How to Remove Mold Using Essential Oils

One of the most common essential oils used to remove mold is tea tree, though you may also need some stronger oils.

Mold comes in many forms, some of it toxic. This article looks at how to clean mold and mildew of the everyday, not toxic, variety using blends of essential oil.

Caution: Wear gloves, safety glasses, and a mask when cleaning up mold to avoid eye irritation from accidental splash back and to avoid absorbing mold spores into your body.

Tea tree essential oil is a top choice for cleaning mold. This blend will often work: 

• 1 cup distilled water 
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

1. Add all ingredients to a spray bottle. 
2. Place the spray cap on the bottle.
3. Shake vigorously, and spray on mold. 
4. Let the blend remain on the surface, not rinsing. The smell is strong at first, but it goes away.

Thyme is another of the essential oils for cleaning mold. Blend the following ingredients in a spray bottle.

• 2 cups hot water
• 25 drops thyme essential oil
• 2 teaspoons citric acid powder

Shake well. Spray on moldy surfaces. Wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge.

Source: The Naturally Clean Home

Let's look at other options on how to remove mold that's more stubborn.

How To Remove Mold With Borax

Here's a recipe with borax, which adds some scrubbing power:

• 1/2 cup borax
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 30 drops tea tree essential oil
• A plastic container with a lid

1. Combine all the ingredients in the container until they have the consistency of a paste.
2. Apply a little of the mixture to the mold.
   
3. Scrub off the mixture.
4. Rinse the area with water. 
   

Tip: For a more powerful effect, let the mixture remain on the mold for about an hour before scrubbing

Source: Aromahead

Stronger Mold Removal Blends

For stronger but still safe mold removal with essential oils:

• 20 drops clove essential oil
  
• 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 20 drops tea tree essential oil
• 28 drops cinnamon essential oil
  
• 40 drops lemon essential oil
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1/2 cup white vinegar

Mix in spray bottle, and shake well before using.

Another essential oil blend for mold:

• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 5 drops patchouli essential oil
• 2 teaspoons tea tree essential oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 3/4 cup water

If you have a mold or mildew buildup, spray the surface and leave the blend on it for a few hours. Wipe surface with a soft cloth. Spray the surface again and let dry without rinsing.

Click here for a book on how to remove mold that's toxic.

Also see cleaning with essential oils.

Photo Credit: Infrogmation/Wikimedia GNU