As the weather is getting colder and wetter it can herald the start of increasing mould problems inside our homes. Drying clothes indoors along with less chance of ventilation in the winter can be a real issue for condensation which in turn can lead to mould.
But with many other causes of damp the problem can be in a whole host of places and clearing it can be expensive. However people are now being encouraged to tackle mould issues with homemade remedies instead of spending money on pricey store-bought solutions.
Interior experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk say mould and damp is a common problem in the autumn and winter and if left untreated, mould can escalate, creating a harmful environment to live in and potentially causing serious health issues. Now they have revealed simple solutions for getting rid of black mould and preventing it from growing back.
Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “It’s concerning how many people are dealing with damp and mould in their homes. While store-bought products can be effective, they can also be costly, so we’re encouraging households to use natural solutions using ingredients they may already have at home.
“Mixing together a simple solution of white vinegar, baking soda or bleach with water can be just as effective as specialist mould removal products. If homemade remedies don’t resolve the issue after multiple attempts, we advise contacting professionals to assess the issue, as there could be external factors contributing to the problem.” Here are five homemade solutions to get rid of black mould:
White vinegar
Mix a solution of distilled white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and use it on areas covered in black mould. If the spray is used within wardrobes, take all the clothes out and keep the doors open to allow for air circulation.
Then wipe it off afterwards with a clean damp cloth. Remember to wear protective gloves when dealing with cleaning products to get rid of mould. You can buy a bottle of distilled white vinegar for as little as 35p in Sainsbury’s.
Baking soda
One-third baking soda – also known as bicarbonate of soda – and two-thirds water is one of the most effective ways to remove black mould. Scrub it into the surface where the mould is and spray it off afterwards with water and wipe it down.
This is useful for removing mould growing around windows where condensation is repeatedly present. And it is cheap costing just a few pence a go – you can buy Bicarbonate of Soda for 59p in Sainsbury’s or 65p in Asda and Tesco.
Bleach
Mix together equal parts of bleach and water, spray onto the affected area and leave it to settle for a few hours before rinsing and wiping it away. If the mould has deeper roots, it’s wise to call in the professionals. Most people will have some bleach at home but if not you can buy it for 55p a bottle in Tesco.
Tea tree oil
The anti-frugal properties of tea tree oil make it an extremely effective tool against mould growth. Mix it with water and spray it on the areas most infected.
It’s also one of the better solutions to deal with deeper internal growth as it directly targets the fungus. While you might not have this one at home you can get 30ml for £1.99 from The Range or Wilko.
Grapefruit seed extract
Grapefruit seed extract and water is a useful solution for scrubbing off mould in tight corners and ceilings. Use drops of the extract mixed in a cup of water and leave it for 10 minutes before cleaning it off.
It also leaves a refreshing scent compared to typical harsh cleaning products. Again you might not have this one at home but you can buy it for £10.95 for 20ml on Amazon.