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I found mold in my bathroom recently.
I realized it was time to pull out the big guns.
There is no place for mold in my home and I definitely don’t want anyone to get sick from it. Mold and mildew can be a tricky fungus and hard to get rid of especially in a damp place like the bathroom. But, this mold and mildew spray does the trick!
With a combination of alcohol and essential oils you can not only kick the mold problem that you may already have, but also help to keep it from growing back. This Mold and Mildew Spray is no child’s play. It will really kick the pants of that ugly fungus and without the use of harsh and toxic chemicals.
I love using the power of essential oils in my cleaning recipes. I love it even more that these oils are non-toxic and have amazing cleaning capabilities.
I do think it is important which oils you decide to use. My favorite oils are Young Living Oils because I can count on them being pure and uncut.
Here are the oils I chose for the recipe and why:
Tea Tree Essential Oil- Tea Tree has natural cleaning power. It will blast through germs in its path.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil- Eucalyptus is a fantastic cleaning agent. You want to make sure this one is in your recipe.
Lavender Essential Oil – This oil is good for just about everything especially cleaning up messes.
Powerful Mold and Mildew Spray
1 Cup Distilled Water
1 Cup Vodka
10 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil (Where to find)
10 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil (Where to find)
10 drops Lavender Essential Oil (Where to find)
Combine all the above ingredients and pour into a spray bottle. Spray this powerful mold and mildew spray directly on your mold or mildew problem. If it is really a bad problem leave on for 30 minutes or more before you wipe clean.
Great recipe, I can’t wait to try it. We live in a basement apartment with no ventilation in our bathroom so I could really use this!
How essential is eucalyptus oil? I have tee tree and lavender on hand. Would it still be effective if I used 15 drops of each of those?
The eucalyptus oil has wonderful anti fungal properties. I really think the recipe works best with the eucalyptus. However, if you don’t have it you could try doubling the lavender oil to 20 or 25 drops to see if it is effective since lavender also has anti-fungal properties. It may really make a difference as to which brand of oils you use as well to reap the full benefits of the potency of the oils.
Using vodka for this sounds expensive – how about replacing it with local pharmacy’s brand rubbing alcohol instead?
I have found that vodka is most helpful in killing major mold and mildew problems. You are welcome to try rubbing alcohol, but I don’t recommend it for difficult to get rid of fungus.
Since Vodka is a highly refined alcohol, and contains almost 100% water and alcohol, I am thinking a denatured rubbing alcohol should work as well and be much less $. Since grain alcohol is less costly than wood alcohol, some manufactures add jet fuel to grain alcohol as a denaturing agent. This leaves a slight residue, but I fail to see where this would make a difference.
I’ve found that rubbing alcohol does NOT work with getting rid of molds… and strange as it seems to some Vodka does WORK.. (buy the cheap stuff) I shop at the Navy exchange, but 80-100 proof then add ALL three oils (that too I’ve found does the best job)
good to see someone posting this.. it will help people to get rid of mold when they can’t use an Ozone machine
FYI Tea Tree Oil is toxic to cats and dogs, don’t let them near it.
Thanks for your comment Sue. I was trying to review some studies to see if about this claim, I have seen it as well. I think with any oils purity is always an issue and that is why I recommend Young Living Oils for the majority of the time. In this study they used tea tree oil topically for dogs and found great success: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15568640 I would be cautious, but I know some distributors who have used it on their cats for years and had no problems. It sounds as though it should be diluted heavily for cats if using topically 75% as to Dr. Shelon DVM http://amzn.to/1cf7SSl (affiliate link) I am sure you could find valuable information for cats and dogs there. I would double check this guide before using it on your pets though. I don’t have any pets and am not an expert in this area.
tea tree oil and lavender oil is toxick on pets especially small ones if used undiluted it must be in shampoo and weak I had my dog get very ill from one drop of lavender oil
Sorry gabe I’m not very well educated on EOs with pets. I’m sure there are many online resources. If they adulterated oils they will make anyone sick.
