by the Seed SistAs
Mould is a common but often overlooked problem in many homes. It can grow in hidden spaces, causing significant damage to your property and potentially leading to health problems. Have you ever pulled back a bit of furniture to discover a whole disgusting world of mould? Maybe swathes of dark mould that have been slowly monopolising on the damp hidden space and taking hold. When this happens, you’ll want to use natural solutions for mould rather than the toxic alternatives.
We’re not unfamiliar with mould in our homes but having lived in caravans and vehicles for many years, we’ve certainly encountered our fair share. Small spaces with people living in them creates plenty of spaces where mould can thrive, even the underside of a sleeping mattress that isn’t aired out regularly, or the back of cupboards that see hardly any air circulation. Not to mention hidden leaks in the roof that can rot out whole beams before you art to notice the damp smell. Natural solutions that aren’t toxic are a total must to have around. We’ve experimented with many over the years and have found some to be easier and more successful to use than others.
In this blog, we’ll explore how mould forms or rather the situations that mould enjoys most and how you can reduce the fun that the mould is having in the hidden recesses of your home, natural ways to manage it, and practical tips for preventing mould from taking hold turning its mouldy gathering into an all out mould rave. Understanding mould and how to tackle it can save you time, money, and even health risks down the road.
How Is Mould Formed?
Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm, and poorly ventilated environments. It reproduces through microscopic spores that are invisible to the naked eye, floating through the air. These spores land on surfaces where moisture is present, and if conditions are right, they begin to grow and spread.
Key Factors That Encourage Mould Growth:
- Excess Moisture: Leaks from pipes, poor ventilation, or high humidity levels are the most common contributors.
- Warmth: Mould grows most effectively in warm temperatures, typically between 15°C – 27°C (60°F and 80°F).
- Organic Materials: Mould thrives on materials rich in cellulose, such as wood, paper, and fabric. Cellulose, found in plant cell walls, is a major source of food for mould spores.
Even small, unnoticed leaks or humidity can lead to mould, especially in places where airflow is limited. We have witnessed mould spots gathering above where a side lamp is carrying moisture up to the ceiling on the rising heat from the lamp. It’s beneficial to really observe where and why the mould might be growing. What factors could be contributing and how can you prevent these further impacting the mould growth.
The Health Risks of Mould Exposure
While you may be aware of mould’s potential to damage property, its impact on health is another crucial concern. Black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum) is particularly dangerous, as its spores can cause serious respiratory issues when inhaled.
Health can be affected by the tiny mould spores that can be airborne. When mould spores land on a surface where moisture is present, mould can start to grow. Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals that are present on the spores and small fragments of mould and fungus that are released into the air. They can be extremely damaging to human health.
Common symptoms of mould exposure include:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Nasal congestion or sinus issues
- Eye irritation
- Skin rashes
- Aggravated asthma or other respiratory conditions
Prolonged exposure can be especially harmful to individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. Therefore, tackling it early on and using natural solutions for mould is vital to preserving both the structural integrity of your home and the health of its inhabitants. If you have experienced lung issues and your home is damp, you may want to look into some herbal tonics for the lungs once anything more serious is ruled out.
Here is a useful blog with some well known lung herbs that may be helpful. Make sure you contact a healthcare professional if you have been experiencing any of the symptoms above for a prolonged period.
Herbal Actions that are helpful when dealing with mould are:
- anti-fungal acting on the mould cells directly spores usually by disrupting the cell membranes of fungus.
- inhibitory effects on mycotoxins. The compound Thymol in particular has lots of research to show strong inhibition of mycotoxins.
Effective and Natural Solutions for Mould Growth
You don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals to deal with mould. Several natural, eco-friendly natural solutions for mould are available that not only tackle the issue effectively, but are also safer for your health and the environment. Many folk reach for the bleach bottle to tackle mould. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms, such as mould (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mould cleanup. Dead mould may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply inactivate the mould, it must also be removed. With bleach-based products, you are potentially removing colour and therefore not able to see what remains and needs removing. The bleach will clear inactivate surface mould, but not where the mould has penetrated more deeply into the surface.
Some less problematic, effective natural solutions are available; however, with all mould treatment, a face mask is recommended to help prevent breathing of spores released during the cleaning process. Some more natural solutions include:
Essential Oils for Mould in the Home
Many essential oils are anti-fungal and research has actually shown if you combine more than one, you get increased desired results. With thyme oil having shown positive inhibitory effects on mycotoxins, a combination of these oils would be recommended, some favourite anti-fungal essential oils of ours include:
- Tea Tree
- Clove
- Thyme
- Lavender
You can blend these oils together or work with them individually.
Mix 1 teaspoon of an essential oil blend with 10ml vodka, then add 1 cup of water in a spray bottle, shake it up and spray the affected areas.
