MOLD is not my friend. It’s not welcome in my home and never will be. I have lived in 3 rentals that had serious mold problems – one had Stachybotrys {also known as “black mold”} discovered after 2 years of living there and these others had massive amounts of Aspergillus penicillium and Cladosporium and extremely high levels of Wallemia sebi and Penicillium brevicompactum and a whole slew of other strains.
Please note, serious mold problems need to be dealt with by a licensed mold professional. Do let anyone who is not a licensed mold professional {including you, a landlord, contractor, etc.} start removing anything {walls, flooring, carpet, wallpaper, etc.} or disturbing the mold, this will only further damage your home and your health. If you suspect you have a mold problem and don’t know where to start, check out momsAWARE and Hybrid Rasta Mama for really helpful info – where to begin, mold 101, mold testing, mold remediation, symptoms of exposure, etc.
Most homes have small amounts of common household mold and surface mold from time to time, especially in bathrooms. It’s important to clean them as often as possible and as soon as you see the mold, before it becomes a problem.
How do I combat that issue? With a homemade anti mold spray and bathroom cleaner!
VINEGAR + TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL
Both vinegar and tea tree essential oil are known for helping combat mold. Combining the two makes one powerful homemade anti mold spray.
Homemade Anti Mold Spray & Bathroom Cleaner
Use this homemade anti mold spray to help combat surface mold buildup and clean surface mold. It’s also great for a common household cleaner.
You’ll Need:
- Distilled White Vinegar, Pure Melaleuca Alternifolia Essential Oil {aka Tea Tree Oil} {you can buy tea tree oil here … be sure that it’s real pure 100% tea tree essential oil or it may not work. Many store bought oils are not pure – learn more about it here.}
- Water
- Empty, Clean Spray Bottle {glass bottle preferably, old apple cider vinegar jars work great}
Instructions:
1. Fill empty spray bottle at least half full with vinegar {if you can stand the vinegar smell, I usually make mine a bit stronger with an 80:20 ratio of vinegar and water instead of 50:50}.
2. Fill the rest of the spray bottle with water, leaving about a 1 inch gap at the top of the bottle.
3. Add drops of essential oil{s} – 1 teaspoon of essential oil for every 1 cup of vinegar/water solution.
How To Use:
- When ready to use the cleaner, shake vigorously to combine the essential oils throughout the mixture. Spray on surface to clean.
- To help remove mold – generously spray on showers, shower doors, walls, tubs, etc. and LET SIT as a preventative, do not wipe down. The smell will be strong but it will go away.
- Tip: Large stores like Target usually carry 1 gallons of white vinegar for around $2-3. This is the best price that I have found for vinegar anywhere.
Note: This homemade anti mold spray is only intended for surface mold on non-porous surfaces. Mold cannot be completely cleaned from porous surfaces like clothing, particle board, mattresses, paper, etc.
If you still find that you’re having trouble cleaning mold in your bathroom, here’s a great household cleaning tool that helps remove and clean mold {using very hot steam}. It’s great for cleaning floors, tile, grout, etc. It even helps removes rust and organic matter.
Ways to Reduce Moisture in Your Home
- Use Dehumidifers to dry out dampness. Look for mini dehumidifers for small rooms or regular dehumidifers for larger spaces.
- If you have a water leak, fix is immediately.
- Use fans and/or ceiling fans to keep air circulating in your home, cross ventilation is very important.
- Open your windows and let the light in! Sunshine helps dry out moisture.
- Use moisture absorbers {like these natural bamboo charcoal bags} in your home, specifically in areas that gather the most moisture. They are commonly made from charcoal, rock salt, clay etc. My family also uses this in our bathroom. It works great for small areas.
To Help Clean Your Indoor Household Air
- I highly recommend using True HEPA Air Filtration Purifiers {not HEPA-Type}. They are portable and can be moved from room to room. It’s especially important to use in the room{s} you sleep in. I use this one in Little Love’s bedroom. We use this one in our bedroom. Look for models that work for the space you need like this one for medium size rooms.
- Change your indoor filters every 1-3 months {1-2 months is ideal}, and always when the season changes. Replace with high quality filters, not the cheap ones that don’t clean the air {cheap ones won’t help you save money on your electric bill either}. Make sure to look for brands that filter mold, viruses, dander, etc. I use these high quality filters.
- Open your windows to get fresh air as much as possible. Outdoor air quality is usually better than indoor air quality.
- Use Nebulizer Diffusers with essential oils. I recommend using pure therapeutic grade essential oils like Purification to help clean the air or Thieves {you can buy them here} which is known to support the immune system.
