Despite the unappealing name… fungi aren’t all bad. But there are two particular kinds that you don’t want to see in your home: mold and mildew.
They thrive in warm, damp environments, so if they’re growing in your home, you’d most likely find them in your bathroom. If left unchecked, mold and mildew can virtually destroy a home, but most cases aren’t that dramatic. Many instances of mold and mildew can be cleaned easily, and better yet, naturally.
Today I’m sharing a super simple cleaning spray you can use to take care of mold and mildew in the bathroom, laundry room, or wherever they pop up. This spray only has two ingredients, so let’s take a quick look at them to better understand how they can help in the fight against mold and mildew.
What’s In It?
The main ingredient in this spray is vinegar, and all-natural cleaner and disinfectant. Regular strength vinegar can kill 99% of bacteria, 80% of viruses, and 82% of mold. It doesn’t kill as many kinds of dangerous bacteria as bleach, but it makes a great natural alternative in most situations.
Read More: 50 Amazing Uses For Vinegar That You’ll Want To Know
The second player in this spray is tea tree essential oil, which has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that make it an excellent addition to natural cleaning solutions. Put these two fungus-fighting ingredients together, and you’ve got yourself a safe and effective mold and mildew killer.
The recipe for this cleaner is one of the cleaning recipes included in my set of adhesive spray bottle labels. They’re handy for identifying various homemade cleaners, and when you’ve used them up, you have the recipe right here so you can whip up another batch!
How To Make A Mold & Mildew Cleaning Spray
You’ll need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil
- glass spray bottle
Directions:
Pour the vinegar and tea tree oil into a glass spray bottle and stir to combine.
How To Use It
Use the spray once a week to keep your tubs and showers free of mildew and mold. You can also use the spray to clean small spots of mold that are already present in your shower or tub.
(I say “small spots” because mold can be hazardous to your health. If you have more than a tiny bit of mold, be sure to consult a mold removal specialist.)
How do you keep mold and mildew at bay in your bathroom?
More Ideas You'll Love
I just purchased a mold and mildew remover on Amazon called RMR-86 after reading absolute glowing reviews about it. All I can say about this product is Holy Cow! It really works! I’ve tried every sort of off the shelf “removers/killers” for mold and mildew and never had any success. Even purchasing and using expensive caulks that are supposed to keep them from forming was a wast of time and money. If you have a mild case of mold or mildew, it’ll be gone in short order with this product. If yours has been festering for a long time as mine was, it’ll take an hour or more. You just spray it on the affected area, leave it set wet, and the offending mold/mildew will just vanish. It has a slight odor, but that will easily rinse away easily after it’s done its magic.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.any difference between tea tree oil and clove oil for cleaning mould etc??
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use vinegar to clean my dishwasher every month.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I, also, buy a bleach called Seventh Edition in every wash. It disinfects, bleaches but does not leave bleach stains as a chlorine bleach would do.
please disregard if i missed where this was mentioned. but i just wanted to remind everyone how bad tea tree/Melaleuca oil is for your dogs. please be safe using it . much love to you Jillee. been following you and using your recipes for years.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.ive just noticed this spark tea tree oil on amazon and its a whopping 122.00 .
Please log in or create a free account to comment.i could get a cleaner in for that price!!!!
That’s a crazy price! Check this out: https://www.edensgarden.com/products/tea-tree?aff=73
It’s only $6.95 :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you so much for uploading this. We have a constant battle with mildew and mold in my bathroom and washing mashione and this will be a lifesaver!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Will this combination hurt tile or grout when used continuously????
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Will this be safe to use on leather? I have two bags that have a constant mildew problem?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.No, I would not use this on leather. It would definitely stain. :-(
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Will this work in Windows as well?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have a basement that is a bit musty. Will this help there?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Jill, love your site.