Going for a multi-pronged, multiple essential oil in one approach means that different effects on the mould are at play.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile and non-toxic cleaning solution that can kill many types of mould. Simply spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the mouldy surface and allow it to sit for an hour before scrubbing and rinsing. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down the structure of the mould, effectively killing it.
Why Vinegar Works:
Vinegar’s high acidity (around a pH of 2.5) creates an inhospitable environment for mould, preventing its growth. In contrast, bleach often only changes the colour of the mould, leaving its roots (so to speak) intact.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is mildly alkaline and works to disrupt the mould’s growth environment. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the mould, and scrub the area with a brush. For added effectiveness, you can combine it with vinegar in a spray bottle to create a powerful cleaner that satisfyingly fizzes when applied. The reaction doesn’t last long, so sometimes we prefer to add the baking soda first in the paste and then spray the vinegar directly on where the fizzing reaction can happen directly on the mould.
Tip: If you’re dealing with mould on the ceiling or in hard-to-reach places, vinegar or tea tree oil might be easier to apply than the baking soda without making a mess.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is another effective antifungal agent. Mix 1 teaspoon of clove oil with 10 ml vodka, then add 1 cup of water in a spray bottle, shake it up and spray the affected areas. This can be particularly useful for combating stubborn mould or for smaller areas where natural oils can reach.
Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil is known for its potent anti-fungal properties. When mixed with water, it can help break down mould, while also leaving your home smelling fresh. Thyme is especially useful in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Thyme has shown powerful antifungal action as well as mycotoxin inhibitory efficacy. That means we have a more broad spectrum way of dealing with the mould spores and mycotoxins.
Thyme oil and its major chemical compound thymol exhibited a broad spectrum of antifungal activity by penetrating the outer membrane of the fungal cell and altering permeability of cytoplasmic membrane, essentially meaning the cells can no longer function. Woohoo.
Borax
Borax is a natural mineral that’s been used for decades as a cleaning agent. It works by breaking down mould spores, similar in action to the thyme essential oil. To use, mix 1 cup of borax with 1 gallon of water and scrub the solution into the affected areas. The best part about borax is that it doesn’t leave behind a strong odour or have an oily residue and continues to inhibit mould growth over time making the results much more long lasting.
Borax in itself is not healthy to inhale so careful application needs to be used with wearing a mask.
Preventative Measures for Mould Growth
The best way to deal with mould is to prevent it from growing in the first place. By addressing the root causes of mould growth, you can save yourself from dealing with an infestation later on. Here are some practical tips to reduce the risk of mould in your home:
Preventative spray
Control Moisture as best you can. If you have mains electric – which we didn’t back in the day in our caravans and trucks, then getting a dehumidifier is a great idea. We keep them plugged in in the caravan over winter while it sits on the driveway.
Regularly spray around areas you know are prone to mould growth. We use either the combined essential oil spray or just pure vinegar to do this with. If you don’t then tiny black dots will start to show which soon get their party gear on and grow grow grow.
Air circulation
You should also ensure that these spaces are well-ventilated. We were given some advice by a home surveyor that leaving all doors and windows open isn’t necessarily the best thing. We think we are helping the mould situation by leaving our bathroom window open, but also the bathroom door to allow air flow to circulate. But we’d be wrong about that. What this does is draws all moisture from the air in the whole home towards the bathroom window and the mould with gather there. The best scenario is to open the bathroom window and shut the door. All humidity can escape but only form the bathroom, not form the whole rest of the house.
Lung Herbs
If you live in a particularly mouldy environment you may want to consider reaching for a herbal lung tonic regularly as a protective measure.
Protect Yourself from Mould in the Home
Mould in the home is a frustrating and potentially hazardous issue, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding how mould forms and taking proactive steps to manage moisture and improve ventilation, you can significantly reduce the risk of an infestation. Natural mould treatments, such as tea tree oil, vinegar, and baking soda, offer effective and environmentally friendly natural solutions for mould in the home. With regular maintenance, smart home improvements, and vigilance, you can protect your home and family from the dangers of mould.
If you do encounter a large-scale mould problem, it’s important to act quickly. In some cases, professional remediation may be necessary to fully address the issue. But with the right precautions and natural treatments, you can stay ahead of the game and enjoy a healthier home environment.
These blog articles are herbal education resources, produced by the Seed Sistas. Gain insights and join us in the evolution of healthcare, please do leave a comment or question. Wellbeing empowerment for all…
This is very helpful, thank you . I’m also sending this to my son and partner who have had problems with mold. So useful to have alternative treatments for it. The info on dandelion is also helpful. Thank you from Scotland.
Your mould solutions sound very promising. Thank you!
Living in a boat I found this blog extremely useful. Thank you 🙏
Thank you Seed Sistas 💗
Living in our camper, we needed this information. 🙏
Great advice and info.Have shared with my daughter who suffers with it in her small house. Thank you.
My son lives in a van and has recently been trying to remove some black mould so this article has been invaluable to him