storage: Leave in the spray bottle

* Vinegar Spray

Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white

distilled vinegar straight into a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area, and

let set without rinsing if you can put up with the smell. It will dissipate in

a few hours.