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Essential Oils for Mold Removal

Mold comes in many forms, some of it toxic. This article offers blends of essential oils for mold and mildew of the everyday, not toxic, variety.

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.

Mold on Wall | 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.

Tea Tree Oil to Remove Mold

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)

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

Another way to use tea tree:

1 cup baking soda
3 tablespoons castile soap
30 drops tea tree essential oil

Mix the baking soda and castile soap in a bowl to make a paste.
Add tea tree oil.
Use about a teaspoon of this mixture on a scrubby brush. After scrubbing, rinse the area with water.

For more scrubbing power, use tea tree blended with borax:

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

Combine all the ingredients in the container until they have the consistency of a paste.
Wearing gloves, and preferably a mask, apply a little of the mixture to the mold.
Scrub off the mixture.
Thoroughly rinse the area with water.

Source: Aromahead

Other Essential Oils for Mold

Thyme is another essential oil for getting rid of 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

Other essential oils for mold removal include rosemary, eucalyptus, and pine.

Another essential oil blend to remove 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.

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.

Borax Blend

5 drops tea tree essential oil
5 drops thyme essential oil
5 drops oregano essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops orange essential oil
1 teaspoon borax
2/3 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup distilled water
8-ounce spray bottle

In a glass bowl, combine all the ingredients and whisk until well blended.
Use a funnel to pour the mixture into the spray bottle. Close bottle and shake.

To use: Shake. Spray some of the blend onto moldy areas. Let sit 15 minutes. White clean with a damp cloth.

Source: Cleaning With Essential Oils

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

Mold Prevention Cleaning Spray

Use this spray liberally on shower curtains and other damp areas of the bath or shower to prevent mold and mildew. You can also use the spray on outdoor furniture. Never use this spray on the skin.