The professionals at RestoPros are asked about a wide variety of concerns revolving around mold and mildew. (We’re the experts on the subject, so it’s not all that surprising.) One of the more common questions we receive concerns the cleaning of surface mold and mildew from areas in the bathroom and kitchen. There are dozens of products on the market – many of which contain toxic chemicals that are bad for your household and the environment. Eco-friendly cleaners exist on the market, but there are very effective DIY solutions that are both cheaper and equally effective in cleaning. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite “recipes” for creating safe, simple cleaners that will get rid of mold and mildew without the chemicals or exorbitant price.

Tea Tree Oil Cleaner

Items:

Tea Tree Oil Extract

Spray Bottle

Tea tree oil is primarily known as a natural beauty product. But it also has a long list of healing applications that include antibiotic, antiviral, anti-fungal, antiseptic and expectorant. Distilled from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, it has often been referred to as a “medicine cabinet in a bottle” for its long list of medicinal properties. Included in its comprehensive laundry list of uses is effective non-toxic cleaner. You can find it on the natural beauty isle or as an extract at a natural foods store. While the small bottles can be pricey, a little bit goes a long way. To make a cleaning solution, all you need to do is place about 1 – 2 teaspoons of the oil in the spray bottle, filling the rest with water. Spray the solution over the mold/mildew area and quickly wipe away.

Vinegar Cleaner

Items:

White Vinegar

Spray Bottle

One of the oldest, and most effective, DIY house cleaners is simply a mixture of white vinegar and water. Just fill half of the empty bottle with white vinegar and the other half with water. Spray the solution onto the mold/mildew and wipe clean. This solution is great for cleaning a wide range of surfaces including ceramic, laminate, vinyl and steel surfaces. Similar to tea tree oil, it doesn’t create any fumes or require any additional cleaning (to remove an odor). However, this solution is much cheaper to create than the tea tree extract cleaner.

Lemon & Salt Cleaner

Items:

Lemons (a dozen)

Salt

Spray Bottle

Small Container/Dish

Cloth

This solution is very popular because of its abrasive cleaning power and its pleasant smell. It is most effective for cleaning difficult mold/mildew outbreaks as the salt helps to break up the more concentrated areas. Extract the lemon juice from the lemons and place into the spray bottle. Pour a few teaspoons of salt into a small container or dish. Spray the mold/mildew with the solution and then add the salt by either pouring over or applying with a cloth. Work the salt into the solution with the cloth and wipe the area down. You will want to clean the area with water once the mold/mildew has been removed to ensure all the salt has been wiped away as well. This solution is also effective at cleaning fabric and stubborn stains like lime deposits on water fixtures.

Grapefruit Cleaner

Items:

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Spray Bottle

Another fixture at natural food stores, grapefruit seed extract is not simply an effective cleaner, it is a great disinfectant as well. It has been proven (and used) to kill fungi, bacteria and pathogenic organisms. Simply put about a teaspoon of the extract into a spray bottle and fill the rest with water. Spray the area you want to clean and then wipe away. Unlike the lemon cleaner, grapefruit seed extract has very little smell, so there won’t be a strong odor after cleaning.


While these DIY cleaners are great for cleaning surface mold and mildew, an invasive mold outbreak in your home will require much more than a topical cleaner. The experts at RestoPros can help with the safe and controlled remediation of mold anywhere in your home. If you are experiencing an invasive mold problem, contact us today! A mold infestation is only going to worsen and can eventually cause extensive property damage as well as health issues within your household. Call us at 855-587-3786 to schedule an assessment with our certified hygienists.

Related Blogs:

Washing Mold from Clothing

Removing Mold Odor from Sunlight