5 Ways to Kill Mold Naturally

Mold and mildew are natural byproducts of a humid environment—but that doesn't mean you want to share your house with the spores. Rather than turning to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or borax, to banish mold, there are natural ways to kill it that won't hurt your family, animals, or the environment.

Here are six ways to get rid of mold naturally with care for people, pets, and the planet.

1. Vinegar

Though you can dilute it with water to cut the pungent scent, vinegar works best as a mold killer when sprayed straight up from a bottle onto the offending area. Leave it on for a few hours, then scrub the mold with a brush. If the vinegar smell bothers you, add a few drops of an essential oil like lavendar, but otherwise, know that the powerful scent will be gone when you return from running errands or work. Studies have shown that white vinegar kills 82 percent of mold spores, as well as viruses and bacteria. Vinegar can also prevent mold if you spray it on surfaces and leave it to dry.

2. Tea Tree Oil Solution

Tea tree oil, though effective as a natural mold remover, is more expensive than some other eco-friendly remedies. But, just two teaspoons of tea tree oil mixed with two cups of water can last you a while. Spray the solution onto the mold spores but don't rinse. Like vinegar, tea tree oil has a strong scent, which will dissipate within a few days.

3. Citrus Seed Extract and Water

Unlike vinegar and tea tree oil, citrus seed extract (such as grapefruit seed extract) doesn't have an odor. Dilute about 20 drops of extract with two cups of water in a spray bottle and spray onto the mold. As with the other solutions, don't rinse.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Spray three percent hydrogen peroxide from a bottle onto the moldy surface and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Scrub clean, then wipe with a damp cloth to remove residual mold spores. You can also use hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together, and then store the bottle in a dark area (light breaks down the potency of the hydrogen peroxide).

5. Baking Soda

Used with vinegar and water or alone with water, baking soda is effective at removing mold naturally. Dissolve baking soda into water or a water-and-vinegar solution, and spray onto the moldy surface. Let it sit, then scrub and wipe with a damp cloth. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant and extremely mild, so this solution will clean mold without leaving a scent.

Mold Prevention

How do you prevent mold naturally? Wipe damp surfaces frequently, run a dehumidifier (or try some DIY approaches), spray vinegar onto damp surfaces (such as showers) when you’re through using them, and, above all, be vigilant about preventing and fixing leaks. Mold is natural, but in the house, not so much.