Live Life Team
Mold isn’t always a bad thing – it is a naturally-occurring fungus that thrives in dark, damp conditions. There are many species of mold that exist, some worse than others, but most people can agree that mold is not something you want to find growing anywhere, especially outside of your refrigerator.
Beyond the somewhat unsettling appearance of mold, there are negative health effects that can result from exposure to it. Exposure can lead to many allergy-like symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, eye irritation, congestion, or rashes, and can even make it difficult to breathe. Those with certain predispositions may have even stronger negative reactions to mold and must avoid it diligently.
This is clearly something that you want to get rid of completely if you find it in your home. However, you may be worried about harming the environment or those that live in your home by removing the mold with toxic cleaners. Luckily, there are many non-toxic options for removing mold.
Tea tree oil: Outside of its antibacterial and antiseptic properties often used for treating illness, this potent oil is also a natural fungicide that can take care of the toughest molds, including black mold. Once it has killed the mold, it will also help protect against future growth.
Baking soda: A great way to remove smaller amounts of mold and the odor that may come with it is to use baking soda. All you need to do is mix baking soda with equal parts water and apply the resulting paste to the moldy area. Let it dry then scrub it away!
Borax: Borax is a chemical found in many household cleaning products. It is toxic if ingested, but will not release toxic fumes or gasses that would make it otherwise unsafe to work with. Combine one part borax with ten parts water and spray or wipe the affected area.
Grapefruit seed extract: Similar to tea tree oil, grapefruit seed extract is a natural and environmentally friendly way to remove mold. It disinfects, deodorizes, and leaves the area safe for pets and other loved ones.
Vinegar: Its smell may be strong, but white vinegar is an effective and inexpensive way to take care of your mold problem. You can use it as the main agent or combine it with borax to create an even more powerful mold-killing solution.