I have a question: will this be save so get rid of mold-like growth on our old oak bureau? it is everywhere, even in the draws and on the contents of the draws.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.If it has spread that much, you might need to call a professional!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can this be used on carpets
Please log in or create a free account to comment.can this be used on lampshade?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.What will work on the rubber inside the door of a front load washer? Nothing I have tried works.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is it a Maytag? They had an enormous recall for what your describing. Mine also had the same problem. If not check with your manufacturer they may have the same with a same or similar type of replacement for the rubber seal.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi, love all your tips. Can this spray be used on natural stone, as in travertine, in the shower?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Where do you get your labels? They are adorable!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They are just washi tape! http://amzn.to/2jcSmje
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you!!
I LOVE your “One Good Thing” site and read every word. I do have a question for you. On your suggestion about the vinegar and melaleuca essential oil spray, can I use a plastic spray bottle and do I spray and leave it on or rinse or wipe it off? I’m glad I looked up melaleuca oil because I have tea tree oil and didn’t know it was the same thing.
Thanks so much for making my life soooo much easier!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.A glass spray bottle is best for storage, because the essential oils can break down plastic over time. But plastic is fine for a short time!
After spraying the area, wipe with a paper towel. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Where can I find this Melaleuca oil
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just click on “melaleuca essential oil” in the ingredients list! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Why a glass spray bottle? Much harder to find these days.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I just use the bottle the vinegar comes in and attach a sprayer. Actually had and old one from an old Windex.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The oils break down plastic bottles.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It’s for the essential oils. They can actually break down plastic bottles over time. :-( Just click on “glass spray bottle” in the ingredients list to buy the one that I have – I love it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tip.thanks for sharing.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Can this be used on walls?
Yes!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Will this remove some black spots on the walls or ceiling?
Yes!
Do you need to rinse it off, or just leave it to dry? I’m going to try this. Thank you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Just spray and wipe off with a paper towel. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Good idea. One of our houses main mold spot problems is on the ceiling in the bathroom above the tub. Any ideas?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Always have the exhaust fan on while showering (or keep the window open), and use this spray after every shower! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The problem of mold and mildew on windowsills has increased exponentially with the advent of latex paints. I prefer to use kitchen/bathroom trim paint all over the house because it has some anti-fungal in it. The fungi actually are fed by the latex paint! We live in a 4 season climate, so condensation is an issue where you close blinds to conserve energy. I have been using bleach and a toothbrush, but will switch to vinegar, as I use it for almost everything else. . .
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Essential oils can break down plastic. I’ve used plastic if that’s all I have on hand. It’s not a huge deal as long as you aren’t consuming the mixture in the bottle but it can harm the bottle over time.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.You say to stir it, but at that point, it’s in the bottle. Use a straw? Love the ideas. Keep ’em coming!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Stir it with the lid or give it a little shake :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Why a glass spray bottle? Would plastic be just as good? I have plastic but not glass.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Essential oils can break down plastic over time, so they’re not great for storage! However, plastic spray bottles work fine for a short time!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hello Jillee!
I used to use vinegar until I read about this latest research in a German newspaper (sorry for translating errors, I used google translate):
“For the control of molds in apartments, some counselors recommend a vinegar solution. However, according to the Umweltbundesamt in Dessau, this measure does not make sense.
Many building materials and especially lime caused a neutralization of vinegar. On top of that, the vinegar had organic nutrients on the material. This could even encourage fungal growth.”
What I noticed though: I am not as afraid of mould as I was when I was younger. In the past it made me freak out. Today I notice it and act. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Paula. Jillee is talking about fixing small bits of mold in the home. It’s not for large areas or commercial applications. That’s when you call in the specialists.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Perfect tip for these wet months. I was about to buy some glass spray bottles anyway, but thought about one thing. The glass is an alternative to plastic bottles that can interact with EOs. But what about the spray tube? Won’t that interact and/or degrade?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve always wondered that, too! But I’ve looked closely and never noticed any problems. :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Does your mold and mildew cleaner kill the fungi spores also? Since, spores go airborne is it safe to use the solution on surfaces where they could of landed? Is there a formula to use on finished wood to get into crevices where the hide?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Melaleuca oil is another name for tea tree oil.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Which essential oil would you recommend as a substitute of melaleuca oil?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Tea tree oil – same thing.
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