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This is a great post today! We are sharing the best way to remove mold & mildew with just TWO ingredients.
The really neat thing about being a chemist is getting to research and find the best tips to share with you. All of my tried and true cleaning recipes can be found in the ebook, and I still use all of these to clean my home.
Our eBook is full of the best and easiest homemade cleaning solutions you can use forever which is why it’s so handy.
But I am constantly researching ideas and tips to make your life easier, so I still love to share cleaning tips on the website. Especially when something is so life changing, like this!
So, let’s talk about this fantastic homemade mold and mildew killer! This is the best way to remove mod and mildew!
The Best Way to Remove Mold & Mildew with TWO Ingredients! NO bleach or vinegar
Last week, we had this post about tea tree oil. It had all the unique benefits of this oil and why it is so effective. I mentioned at the bottom of the post you can also use tea tree oil to clean!
And that is what we are using today!
Most of my family has breathing issues, so I do not use bleach for cleaning ANYTHING in the home. It is toxic, potent, and can cause damage to fabrics. I use bleach only for keeping mold off of cut flowers or pumpkins.
Vinegar is also not a product I use around my master bathroom due to all the natural stone we have (vinegar does great for ceramic or plastic bathroom surfaces). Remember to check out this post on the damage vinegar can do.
But, now I can remove mold in seconds….WAY more effectively than bleach too!
It is so simple!
Remember, for a basic shower cleaner for natural stone, use this recipe!
BUT STAY TUNED AFTER RECIPE FOR IMPORTANT CHEMIST TIPS!
Homemade Mold And Mildew Remover
- 20 drops of tea tree oil (DON’T buy expensive brands, I use this one)
- About 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup water
- Spray bottle (Here is a list of spray bottles appropriate to use)
Directions:
- Fill a small spray bottle with about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup water, mine holds something in between that amount. It doesn’t matter the exact measurements of water. The less water, the more concentrated solution is.
- Add about 20 drops of tea tree oil to bottle.
- Shake it well before applying.
This is typically ONE treatment of a moldy area. I used this amount to treat all the mold areas shown in photos. It also is great at removing gunk mixed in with mildew!
If NOW Brand is Sold Out:
I am adding this in because so many readers have written me that NOW brand I have linked in recipe above is sold out. Other inexpensive tea tree oils I have used is this one and this one. Both had the same results.
To Use DIY Mold Remover:
- Spray the area with mold or mildew well. Let it sit for a few minutes, wipe off!
- For the small area below my shower, I used a Q-tip to remove the mold. It wiped off very easy.
- For the area in the corner of shower, I used a small tooth brush to scrub inside the grout. It was the only thing small enough to fit.
Remember, always use caution around pets. Most essential oils are toxic to pets if they lick the area. Make sure your pet stays away from a spot after you have cleaned with this.
Below is a picture of the subway tile shower, I sprayed it and used a tiny brush to scrub.
Chemist Tips to Keep in Mind for Removing Mold & Mildew
The reason tea tree oil is so effective with removing mold and mildew is the high anti-microbial activity it contains. I touch on that in this post, but it makes this oil very unique. Mildew and mold are active substances, so to clean them well, you need something that kills it. Tea tree oil does this quickly!
One of the main components of tea tree oil is terpinen-4-ol. This is a very strong anti microbial!
Important Tips to Keep in Mind for Removing Mold
- If you have really bad black mold, not just small pieces here and there, you need to contact a professional. Black mold is dangerous to breath in and could signify a more serious problem like a water leak.
- Mold and mildew are very common in showers, so this is a fantastic natural treatment to use as much as you want.
- You don’t need to use concentrated tea tree oil! Always dilute it like I share above. It is very potent, so don’t waste it concentrated.
What this DOES NOT work on!
If you have a moldy spot that has been there for years, the mold might be soaked into the surface. This can actually cause damage to the surface and it doesn’t clean off! There is a part in my shower that had mildew from previous owners, I wasn’t able to clean it off since it had damaged the surface. That part has to be replaced.
Porous surfaces like grout that hasn’t been sealed is very hard to remove mildew or mold from. This will help, but it won’t necessarily remove deep down in pores.
Always use caution around pets since this can be toxic to them (as all cleaning products are)
What this is FANTASTIC on!
Painted latex surfaces, walls, wood, any type of tile, plastic, refrigerators, and other types of appliances.
Try it out the next time you have some mold to remove!!
Other Chemist Tips for Cleaning:
The Ultimate DIY Science Based Cleaning Guide!