Hi great advice but what shall i substitute vodka with?
You can experiment to see if you find a substitution, but I can’t recommend any substitutions. This is what I have found works.
try a real cheap vodka.
A couple of similar questions to those already listed above. I’m not a huge fan of lavender, can I go 15-15 on the eucalyptus and tea tree oils? Also, I was wondering what the significance is of the water being distilled?
Lavender has an anti-fungal agent in it as does eucalyptus. If you want to omit the lavender I would up the eucalyptus to replace it. So, 10 drops tea tree and 20 eucalyptus. Tap water most often has too heavy of a mineral content so distilled is best.
Thanks!
Well I have a question what if you are allergic to all types of alcohol it makes me sick to inhale, ingest or use topically.
I’m not sure Delores. This is what I have found works best. I haven’t tried substituting the recipe with any other fluid. I’m don’t think something like vinegar would be strong enough.
You could try peroxide.
I am allergic to lavender – could i use anything in place of that as a substitute?
You can omit the lavender and add another 10 drops eucalyptus oil.
Would this work on carpet? We have mold in the carpet of one of our cars. I have tried bleach (yuck) and vinegar and baking soda. All I did was manage to leave a few white spots on the formerly black carpet.
I think it could work. But, I would test a small corner if you are worried about any color change.
Love these home remedies thank you.
Does it matter what the “proof” of the vodka is? Do I need to get 80 proof due to the higher alcohol content? Or is a cheap 20 proof okay?
A higher proof would make it more powerful, but I think that any alcohol content can work just as well. It may depend on how bad your mold problem is.
Thanks. I’m definitely going for powerful. Any mold problem is a bad mold problem. 🙂
Thank you! I am definitely going to try this. I have all the ingredients on hand and a bad mold problem in my bathroom. The previous owners had a border around the top of the wall and the mold must be feeding off the glue that was used. I stripped the glue off and repainted, but the mold keeps coming back exactly where the border was. It has also begun to spread. I’ve been using bleach every few weeks, but that only makes it disappear for a short time. I am getting desperate! I will definitely be trying this!
I have used straight white vinegar on my house siding that was plagued with annual mold/mildew growth behind my ferns. After spraying with vinegar, scrubbing with a brush, and rinsing it off it has never returned. I have heard that vinegar kills the root of the mold whereas bleach does not.
What I worry about after talking to a pro mold removing employee is the spores. Mold & mildew will not hurt you unless it is disturbed and then it allows millions of spores to spread through the air and into your home & body. They use a large fan vented to the outside to carry these spores safely out of the house. Also, a good mask is necessary. On the comment re: the bleach, bleach only takes the color out of the mold. It does not remove it.
As Sharyl mentioned, vinegar works well in some circumstances. Read an article that suggested the material you are treating is important inasmuch as wood is more porous than say a tile floor. Bleach for some reason kills surface molds but does not actually penetrate the wood like vinegar will. We used vinegar on wood framing when we opened a wall to repair a water pipe leak…killed the black mold dead. But with the leak fixed the location is now dry….which may be different than a damp bathroom situation.
I love your non-toxic remedies !
Do you think this one could be used to kill toe nail fungus?
Or do you have another one for that?
Thanks for any help!
Hi Pam, I wouldn’t recommend this for toe nail fungus. Although you could try the antifungal essential oils like the eucalyptus and lavender oil. Perhaps soak in epsom salt with these oils in the water? I’ve never tried it, but you could give it a shot.
Thanks, Becky 🙂
Apply Vicks Vapor Rub nightly and bandage the toe/nail. Keep fungus trimmed away. Clean any thing you use to trim or wash throughly so as not to spread to other nails.
