If you find mold in your home, you may want to remove it as soon as possible. Mold easily eats away at organic and inorganic materials, releasing harmful toxins that can cause serious health problems if not treated. Fortunately, some essential oils contain natural antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. In this article, we have compiled the top 3 essential oils that can be used to remove mold in your home and help prevent its recurrence.
Best essential oils for killing and removing mold. Here are the most popular essential oils for cleaning mold, killing airborne spores and preventing future growth:
1. Clove bud essential oil:
Clove essential oil contains powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can kill mold spores. Its main ingredient, eugenol, is able to target and destroy fungal cell membranes and inhibit bacterial formation, making it a perfect treatment for removing mold. In fact, it is one of the most well-known ingredients that effectively removes a variety of mold species. Even better, it has a warm, spicy aroma that will make your home smell balanced and fresh. Therefore, clove essential oil has a variety of health benefits and may also help reduce the spread of mold.
It is believed to: purify the air and protect the lungs from toxins due to its antibacterial properties; clean mold from non-porous surfaces due to its antifungal properties; contain natural antiseptic properties that slow the growth of microorganisms; contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the chance of infection.
Tea tree essential oil has been a cherished ingredient for hundreds of years due to its natural cleansing, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral properties. It is one of the best choices for mold removal and overall fungus control. Tea tree essential oil is a favorite for slowing the spread of mold in the home; it also provides a range of health benefits. In addition, it has a fresh, cool, and clean aroma that is perfect for cleaning your home.
Therefore, tea tree essential oil may help with the following: inhibit mold/fungus growth in the home due to its antifungal properties; reduce the chance of getting sick due to its natural antiviral properties; slow the growth of microorganisms on clothes, carpets, and curtains due to its antiseptic properties; help prevent respiratory discomfort caused by mold toxins due to its antiseptic properties.
3. Eucalyptus essential oil:
Eucalyptus essential oil is a powerful cleaner. Not only does it have antibacterial properties, but it also has a sharp, invigorating natural scent that will leave your home smelling clean and fresh. As a result, eucalyptus essential oil can remove mold from non-porous surfaces such as glass, countertops, and stainless steel. Although it is not thought to kill mold directly, eucalyptus essential oil is valued for its ability to inhibit mold growth and the production of new spores.
Some potential benefits of using eucalyptus essential oil to fight mold may be: its antimicrobial properties may help prevent bacteria from entering the lungs; it is a known natural disinfectant that may help clean mold growth on kitchen surfaces, walls, and bathrooms due to its antiseptic properties; contains anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the chance of respiratory diseases caused by mycotoxins.
How to use these essential oils to fight mold
Clove bud essential oil:
Dilution: Dilute 1/4 teaspoon of clove bud essential oil in 1 liter of water and mix in a spray bottle. Spray lightly on moldy surfaces. Let sit overnight, then scrub with a stiff brush, soap, and water.
Diffuser: Add a few drops of clove bud essential oil to a diffuser and allow it to evaporate into the room to temporarily reduce the concentration of mold spores in the air.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil:
Dilute: In a large spray bottle, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of natural dishwashing liquid/liquid soap, and 10 - 15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil - mix well, then add 1 cup of water. Shake well before each use, spray and wipe down sinks, counters, cabinets, bathrooms, etc!
Diffuser: Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a diffuser and allow it to evaporate into the room to temporarily reduce the concentration of mold spores in the air.
Tea Tree Essential Oil:
Dilute: Add 15 - 20 drops of tea tree essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water to create a natural disinfectant. Spray directly onto moldy surfaces. Let sit for a few minutes, then wipe off.
Diffuser: Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to a diffuser and allow it to evaporate into the room to temporarily reduce the concentration of mold spores in the air.