- Use Himalayan Salt Lamps in your home. Not only are they absolutely beautiful, but they’re known for helping clean the air + block harmful EMFs {electromagnetic fields}. When heated, they release negative ions to help purify the air. My family uses this one … but this one and this one are beautiful too.
- Some indoor house plants can help clean the indoor air quality. Be careful about moisture though, watering indoor plants can add extra moisture to your home.
Note: I do NOT recommend the use of Bleach. During my personal experience with toxic mold, I learned from toxic mold professionals that bleach should not be used to clean mold. They shared that it actually makes the problem worse releasing the mold spores into the air for you then to breathe. It’s also highly toxic and emits a gas that can cause damage to your lungs. Read more here to find out why chlorine bleach is so harmful.
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Amber says
February 8, 2014 at 6:49 pmHi Emily,
This is such an excellent, comprehensive post! In college we lived in an apartment in Sac with a mold problem and it was very persistent and I found myself cleaning and cleaning the same space many times (this was before my health problems, and thus my before my enlightenment and knowledge of all things holistic and alternative). I used bleach A LOT. YIKES!!!!
On another note, I’ve been looking for a new air filter. We have a pretty good one that emits zero ozone, has UV and all that good stuff, but we need another one and I’m looking for updated technology. So I am ordering the one you suggested (that you use in Little Love’s room) – so thank you for this reference.
And finally, I just LOVE your vinegar solution. I agree that vinegar is so powerful. I use it for many things around the house (and in my laundry). It’s good for people to know they can kill mold with your safe solution!
Sharing!!
Hugs,
–Amber
Emily Sunwell says
February 9, 2014 at 1:29 amAww thanks Amber. Mold is so nasty! I used to use bleach too, yuck. I stopped when I learned more about chemicals.
You’re so sweet. I hope you like the filter. It’s been great for us and it’s quiet too. I originally found it on a site that talks all about allergen products, I wish I could remember the name.
I love vinegar for everything too 🙂 and love it for Tiny Love’s diapers as a rinse.
Take care and thanks again. xo
Anonymous says
February 9, 2014 at 10:30 amWell peppermint oil work to don’t have any tea tree oil on hand
Emily Sunwell says
February 10, 2014 at 2:15 amNo, unfortunately peppermint oil will not work.
Matthew DeSantis says
November 6, 2014 at 4:10 amHello, I have read this article on homemade anti-mold spray, and I was wondering if Citronella would be an effective alternative to Tea Tree oil, as I’ve heard it’s pretty effective at killing bacteria and insects. Would you suggest citronella as an alternate ingredient in your anti-mold spray?
Thanks in advance!
-Matthew
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
November 6, 2014 at 11:40 amNo, I would not suggest citronella as an alternative. Tea Tree essential oil is recommended by many mold remediation companies and mold experts. Citronella has lots of other uses, but I have never read anything about it having the properties to combat mold.
N.McBee says
November 14, 2014 at 7:20 amThis is really a brilliant post! You have no idea how much you hlep me! I have horrible problems with moisture and mold at home! Thanks a lot! Greets!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
November 14, 2014 at 12:02 pmThank you! Hope it helps out.
Marlene says
December 16, 2014 at 5:58 amExcellent post! I hate cleaning mold because I usually associate it with using very toxic cleaning products! I love the natural cleaning methods so I am very happy to find you post! Thanks a lot! Greetings!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
December 17, 2014 at 1:09 pmGlad you found it helpful.
Sydney says
April 2, 2017 at 1:25 pmAbout how long does it normally take to knock the mold out? I’ve just sprayed it and am antsy to see the results ?
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
April 2, 2017 at 3:09 pmIt depends on what kind of mold you have and how severe it is. This only works with cleaning surface mold. If you’re letting it sit, you can let it sit overnight and the next day reapply and wipe it clean.
Samantha says
December 30, 2014 at 5:55 pmGreat post! Will this only work as a preventative or will it work to remove existing mold? I’m seeing some black/dark brown areas in my shower and I want to get rid of them safely!
Thanks 🙂
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
December 30, 2014 at 9:13 pmThanks! You can use it for both. Depending on the severity, it might take several treatments.
Trudi says
July 27, 2016 at 9:17 pmI am wanting to use this solution to remove mold spots in my shower. After spraying the solution, should I wipe it off to remove the mold or let sit like you recommended?
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
July 29, 2016 at 11:31 amYou could try letting it sit, then reapplying and wiping it off.