Pam, I got toe fungus after I had chemo. My family practitioner whose wife is a pediatrist told me to soak my feet in epson salt and let your nails grow long. Just letting my nails grow longer has helped a lot. Fortunately I only got it on my big toes and the second ones, I think. It takes awhile, so be patient. Good luck.
I have actually heard / read that straight tea tree oil can be used directly on nail beds for fungus. It is a powerful antifungal!
Oil of Oregano is also anti fungal, anti bacterial, anti viral and so much more. I am looking forward to trying your recipe!
I have mold/mildew on my cusions for my chaise lounges by the pool. Do you think this would work on them?
It might!
Where do I buy all these oils for the recipe Mold an Mildew Spray? I’ve tried every product on the market an non have worked to get rid of mold an mildew.
Hi Sylvia! I COMPLETELY recommend Young Living http://www.rootedblessings.com/essential-oils/ The Premium Starter Kit would be your best bet. This Mold and Mildew Spray is fantastic. Depending on how large your mold problem is it is also recommended to diffuse Thieves in the area with the problem. A diffuser comes when you order a premium starter kit along with 11 oils. I could go on and on about the success stories!
Thank you so much! My bathroom is developing mould due to poor ventilation, thus is just what I’ve been looking for!
I would like to start going more natural with cleaners but really want them to work. This sounds great. What type of spray bottle do you store this in and how long can it last? Thanks.
Hi April, I usually use a $1 spray bottle form Walmart. It will last indefinitely.
Great post. This week over on Wildcrafting Wednesdays we’re hosting a special Hygiene Edition and this post would be perfect in the carnival. I’d love it if you would pop over and share this post with our readers.
http://www.herbanmomma.com
kristin recently posted…Wildcrafting Wednesday 3.5.14 – 2014 Hygiene Edition
Can this be safely used on carpet and painted walls? I want to use something in partially finished my basement to kill the mildew. There was never a leak in the foundation, but just a dampness. The dampness problem has been solved, (better ventilation, and changing foundation landscaping/drainage, …) But the mildew remains. I’ve used a diluted bleach spray, but after a few months, the smell returns. Which means the mildew was never gone to begin with.
I’ve been using tea tree oil for many, many things for years. Everyone recommends the “official” melaleuca products for the mildew problem. But I’m thinking I can concoct something on my own without the expense and have it probably be less toxic than the commercial products.
But there are so many recipes out there, I’m not sure where to begin.
Hey Mary. I think it would be safe on carpets on walls, but you might want to test a small area just to be safe. Another remedy that would for sure be safe for your carpets and walls would be diffusing Thieves essential oil. People also rave about Thieves EO and mold. A YL premium starter kit comes with both Thieves and a diffuser. http://www.rootedblessings.com/essential-oils/
Isn’t it better to use glass bottles when dealing with essential oils?
It is always better to use glass when you are dealing with citrus oils. Citrus oils can digest some chemicals and will digest a plastic bottle.
How long does the scent of this spray last, as I have MCSS I would be hesitant about spraying in my house. Most essential oils I can’t tolerate.
Hi Lin. It is hard to say. Have you tried Young Living oils? They are very different than low quality EOs. Some people that can’t tolerate many oils are able to tolerate Young Living.
Another great alternative for mold is diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide. (35%). No scent. Will bleach, so I wouldn’t use on fabrics and be careful on wood, but it’s great on kitchen counters and in bathrooms.
Where do you get the oils from and is there a better brand than another? Thank you.
Kelly, I get all my oils from Young Living! You can view more information about it here. http://www.rootedblessings.com/essential-oils/ There are better bands than others because the oil market isn’t regulated by specific standards. The standards are made by each company. Young Living is one of the best. You can certainly tell a difference between the therapeutic benefits of the oils. I use them with my clients and I very impressed with the integrity of the company.
We just moved into a house that suffered a leak under the sink and spread to 2 other lower cabinets. The cupboard has a mold smell that has resisted all other attempts to diffuse it. I am trying the recipe right now and am hoping that it works to remove the remaining mold and the odor. Thank you for the suggestion.
