Mold and mildew are not just unsightly and stinky, but hard to clean and annoying when it returns within a matter of days or weeks. Even with the best of cleaning efforts, humid, damp, and dark or mostly dark places are prone to developing mold and mildew. The trick to keep it under control and prevent it from returning so frequently is to use the right cleaner. Chemistry is key to killing nasty mold and mildew.
Try this recipe for a homemade mold and mildew cleaner that is:
- Green and safe to use around all members in the home even kids and pets
- Powerful against mold and mildew and helps prevent re-growth
- Easy to make and fairly cost-effective
- Smells amazing (you may be sad you don’t get to use it more often)
You will Need:
- White Distilled Vinegar- a natural acid that attacks and kills mold spores and aids in the prevention of its return
- Lemon Essential Oil- an antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, and antifungal cleaning powerhouse
- Tea Tree Essential Oil- a strong anti-fungal that is able to kill mold and mildew as well as prevent it from returning
- An 8 ounce or larger spray bottle, a glass one would be best
How to Make this Incredible Green Mold and Mildew Cleaner
Step 1: Pour one cup of white distilled vinegar into the spray bottle.
Step 2: Add 20 drops of the lemon essential oil to the vinegar in the spray bottle.
Step 3: Add 40 drops of the tea tree essential oil to the spray bottle with the lemon essential oil and vinegar.
Step 4: Place the sprayer into the bottle, twist tightly closed, and gently shake the spray bottle just enough to combine the vinegar, lemon oil, and tea tree oil.
Tips: Print a cute sicker label for your spray bottle and keep with all of your bathroom cleaning essentials. You can also help your label to stick better by cleaning the outside of the bottle with a little rubbing alcohol first.
How to Use this Green Mold and Mildew Cleaner
-Start by putting on some cleaning gloves, and maybe a mask if you are allergic or sensitive to mold.
-Shake the bottle of homemade cleaning solution each time before using to clean
-Spray the cleaning solution directly onto the mold and/or mildew area and let it sit for at least an hour to eat away at spores
-Scrub with a scrub brush and wipe away with a microfiber cloth until mold and mildew are gone
-If needed spray a second time to get stubborn left behind spores and stains
-Let the area air dry there is no need to rinse clean
Related Read: Design Ideas for an Easier to Clean Home
Tips to Prevent Mold and Mildew from Returning
Always turn on the fan/vent while bathing and at least 30 minutes after leaving the water.
Keep the humidity level in the bathroom under 50%, if you need to get a dehumidifier to get levels where they need to be, do so.
Use the green mold and mildew spray on a weekly basis to prevent mold and mildew from returning.
Consider having surfaces like tile, grout, and natural stone deep cleaned and sealed by a professional cleaning company. Deep cleaning will clean and sanitize the deepest crevices in your bathroom and make preventive cleaning and care much easier.
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