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3 natural mould removers that are highly effective

Great alternatives to bleach.
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If you’ve found mould growing in your home – whether it be in the bathroom, in the wardrobe or somewhere totally unexpected – it can be tempting to reach for the harshest possible cleaning products to get the situation under control. But did you know natural mould removers can be just as effective at killing mould spores as commercial products? 

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Microbiology professor Dee Carter of the University of Sydney says the most important aspect of getting rid of mould is to check for sources of excessive moisture. “Mould could be growing in a wall or ceiling cavity if there has been a leak or ingress of water,” she says. If the area you live in is experiencing temporarily high levels of humidity, this could also cause mould growth in the short term, and dehumidifiers may help in this scenario. 

Want to tackle the mould in your home naturally? Here are three effective natural mould removers to try. 

How to make a natural mould remover spray
Love cleaning with natural products? Here are 5 DIY cleaning spray recipes you can make at home. (Photography: Brent Wilson)
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1. Undiluted white vinegar

White vinegar is said to kill around 82 percent of mould colonies. It’s a natural, non-toxic product and is colourless, meaning it won’t stain grout, clothing or carpet. Vinegar is best for small amounts of mould. Just pop some straight vinegar into a spray bottle, spray, leave for an hour, wipe off with warm water. Note: Vinegar will kill mould and its spores, but it may not remove mould stains. This is where a hydrogen peroxide cleaning solution could come in handy.

2. Tea tree oil or clove oil and water

This combination is usually the most effective method of naturally removing mould. Add 15 drops of your chosen oil into a spray bottle – prefer oil of cloves to all the others. Spray onto mouldy areas and leave for two hours, spray a bit more, wipe away.

light bright small bathroom design with wooden features like floor mat, towel rack and small side table. big freestanding bath in the middle and vanity with white accents to the left
(Photography: Chris L. Jones | Styling: Vanessa Tidy)

3. Vodka

And now for something completely different, did you know vodka is great for cleaning? The cheaper the better. Pop some straight vodka into your nifty spray bottle. Spray, leave for an hour, wipe off with warm water.

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How to prevent mould growing in your home

The best goal you can have is to try and prevent mould and mildew from growing in the first place. You can achieve this by:

  • Ensuring your home and particularly water sourced rooms have adequate ventilation.
  • Bring sunshine into your home at every opportunity. Open the blinds, the windows and doors. 
  • Direct water away from your home (check for leaks and water flow during heavy rainfall).  Look for opportunities to install drainage. 
  • Dry wet areas immediately.
  • Ensure drainage is kept free-flowing – gutters, pipes and trenches.  Look for leaf litter that might be clogging things up.
  • Clean indoor plants regularly by dusting the leaves and making sure puddles of water are cleared up.  
  • Introduce mould-resistant products into your home (treated paints and building materials, non-organic fabrics).
  • Air your home well after periods of rainfall or humid days.  Be aware these are times mould breeds worse. 
  • Wipe condensation build-up from windows and walls after humid or wet days. 
  • Spray fabrics regularly with a mix of 3 drops Oil of Cloves in 5 cups water and leave to dry completely.
  • Spray surfaces regularly with a disinfectant, antibacterial spray.

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