Katrina says
January 3, 2015 at 4:39 pmEnjoyed the post! I have a 2 year old and the cold bugs have been thru our home long enough . I very recently started researching natural ways to clean and disinfect and I’ve been excited to be using my mixtures this week. How long can the vinegar, water and tea tree oil solution sit in a spray bottle? I added alittle dish detergent for extra cleaning and love it. I’ve also just been spritz in the house each day with tea tree, thieves and water vs. Lysol … I’m loving essential oils!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
January 4, 2015 at 12:51 pmThe vinegar – tea tree oil mixture can be left in the spray bottle for as long as needed. I have never had an issue with it. I usually go through a full spray bottle every other month. I love essential oils too 🙂
Anna @Green Talk says
April 6, 2015 at 9:41 amI have used hydrogen peroxide on mold as well. We have stone in our bathroom and vinegar would eat it alive.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
April 6, 2015 at 2:17 pmThere are lots of great ways to clean mold off of non-porous surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide is one good alternative as long as it is fresh and not stored in light – as light breaks down the potency in hydrogen peroxide. Distilled white vinegar, essential oils and baking soda are all wonderful options for non-porous surfaces. I don’t have experience with stone. It’s good that you know what works best for you.
Stephanie says
July 8, 2015 at 12:35 amGreat info, I’m going to be making a bottle tomorrow!
I know you say to only use it on non-porous surfaces, do you have a suggestion for porous surfaces? I have noticed white mold spots on the bottom of my little one’s playpen that we keep in our living room. Do you know of anything that could help that? Thank you!!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
July 8, 2015 at 11:54 amHi Stephanie, this cleaner can be very helpful for surface mold. Unfortunately mold really cannot be cleaned on porous surfaces. You could try using it, but the thing with porous surfaces is that it will most likely come back because the mold never really goes away. Here’s a couple of other ideas for cleaning that might help – Natural Ways to Clean and Remove Mold, from Hybrid Rasta Mama.
Cat says
July 24, 2015 at 2:07 pmThanks for posting simple instructions on how to make this amazing cleaner! I finally have my first adult home, and I’m inspired to try all-natural cleaning products!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
July 25, 2015 at 1:07 pmHow exciting! I’m so happy to hear you’re inspired to try all-natural cleaning products 🙂 Very cool!
Same Day Inspection says
September 10, 2015 at 7:45 amThanks for the tips you shared. Very useful for me. We have a house with some foundation damage. Because of that, water has been coming into the basement whenever it rains. And now my tension relief.
Jennifer says
January 1, 2016 at 5:53 pmDo you know if this is safe to use on an acrylic shower stall? The manufacturer says to only use Dawn dishwashing liquid, but that doesn’t do anything to the mold.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
January 2, 2016 at 3:01 pmI would think it’s fine, if you do a quick internet search it seems as though vinegar is safe for acrylic. Dawn is a name brand soap, and I’m guessing there is a contract with the company if the manufacturer is using that brand as a suggestion. Sorry, I can’t say for sure. I would suggest maybe doing an internet search so you feel more comfortable about it.
Pamela Patterson says
January 31, 2016 at 10:01 amHi Emily,
Love your blog! Just wanted to let you know that I get 2-1gallon jugs of vinegar at Same Club for about 3 bucks!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
January 31, 2016 at 11:40 amThat’s an awesome deal!
Kate says
February 9, 2016 at 12:38 pmIt wasn’t until recently that I realized that the dark dust I was cleaning every week in my bathroom corner was mold. Apparently it could have happened from never turning on the bathroom fan. We just hate the noise, it is so loud and obnoxious! I will have to try this concoction, thank you for sharing!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
February 10, 2016 at 11:25 amOh no! Mold is such a pest and sneaks up so easily.
J+E says
March 17, 2016 at 8:16 amWhat an informative post! I love DIY ideas and super clean products for the home. Thanks for sharing!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
March 17, 2016 at 4:42 pmThanks! 🙂
linda spiker says
March 17, 2016 at 9:07 amHow easy is that!? Pinned.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
March 17, 2016 at 4:42 pm😉 pretty simple. Thanks for the pin!
beth says
March 17, 2016 at 12:33 pmSuch a great post! I’m sorry you had to learn all this the hard way. Great to know about bleach, I never would have thought it could make the problem worse.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
March 17, 2016 at 4:44 pmThanks Beth! 🙂 It’s all good, we’ve just learned to find the beauty in all of it.