How to Clean Natural Shower Tile
The BEST All-Purpose Bathroom Cleaner
Lemon Infused Rubbing Alcohol for Cleaning ANYTHING
Cleaning with Microfiber Clothes and Why it Works so GOOD!
The Easiest and Best Homemade Carpet Cleaner
Homemade Pinesol, Homemade Magic Erasers, and More!
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Alexis is an investigative chemist sharing her expertise in cleaning, skincare, gardening, and home hacks. She personally tests out products like the best skincare products or home products then shares not only the science behind how it works, but also her personal results. She is the mom of two living in Texas with her husband. Find her on Instagram for fantastic videos, tips, and behind the scenes.
Great post very good ideas here.
I wanted to tell you you’re getting a lot of database errors on this page [connection failed: unknown database analytics]
Jeff
Thanks Jeff! Looks like we are good on our end, just had IT double check our website and hosting connections. Haven’t had any errors, so not sure.
Never knew tea tree oil had the power of removing mold/mildew! nice and easy hack for home cleaning! Thanks for sharing!
Yes, it’s amazing! So many awesome benefits!
This is so awesome! Your tips are so helpful and I always learn something new. Love your website!
Thanks so much! So happy you enjoy everything 🙂
Total game changer! Pinning <3
Green Fashionista
It really is! It makes life so much easier 🙂
Wow – a natural and safe mold/mildew remover! Almost sounds oxymoronic… thanks for the great tip! Always love how you give chemist tips with your solutions… appeals to the “how does that work” part of me… 🙂
Thanks Laurie! I love explaining how stuff works so well 🙂
Thank you so much I am going to pass this on to my sister to try in our parents house
I hope they can get some good use out of it! 🙂
I tried to order your book but was denied. I am sure it was not a problem with the card. Please advise
Hi Carol. We’ve had orders coming through all day without any issues. And I have had about 5 in the last few minutes, so it looks like everything is working okay. Did you use credit card or pay pal? If it is a credit card, we have very tight security, so if anything was slightly wrong it could deny it (like zip code, address, or even middle initial on name). It may also be your browser security, but that usually isn’t a problem. Let me know if you want to try again!
We have mold in our shower bathroom I will surely try this will buy the tea tree oil can’t wait to try!
Hope you enjoy using it!!
I have not tried Tea Tree oil to remove mold and mildew, but that’s great to know so I can keep in mind to give it a try one day. Thank you for linking up with us at the #HomeMattersParty this week.
It is definitely the most effective treatment! Thanks Nicole!
Alexis;
Just wondering if the tea tree oil will work on and old oak map cabinet that smells old and musty? You suggestions would be appreciated. Love that fact that you are a chemist Congrats on the baby-to-be <3
Hi Kathy, thanks so much! We are very excited 🙂 This is definitely safe to try on that surface, it can help eliminate all kinds of odors that may be soaked in. It might need multiple treatments to get really old smells out, but you can definitely test it out. This solution can help with so many things!
Hi, curious if this will work on mold in a stone shower without damaging the stone?!
Yes, this is safe for all surfaces. The shower in the photos is natural stone and it works great for that!
Excellent and decent post. I found this much informative. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this web site. Thank you for this post
Thanks!!
Where can i purchase the tea tree oil ?
The one I buy is linked in this post from Amazon under the ingredients listed by tea tree oil
Have you used this method for furniture, books and more that had got damp and mold developed, and now which all smell musty? I should be glad of your comments.
Susan
I have used it on hard surfaces and it works great. I have not tried it on softer materials like paper in books or fabrics, but it should work for smell. It will also help with mold on these surfaces, although it might not get it all with one treatment.
Thank yOU alexis. I shall try this, a shipment of my goods in storage is coming and there had been mold.I have a severe issue with mold. I shall tellyou how successful it is after i have done the job.
Susan
I look forward to hearing how it goes!
Live in north central. Kansas… old property and never had water softener unit… fixed all sinks… most pipes and got new toilet but can only get 1/2 of build up water stain out of bathtub… by drain… the rest is to thick and hard … tried everything I can think of that I have to soften it up and use the pumice stone I’ve been using…. out of any chemicals and DIY ideas…? Help. ? Thanks. R L P
This little recipe can actually work for really bad water stains. Sometimes if the hard thick water stains have been there too long, they can damage the surface of the bathtub area and get inside the porous surface which makes it impossible to get out! But I would give this a try. You can increase the tea tree oil to make it more concentrated and see if it can get through any of it!
