This DIY anti-mold spray is a must-have for the bathroom and kitchen. With all-natural ingredients, you can keep mold and mildew at bay. Made with vinegar and essential oils to kill mold, this spray will leave any space smelling fresh and clean.
Everyone needs a bottle of homemade mold and mildew spray in their house.
Mold and mildew will inevitably creep into the corners of the kitchen, bathroom, or other damp, humid, or wet rooms and even grow on our clothing.
I love using essential oils for cleaning and find that making my own natural cleaners are just as effective as conventional ones.
Citrus essential oils are some of my favorites for cleaning. I also like using clove, cinnamon, lavender, and tea tree oil in my homemade cleaners.
I keep this mold and mildew spray in my bathroom for quick, easy access, along with homemade all-purpose spray and toilet bombs.
With those all-natural cleaners, I can keep my bathroom clean, smelling fresh, and mold-free.
PIN IT FOR LATER
INGREDIENTS FOR MOLD AND MILDEW SPRAY
For the spray, I am using essential oils, water, and vinegar. Baking soda is also very effective at removing mold naturally.
Now, this is a two-step process. I use a baking soda and water mixture before applying the spray. Baking soda will help to absorb any mildew odors as well as aid in preventing mold.
Several essential oils can be used to help remove mold, freshen, purify, and clean. Tea tree essential oil and lemon essential oil are the two most commonly used.
Getting rid of mold can be difficult and dangerous if not done properly. White vinegar can kill 82% of mold species.
Vinegar can even eliminate black mold. Studies show that vinegar can be better at killing mold than bleach can, plus it is much safer.
HOW TO MAKE ANTI-MOLD SPRAY
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INGREDIENTS
- Baking Soda
- 1 cup of vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil
- Glass spray bottle
INSTRUCTIONS
PART 1 (optional)
- Make a mixture of baking soda and water. Start off by adding a little baking soda to a bowl, add water slowly while stirring until it makes a thin paste.
- Pour the baking soda and water mixture onto the mold spot and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.
PART 2
- Add vinegar, water, and essential oils to a glass spray bottle. Secure the lid and shake well.
- Spray on the mold over the baking soda mixture and sit for an additional 20 minutes.
- Wearing gloves, scrub the area with a cleaning brush.
- Respray the area with the vinegar, essential oil, and water mixture.
- Wipe clean with a cloth.
ESSENTIAL OILS THAT KILL MOLD
Essential oils alone can’t kill mold. However, when the essential oils are added to the vinegar spray, it makes it much more powerful for treating mold and mildew.
Essential oils can also help to prevent mold from coming back. Below are the top oils for preventing mold. Tea tree and lemon are my favorites.
- Tea tree
- Lemon
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
HOW TO USE NATURAL MOLD AND MILDEW SPRAY
It is important to take precautions before cleaning the mold. Mold exposure can lead to several health conditions, especially if exposed for a long period of time.
Black mold can cause respiratory issues, skin irritations, and red itchy eyes.
Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when cleaning mold, so you don’t breathe in any of the fumes.
If possible, leave the door open in the room you are working in to create airflow. Wash your hands well when done and wash any clothes or brushes used.
HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD IN THE HOUSE NATURALLY
If you have mold that spread onto grout, just use the mildew spray. Note: never use straight vinegar on tile grout as it is too acidic and can cause damage.
Soak a sponge in a mixture of water and vinegar and scrub onto the area of concern. This works well when the mold is just starting.
Grapefruit seed extract can be used to kill mold. Mix 10-15 drops per one cup of water and spray directly onto the area of concern.
As mentioned above, baking soda and water mixture can be used to remove mold. Wipe the paste on the area of concern and scrub with a toothbrush or scrub brush.
Lemon juice can be used to clean an area with mold. It is best to use fresh lemon juice from lemons. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice onto the area of concern.
Allow the lemon to sit and wipe clean with a cloth. Very simple, yet works surprisingly well.
Make a spray of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 2 parts water to spray on the mold. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes and then wipe away with a cloth.
HOW TO PREVENT MOLD
- First and foremost, fix any leaks that may be causing the mold.
- Reduce humidity by using a dehumidifier.
- Keep the floor by the shower, toilet, and sink dry.
- Use fans or open windows to keep air flowing freely inside the home.
- Replace carpet, upholstery, and curtains that have water damage.
- Use anti-mildew and mold cleaners in the bathroom and kitchen.
MORE NATURAL CLEANERS
- Natural Composite Sink Cleaner
- Daily Shower Cleaner
- Carpet Cleaner
- How to Clean a Mildewy-Smelling Washer
- How to Clean Porch Screens
Anti-Mold Spray
Anti-mold spray is a must-have for the bathroom and kitchen. With all-natural ingredients, you can keep mold and mildew at bay.
Materials
- Baking soda
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 20 drops lemon essential oil
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil
Tools
- Glass spray bottle
Instructions
- Make a mixture of baking soda and water. Start by adding a little baking soda to a bowl. Slowly add water while stirring until you have a thin paste.
- Pour the baking soda and water mixture onto the mold and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.
- Add vinegar, water, and essential oils to a glass spray bottle. Secure the lid and shake well.
- Spray on the mold, overtop the baking soda mixture, and allow it to sit for an additional 20 minutes.
- Wearing gloves, scrub the area with a cleaning brush.
- Respray the area.
- Wipe clean with a cloth.
Becky says
Can this be used on wood? If not do you have any recommendations on how to remove mold from wood windows frames?
Laura says
I have a recipe for wood cleaner. I do use this on my window frames.
EJ says
You mentioned that you can’t use straight vinegar on grout between tiles, but is your diluted recipe ok to use?
Laura says
I personally have no issues with it. Overuse of vinegar on natural stone can be a problem.
April says
Hi!
Just curious about the grapefruit seed extract. It’s not the same as essential oil is it? If not, what brand and where do you purchase? Thank you!
Laura says
The grapefruit seed extract is different than the oil. Everything I used is linked in the blog post.
Porshia says
Can I use distilled white vinegar 5%?
Laura says
Yes, that should be just fine
Nicole says
Thank you for this simple and awesome recipe! I love the way it smells and it is a great way to clean without poisonous chemicals. I did also add just a small squirt of seventh generation dish soap to help the essential oils incorporate, but other than that followed the recipe exactly. Thank you!
Laura says
I am so glad you love it!
Kathy Jensen says
Can you use these methods on a bathroom ceiling made of that bumpy chalky stuff? My granddaughter is renting a room at a friend’s home and the bathroom ceiling above the shower is filled with black mold and has spread to almost half of the rest of the ceiling. I have a feeling that, whoever did the ceiling, didn’t use the right stuff or seal it.
Laura says
I have personally not used it on that type of surface and would test it on a small area first. Black mold to the extent you are describing may require the attention of a professional to eliminate any health concerns.