Which YL melaleuca do you use?
melaleuca a.
Eucalyptus is VERY toxic to pets. You should check pet sites before you post “non toxic”, that’s how pets die accidentally.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/eucalyptus
FYI, I made a spray of tee tree and water which I sprayed on bathroom ceiling mold. I
Et it sit a few hours then washed off. It killed the mold and it has not grown back in that one spot.
I don’t have distilled water, could I just skip using water all together or could I substitute white vinegar for the distilled water? Also I don’t have eucalyptus oil but I do have lemon oil which is used for other cleaners, do you think that would work at all?
Hi Jessica, You can try it out and let us know how it works! I recommend distilled water just because it doesn’t have the mineral build up of regular tap water.
I saw a Mold and Mildew Mixture that used the essential oils of Melaleuca (tea tree) and Thieves. I did not get the mixture amounts nor was I able to remember the vehicle in which it is mixed. Would it be the same as the recipe listed?
I’m not sure Laura since I haven’t tried it. Try it out and let us know!
I cant wait to try this…i hate any mildew in my house. I cant imagine it would be so expensive since you only need a small bottle, even if you got a larger one it would last longer.however I am allergic to eucalyptus so I will have to be cautious.
I have two cats and am aware that these essential oils are toxic to cats. But I’m using this spray on the ceiling … why would this harm the cats? Are you suggesting that it’s toxic to them even if they breathe it in from what I’ve sprayed on the ceiling?
Although it’s time consuming, hydrogen peroxide on a q-tip works great on the stained grout in my shower. It bleached it white like new after 15 years of trying to find something that works.
I used 91% rubbing alcohol 20-30drops of tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil same and 2 cups of water bottle and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Strong smell when combined but seems to be working well! The smell has even helped with my breathing problems from the mold.
I followed the recipe exactly and it worked great for mold and mildew! My only wish is that it worked on soap scum too. I’ll be tweaking it to see what works. It actually smells quit nice for a cleaning product and will definitely be making more of it. Thank you for this!
Oh girl! I’ll tell you the most magnificent soap scum cleaning tool in the world! Thieves cleaner! It ROCKS! http://www.rootedblessings.com/30-ways-to-use-thieves-household-cleaner/ Just mix it with some baking soda and BOOM!
Does it matter which YL Eucalyptus? I think I have Radiata. Thanks!
No, it shouldn’t.
Can this spray be used inside a greenhouse or polytunnel? Will it damage the plastic, soil or any green plants?
Why don’t you put Thieves in your recipe? That is the first YLEO that I think of for mold/ mildew! If I wanted to incorporate Thieves would you just reduce the number of drops of the other oils so there’s the same total drops of EO’s?
Hi Becky Webb,
Thanks for the indispensable advice and tips on mold removal I really liked your post and enjoyed reading it. But I am having doubt about Eucalyptus Oil, is it safe to use at home?
Yes, it is. Are you worried about certain pets? I would only use Young Living! https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/start?sponsorid=1440595&enrollerid=1440595&type=member&
HI Becky Webb,
Thank you for your reply..
Hey!
Mold is a serious problem that needs to be taken care of .It is toxic and needs to be eradicated once get identified.If the mold ha snot yet spread into your home but you have noticed some of its symbols then it is advisable to prevent it from growing.And fo this the above-mentioned solution is the best.But if the mold problem is quite serious and can’t be handled easily then one can hire mold remediation experts to tackle the issue.
You have provided a very easy remedy for handling mold issue .Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us!
Regartds
Dorris
Hey!!!
Mold is becoming a problem and by having so much of these mold spores laying around breathing also becomes a problem. Most mold cleaning products are just not doing any good from preventing mold from coming back. Be sure to understand the importance of blocking mold and removing mold.
Thank you so much for great sharing.