Got Mold?

It’s that time of year again – summer.  Not only are temperatures rising around America,  some portions of the country also have  high humidity. This makes the perfect breeding ground for mold.

Mold is Hazardous to Your Health

It is tough enough to deal with heat and humidity, but when mold decides to spread its love,  this can cause a host of health conditions. Reactions to mold can be minor such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation or wheezing, to more severe reactions including asthma, headaches, nosebleeds, chronic fatigue and skin rashes.

Often mold “cures” (i.e. chemicals), are more toxic than the mold itself.  But don’t worry, mother nature always provides.  There are several safe, non-toxic products that can be used to remove mold from your home.

Tea Tree Oil – Vacuum any lose mold with a HEPA filter (throw out after).  In a spray bottle, add 2 Tbsp of tea tree oil to 2 cups water and shake.  Spray on infected areas.  Do not wipe off .  Strong smell will dissipate in a few days.

Borax Soap – Use a solution of 1 cup of borax to 1 gallon of water.  Scrub the solution with a brush.  Wipe up the excess mold particles so they won’t spread when dry.  Do not rinse.  Let dry.

Hydrogen Peroxide –  Pour a 3% concentrate into a spray bottle.  Saturate the area and let it sit about 10 minutes.  Use a scrub  brush to remove mold.  Wipe the surface down to remove any residue.  Store remaining peroxide in a dark bottle or cupboard because the light will diminish its effectiveness.

Grapeseed Extract – In a spray bottle, add 30 drops of grapeseed extract and 2 cups of water.  Spray the mold thoroughly.  Do not rinse.  Let dry.

Bleach – This method is only good for non-porous surfaces.  Unlike some of the other methods, bleach will not absorb into wood and softer surfaces.  Use a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and spray or sponge affected area.  Do not rinse.  You may have to re-apply.

When you use natural methods to remove mold, you may have to repeat the procedure a few times, or alternate between the various methods.  Good luck!

To your Health!

Peter Gillham