Mildew and mold can have damaging effects on houses or buildings and can even be extremely harmful to the health of some individuals, especially in houses situated in high humidity areas where these fungi can thrive. Most commercially produced mildew removers contain chemicals that can be harmful, but there are some natural mildew removers that can be used. Some natural mildew removers are made of water mixed with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or baking soda. Many types of essential oils, including lavender, tea tree and grapefruit seed oil, also can be used as natural mildew removers.
A wide variety of products have been created over the years to deal with mildew removal. One problem with many of these products, however, is that they are largely made up of chemicals. These chemically based mildew removers can be harmful to the health of both humans and animals, not to mention the effects they can have upon the environment. A variety of highly effective natural mildew removers have been discovered that will not harm the health of individuals or produce adverse effects upon the Earth.
One of the most popular natural mildew removers is water mixed with vinegar. Vinegar is easily available, and most homes will likely have a bottle or two on hand. One of the main advantages of vinegar is that one can use high doses without any harmful side effects, such as headaches or allergic reactions.
Vinegar is not likely to be harmful in any way to humans or pets. It should be kept in mind, however, that vinegar can irritate the skin and gloves should be worn when using it. Apart from vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda also are considered to be natural mildew-removing products. Most stores sell these products, and the mixtures are easy to combine.
Essential oils are also a natural method often used to remove mold and mildew. These oils are extracted from plants, flowers and sometimes fruits by using a distillation process. Some examples of essential oils that are often used as natural mildew removers include patchouli, cinnamon, lavender, tea tree, grapefruit seed and cedar essential oil.
One can make natural cleaners using these oils by adding 25-30 drops to 16 ounces (0.5 liters) of water and mixing it well. Many people find that the best method of application is to use a spray bottle. One of the most common essential oils used as a natural mildew remover is tea tree oil, because it has the capability to kill bacteria as well as destroy mold.