How to get rid of mould at home, if bleach isn’t effective

With the monsoon upon us, mould and mildew have been dampening our mood. If you’ve tried using bleach to tackle them but haven’t had much success, we have some simple home remedies that can help!

“It’s important to be aware of potential skin issues caused by mould exposure and know how to address them,” said Dr Sumol Ratna, assistant professor, department of medicine, Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences (NIIMS) College and Hospital.

Dr Ratna suggested the following home remedies to get rid of mould without bleach:

Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural and effective mould remover. Simply spray undiluted vinegar on the mouldy surface, let it sit for a few hours, then scrub and wipe clean.

Baking soda: Create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the mouldy area, scrub gently, and rinse with water. Baking soda helps absorb moisture and eliminate mould spores.

Hydrogen peroxide: Spray or apply hydrogen peroxide directly on the mouldy surface, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub and wipe clean.

Tea tree oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle, apply it to the mouldy area, and let it sit without rinsing.

Mould on orange. (Source: Freepik)

What kind of skin issues can occur due to mould?

Dr Ratna said that mould exposure can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to skin irritation, redness, itching, and rashes. Prolonged exposure to mould spores can also increase the risk of fungal skin infections, such as athlete’s foot or ringworm.

To treat them, wash the affected skin with mild soap and water to remove mould spores. Apply a gentle moisturiser to soothe irritated skin. For fungal infections, over-the-counter antifungal creams can help treat the affected areas. In case of severe cases, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Should we throw away clothes that catch mould or can they be re-worn?

“If your clothes catch mould or mildew, they can often be salvaged by washing them with hot water and detergent. Add vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle for extra mould-fighting power,” said Dr Ratna.

According to him, sunlight can help kill mould spores on clothing; so, hang mouldy clothes outside in direct sunlight. For stubborn mould stains or extensive mould growth on clothes, consider professional dry cleaning or mould removal services.

*DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.*

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.