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Jan 06, 2024

How to effectively get rid of black mould and prevent it returning without toxic chemicals

When the conditions are right, mould can grow quickly — sometimes within 24 to

When the conditions are right, mould can grow quickly — sometimes within 24 to 48 hours - and can form anywhere in a home. The most common problems are mould in the bathroom and bedroom. It develops in a damp area and needs nutrients to survive. Plaster on the wall, but also the ceiling, wallpaper, wood, or fabrics are nutrients for mould in the home. According to cleaning pros at The Maids, the "best way to prevent mould" is by cleaning the house regularly and minimising moisture. However, even if you’re frequently cleaning and disinfecting, mould can sneak in and make itself at home.

The experts noted that there are plenty of commercial products that are effective for black mould removal, but many of them contain harsh chemicals that may be "as harmful as the mould itself". Instead they have suggested several ways to get rid of mould without resorting to toxic chemicals.

Hydrogen peroxide is an antifungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial solution found in most medicine cabinets, but what many might not know is that "it's an effective mould treatment".

The cleaning gurus said: "You can use it safely on a range of surfaces such as kitchen appliances and counters, bathroom fixtures and tubs, hard flooring, and even certain wall surfaces."

To use this method to kill mould they suggested using a three percent concentration of hydrogen peroxide and pouring it into a spray bottle. Test an inconspicuous area of surfaces first to prevent discolouration or damage, then saturate the mouldy surface and leave it for 10 minutes.

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Next, scrub the area with "just enough force to remove black mould and mould stains". Once the surface is free of residual mould and stains, wipe dry.

White vinegar is a mildly acidic product that cleans, deodorises, and disinfects. It can also kill 82 percent of mould species, including black mould, on porous and non-porous surfaces.

The experts said: "You can use it safely on most surfaces, and its offensive odour goes away quickly. Simply pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle and apply."

Because white vinegar contains only about five to 10 percent acetic acid, adding water "makes it less effective".

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Spray the vinegar onto the mouldy surface and leave for an hour. Finally, wipe the area clean with water and allow the surface to dry. Any smell from the vinegar should clear within a few hours.

From absorbing odours in the fridge to dissolving limescale, baking soda has a multitude of uses around the house — including black mould removal. The experts said: "It's safe for your family and pets, and it is not only the best natural way to kill black mould, but it also absorbs moisture that attracts mould."

For this method, add a quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle of water and shake until it has dissolved. Spray the area of mould with the solution, then use a scrub brush to remove the mould from the surface. Next, rinse the surface with water to remove any residue and baking soda.

The cleaning pros added: "Finally, spray the area again and let the surface dry without wiping. This will effectively kill any left-over mould and help prevent the mould from returning."

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For really tough black mould removal, the pros advised mixing two parts baking soda with one part white vinegar and one part water. Stir the mixture until it becomes a thick paste and spread it liberally onto the surface and let it dry. Scrub away the black mould and stains, and wipe down with water.

Essential oils have made aromatherapy a household word, but these natural compounds can do so much more. Tea tree oil is an insect repellant, antiseptic, and deodoriser, but it's also "one of the safest methods for getting rid of black mould", according to the experts.

They said: "Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that cleans up mould quickly and it helps prevent mould spores from coming back."

Combine one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle and shake vigorously to blend the water and oil.

Spray the area of mould, leave it to dry for an hour, and then wipe it away with a cloth. Make sure to wear protective gloves, because some people find that essential oils can irritate their skin.

Lemons are a natural deodoriser, antiseptic, bleach, stain remover, and cleaner — and they can also remove black mould.

The cleaning gurus said: "The high concentration of acid in lemons breaks down mould, making it easy to remove, and leaves behind a disinfected surface along with that wonderful citrus aroma."

For this method, juice three to five lemons into a cup and pour over the mouldy area. Let it sit for five minutes and then wipe the surface with a damp towel. Households can reapply and scrub the surface to get rid of tough mould stains.