I hope to old wooden trunks that smell musty. Do you think it would be safe to use on those. Both are line with wall paper.
Thank you
It should be safe for that surface. I have used it on wood before with success. As long as you spray on top of the wallpaper, and don’t let it accidentally seep under it, it is safe for that too. I would also recommend using these zeolite rocks to place inside the trunks. It helps absorb musty odors.
Tea tree oil scent is very toxic to pets. Do not use it if you care about your fur-babies.
Yes, most essential oils should be kept away from pets! However, much safer for kids and adults compared to bleach which most people use for mold
Alexis, I love your e-book and website! My cleaning problem is mold/mildew on the rubber gasket of my front-loading washing machine. I am an avid essential oil user, and I have plenty of Tea Tree oil. Would the Tea Tree & water solution be safe to spray directly on the rubber gasket in my washer? I’ve tried bleach & water (I hate using bleach) and vinegar & water, but neither removed the stains entirely. Just wanted to be sure the Tea Tree oil wouldn’t damage the rubber gasket before I tried it. Thanks.
Thanks Susan! For the rubber gasket, I would do a mix of 1 cup water to about 6 drops of tea tree oil. You don’t need it as potent for that surface compared to walls. If that doesn’t work, you can add a few more drops (up to 10). I have read on some of the manufacturers websites stating it is safe to us on the rubber.
Tea Tree Oil give me an instant migraine headache. Is there anything else I can use.
Unfortunately for this, tea tree oil is all that will work. You can try using hydrogen peroxide and dawn to get rid of it, but it won’t work as well. It does a good job of cleaning though
Tea tree oil does work on mold. I just needed to add that the smell is not one that I enjoy. I use it anyway because of it benefits. But, I’ve had to add other oils to mask the smell. Some of the oils I have used are orange or lemon oils.
You can definitely add other oils in small amounts! 🙂
I appreciate this recipe for cleaning mold and mildew. The painted block in our basement has a few spots that will receive attention this week. I am hoping for the best. Thank you very much.
I hope you have success using it!
⁷can this mildew cleanser be used on fabric?m
It can be used on fabric, but doesn’t get deep into the fibers as well. You can try it though
I love this recipe! It’s the only thing that has removed mold in my shower area. I’ve been using it a few years now. Thank you for sharing this and everything else. So helpful!
I’m so happy to hear that! It’s the only thing that works for mine too 🙂
Alexis,
I have been following your blog for years and have purchased your chemistry hacks book. I appreciate all the research you do and have enjoyed watching your beautiful little girl grow up.
I forwarded your article on the TENS treatment to a friend who struggles with arthritis as well. I am glad that you have found some relief and thank you for sharing all of your knowledge!
Hi Kristin, thanks so much for your comment! I hope your friend can find some help with pain using the TENS treatment. It has been such a help for me with RA and surgery pain. Thanks again!
Do essential oils damage the caulk in showers? I’ve had to re-do my caulk 3 times. Wondering if because of oils I’ve been using for cleaning?
Acidic products like vinegar are very rough on things like caulking. It will wear away the adhesive. Most essential oils are safe for cleaning when diluted with water. I have not had any issues using them especially the tea tree oil. Caulking also wears away from regular scrubbing and hard water. Our shower installer added a different type of caulk and sealant to our door are because the water is so rough in our town.
Thanks for sharing! Great info. If the mold damage is too serious, it might be wise to call in a professional. Especially if it is black mold!
Yes! Always call a professional when it comes to black mold that is not just surface 🙂
THANK YOU for mentioning that essential oils can be toxic to pets. (Please consider moving it higher or making it more prominent.) People equate natural with safe. Tea tree oil can be very toxic to cats, and I’ve read the fumes are toxic to birds.
Yes, we don’t recommend using any type of synthetic or natural cleaning agents around pets!
I love this recipe so much for my bathroom! I started using it several years ago when you posted it, and I just used it again yesterday. I also used it to clean around my toilet area, and it worked great for that
I am happy to hear that! This does work great on ceramic surfaces, I have used it for hardwater inside the toilet too. Thanks for the feedback!
But everyone knows oil and water dont mix. You didnt even say to shake before use. Shouldn’t you use some type of emulsifier or something? I imagine some alcohol would do the trick. What say you?
Yes, it says to give a shake before each use. Read number 3 of the directions. No, alcohol does not work for mold nor in this recipe. This continues to be one of our readers favorites and most successful recipe… so I think it is good 🙂