The third and final chapter of blog posts providing advice on how to remove mould with household products. Read the previous first installment and second installment here.
by Scott McPhillips
Mould Removal with Baking Soda
Baking soda is another item that is easily found in most households. It is environmentally friendly and is a great cleaning agent when used correctly. Baking soda has the added advantage of saving you money and keeps the household safe for any little ones that may be running around wanting to get into things.
Simply add a ¼ of a tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle and fill with water. Shake well to dissolve the baking soda and then spray the mould affected area with the solution.
Using a sponge and/or scrubbing brush (depending on the extent of the mould) remove all mould from the surface. Once you have cleaned the area well, rinse it with water to remove any residual mould. Then spray the area again and leave it on the surface to dry. This will kill any leftover mould and prevent its return.
Mould Removal with Tea Tree Oil
One of the most natural and effective ways to combat mould is with tea tree oil. Despite its expense, only the smallest amount of tea tree oil is required to kill mould.
Tea tree oil has the overall advantage of being harmless to people and pets. It is antifungal and capable of killing all types of moulds, as well as being antibacterial.
Add 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil and 1 cup of water to a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the mouldy surface and wipe the area clean with a wet warm cloth. Repeat the process if required. Next, spay the affected area again and leave until it dries. This will help prevent mould from returning.
Tea tree oil has a strong smell, however, it will dissipate after some time. You will be able to keep using this solution for a long time afterwards as tea tree oil does not lose its potency quickly.
Recommendations
There is no right way or wrong way of removing mould from surfaces in households or other buildings, unless you are mixing chemicals – that is a definite no.
The removal of mould is never an easy process. However, if you choose to use the more environmentally and family friendly options, you will save money, reduce the amount of times you have to do a thorough clean, and avoid having your home or building smelling like a hospital ward.
By getting in and aggressively attacking mould when it appears goes a long way in managing the mould issue and ensuring the ongoing health and safety of the occupants of the building.
In the event you find there is still mould reappearing after cleaning your surfaces you may then have moisture issues. These will then need to be resolved by other means, for example, rising damp issues or ongoing dampness will need to be resolved with the appropriate tradesperson to prevent ongoing mould problems.
Previous Posts in Series:
Ways to Remove Mould: Part One
Ways to Remove Mould: Part Two
