If you have a problem with mold, here is how you can get rid of it, without using bleach or other harsh chemicals that could harm your family. Bleach makes mold look and smell like it's gone, but it doesn't kill it, so ditch the heavy chemicals and try these or natural solutions instead. Growing up I had a serious allergy to mold, but also to strong chemicals, so I'm well versed removing mold the natural way. So let's look at the best ways to do this...

How to remove mold without harsh chemicals

What causes mold?

Mold grows in areas with high humidity, limited airflow and not a lot of sun. That's why it's most prevalent in bathrooms, laundries, the back of wardrobes and anywhere where there is an excess of water.

Mold is a type of fungi, and wiping up won't remove it forever, it needs to be killed. It takes root in porous services like plasterboard, carpet, grout and soft furnishings.

Natural products that kill mold

Clove Oil

Clove oil will cost you about $15 from a health food shop. Mix ½ teaspoon with 1L water in a spray bottle. Spay the affected areas (best to spot test first), leave it overnight and then wipe or scrub depending on the severity. Clove oil works well on ceilings and walls. I use it on any mould that pops up in my laundry, which is prone to mold in winter when I use my dryer. Just be aware that pure clove oil can be harmful to children if ingested so don't leave this lying around.

White vinegar

White vinegar is super cheap - about $2.50 for a 2L bottle. It doesn't smell as strong as clove oil and it is great for washing windows and cleaning your bathroom. Just pour vinegar (don't add water) into a spray bottle and spray where needed. Vinegar kills about 85% of mold types and is great for preventing mold growth too.

The sun

The sun is natures very own mold killer. If you have clothing or soft furnishings that have been affected by mold, wash them thoroughly (you can even soak some things in some vinegar first) and then lay them in direct sunlight to kill the mold.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree oil is another great natural mold killer. Mix 1 teaspoon per cup of water and spray on the mold. Leave it overnight and then scrub the next day. Don't wash it off as it will help to prevent mold returning.

Preventing Mold

The best ways to prevent mold from forming or returning are:

Air circulation

Get the air moving through your home. Use extraction fans in the laundry and bathroom, open your doors and windows as often as possible and have your ceiling fans on in summer to increase airflow.

Remove moisture

Don't leave wet washing in baskets, wet towels in piles and hang up your bathmats. Use your extractor fans, wipe condensation from your windows and surfaces and use a dehumidifier if you live somewhere that has limited airflow. If you use a dryer, look at getting a condenser or heat pump dryer, or vent your current one externally. If none if these are an option, make sure you leave your laundry door or window open when using the dryer.

Sunlight

Sunlight will kill your mold. So get soft furnishings out in the sun sometimes. Open your curtains and blinds and let the sun into your home as much as possible.

Air out your clothing

Clothes that have been stored can attract mold. So make sure you rotate your wardrobe, wash stored clothes regularly and keep everything fresh.

Hopefully, if you stick with these tips you'll be mold-free in no time.