Karen says
March 17, 2016 at 2:52 pmLove this spray!! Great to add tea tree oil. I usually use vinegar only but tea tree oil definitely boosts the mild killing power.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
March 17, 2016 at 4:44 pmI love vinegar too, but you’re right, for mold related stuff, the tea tree really helps. 🙂
Elaina says
March 17, 2016 at 7:04 pmGreat recipe! I really need to buy another spray bottle so I can make up a batch of this to spray in my shower and tub everyday!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
March 18, 2016 at 4:30 pmI need to get another bottle too 🙂 Thanks for the reminder.
Melissa says
March 29, 2016 at 4:15 pmYou mentioned using old ACV bottles, but where do you get a sprayer that will fit?
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
March 30, 2016 at 4:16 pmThey sell the sprayers online, but you can always use an old one from a different bottle … just make sure it’s clean and safe to use.
Michelle Childs says
March 18, 2016 at 5:53 amGreat Post! Important information and you covered all the stuff that most sites don’t mention. Mold is horrible! We had a mold problem in our lower level after putting in a closet and didn’t discover it until a year later. The lower level of our house is concrete a tri-level house with a daylight basement. Putting in the closet closed off air circulation and collected moisture in the corner that went from floor to ceiling. It wasn’t horrible but it was nasty. I used vinegar and tea tree like in your recipe and it cleaned it off. Works well except I still had stains from the mold in the paint. We put in vents in two places in the closet to help with air flow and there hasn’t been any mold since. Air flow is crucial in helping with mold.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
March 18, 2016 at 4:29 pmOh wow 🙁 So true, no or reduced moisture and air flow is really important.
Rai Zapata says
May 16, 2016 at 12:01 pmSaving this post. We don’t have any mold, well I hope not, but I want to make this for a bathroom cleaner. I’m slowly disgarding the other products.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
May 17, 2016 at 7:47 pmThat’s a good thing! I’m so glad you don’t have any mold 🙂 I love using this for a bathroom cleaner too.
Alicia Owen says
May 16, 2016 at 4:26 pmI will have to try some of these more often. Our house is terrible, especially the bathroom off our bedroom. It just smells damp and I’m pretty sure I noticed my nursing pads (that I sit out to dry between washings) were getting mold on them. Gross. :/
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
May 17, 2016 at 7:45 pmOh no! That’s no good at all. I hope you’re able to determine what’s going on. Do you have a dehumidifier? Those can be really helpful in bathrooms.
Floodaz says
October 2, 2016 at 7:59 amYeah that’s true if you want to remove mold completely then you must have to remove moisture. If the leaks or the persistent condensation aren’t improved, the mold will reappear after the removal.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
October 2, 2016 at 5:34 pmIndeed. So important to determine the actual problem.
shannoaresca says
October 16, 2016 at 1:51 amTo put it bluntly, our industry is sadly full of bad bad bad information about mold, and especially about Black Mold. We see misinformed media reports all the time about Black Mold.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
October 18, 2016 at 7:13 pmVery true, most people don’t really know much about mold and how damaging it can be for health.
Aileen says
November 21, 2016 at 1:12 pmSaved and pinned. 🙂 This seems so simple and I can’t wait to try it. I’m trying to go more natural in the home after discovering my little ones may have asthma and sensitivity to allergens. The info about air purifying was very helpful, too. I do have a question… we have a cat and I read somewhere that tea tree oil can be toxic for pets. Do you know if the amount in this solution would be harmful to a pet? I don’t think our cat would ever get into the solution itself, but she does like to hang out in the bathroom.
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
November 21, 2016 at 7:36 pmCats are definitely more sensitive to essential oils compared to other animals. Do you have any kind of air circulation in your bathroom? That would help. Also, it wouldn’t be applied topically and most cats don’t care for the smell of vinegar, so I’m guessing your cat wouldn’t want to go near it. That’s wonderful that you’re looking for ways to be more natural in your home! Good for you!
Renee says
March 13, 2018 at 11:50 amWould using Apple Cider Vinegar give an extra benefit to the solution?
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
March 14, 2018 at 12:06 pmHi Renee, I wouldn’t use apple cider vinegar, it’s not the same as distilled vinegar and much more expensive. ACV is more for cooking and health benefits, not for cleaning purposes.
Megan Stevens says
May 4, 2018 at 7:52 pmHi Emily! We found mold in my daughter’s bedroom today! Her room gets too much moisture from our shower, my worst fear. I am thankful, in a way, that you’ve gone before me, so I know what to do and how seriously to take this situation. I’m excited to have this recipe and planning to make it tonight. Much love and thanks!!
Emily Sunwell-Vidaurri says
May 5, 2018 at 6:26 pmOh goodness 🙁 Please reach out to me and we can chat more.