Today I’m sharing a super simple cleaning spray you can use to get rid of mold and mildew in the bathroom, laundry room, or wherever they pop up. Despite the unappealing name… fungi aren’t all bad. But there are two particular kinds that you don’t want to see in your home: mold and mildew.
They thrive in warm, damp environments, so if they’re growing in your home, you’d most likely find them in your bathroom. If left unchecked, mold and mildew can virtually destroy a home, but most cases aren’t that dramatic. Many instances of mold and mildew can be cleaned easily, and better yet, naturally.
That’s where this DIY mold and mildew spray comes in — it only has two ingredients, so let’s take a quick look at them to better understand how they can help in the fight against mold and mildew.
What’s in It?
The main ingredient in this spray is vinegar, and all-natural cleaner and disinfectant. Regular strength vinegar can kill 99% of bacteria, 80% of viruses, and 82% of mold. It doesn’t kill as many kinds of dangerous bacteria as bleach, but it makes a great natural alternative in most situations.
Read More: 9 Amazing Uses for Vinegar That You’ll Want to Know
The second player in this spray is tea tree essential oil, which has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that make it an excellent addition to natural cleaning solutions. Put these two fungus-fighting ingredients together, and you’ve got yourself a safe and effective mold and mildew killer.
The recipe for this cleaner is one of the cleaning recipes included in my set of adhesive spray bottle labels. They’re handy for identifying various homemade cleaners, and when you’ve used them up, you have the recipe right here so you can whip up another batch!
How to Make a Mold & Mildew Cleaning Spray
You’ll need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil
- spray bottle
Directions:
Pour the vinegar and tea tree oil into a spray bottle and stir to combine.
How to Use It
Use the spray once a week to keep your tubs and showers free of mildew and mold. You can also use the spray to clean small spots of mold that are already present in your shower or tub.
(I say “small spots” because mold can be hazardous to your health. If you have more than a tiny bit of mold, be sure to consult a mold removal specialist.)
How do you keep mold and mildew at bay in your bathroom?
NEW! Can you guess the 5-letter word related to today’s post?
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Hello Jillee!
I used to use vinegar until I read about this latest research in a German newspaper (sorry for translating errors, I used google translate):
“For the control of molds in apartments, some counselors recommend a vinegar solution. However, according to the Umweltbundesamt in Dessau, this measure does not make sense.
Many building materials and especially lime caused a neutralization of vinegar. On top of that, the vinegar had organic nutrients on the material. This could even encourage fungal growth.”
What I noticed though: I am not as afraid of mould as I was when I was younger. In the past it made me freak out. Today I notice it and act. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Paula. Jillee is talking about fixing small bits of mold in the home. It’s not for large areas or commercial applications. That’s when you call in the specialists.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Perfect tip for these wet months. I was about to buy some glass spray bottles anyway, but thought about one thing. The glass is an alternative to plastic bottles that can interact with EOs. But what about the spray tube? Won’t that interact and/or degrade?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve always wondered that, too! But I’ve looked closely and never noticed any problems. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Does your mold and mildew cleaner kill the fungi spores also? Since, spores go airborne is it safe to use the solution on surfaces where they could of landed? Is there a formula to use on finished wood to get into crevices where the hide?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Melaleuca oil is another name for tea tree oil.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Which essential oil would you recommend as a substitute of melaleuca oil?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Tea tree oil – same thing.
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