Whenever we find that we have mold growing somewhere in our home, it is not a good thing. Toxic forms of mold can lead to all kinds of allergic reactions for people or pets. It can cause serious breathing problems, skin rashes, throat soreness, sneezing, nausea, and other symptoms. People who have compromised immune systems can be especially sensitive to mold.



Once you have found it somewhere in your home, it is necessary to get rid of it as quickly as possible. Mold will only continue to grow and come back if it is not killed completely. The source of mold can come from many different things. Water leaks are one of the main sources. Make sure you have no leaks behind your walls where sinks, bathtubs, showers, or washing machine. Mold growth behind walls can be very difficult to kill and in many cases the walls will have to be torn out and replaced.

Basements that have a lot of moisture, especially during wet or winter seasons, can also be a place where it will often be found. Using a humidifier or fan can help reduce moisture and humidity. In a serious basement moisture problem, sometimes the only permanent solution is to hire a professional.

These are only a few places where you might find mold. Chlorine bleach or other toxic cleaners may not be a good option for you if you are sensitive, have children and pets, or if you had just rather use a natural product that will work well.

Tea tree oil can be used to kill mold. It does have a pretty strong smell that some people do not like. It can also be a little expensive, but a little will go a long way. Since tea tree oil is often used for medicinal purposes, it is safe to use.

Vinegar is another popular natural product that is used for cleaning many things. It is good to use to run through your coffee maker. It will clean the inside really well and remove the bitterness that can get into your coffee from build up of residue. Use vinegar full strength in a spray bottle to kill mold. If you are using it on fabric, dilute it with water first. There is no need to rinse from most surfaces.

Borax is helpful to kill mold growth. It can work well for walls and cement Mix about a cup of borax to a gallon of water. Use a scrub brush to clean the area thoroughly. Wait a few days and if there is a dusty residue, vacuum it off. Do not mix vinegar and borax because that will neutralize each other and become ineffective.