Spring is a time when the weather is finally getting warmer, but the rainy spells can cause higher humidity levels, and can allow mould to fester in your home. Mould can only grow in areas with excess moisture in the air, which is why it is often found around windows, showers or in rooms where you hang your laundry if you are not careful. 

A simple way to get rid of mould is to clean it with bleach, but many people do not like handling harsh chemicals with toxic fumes. Instead, the cleaning experts at Green Tulip have shared that there is a simple way to keep mould out of your home with one natural item. 

They said: “Vodka's high alcohol content effectively kills mould spores and prevents their growth. Add equal parts unflavoured vodka and water into a spray bottle, spray the mouldy area and leave for 10-15 minutes.” 

It may seem strange, but like many alcohols, vodka can work as a disinfectant, which can quickly kill mould spores and any bacteria on a surface. 

If you wish, you can also use white vinegar to get rid of mould, as it has been an old school method that has worked for centuries. However, many people do not like using this natural remedy as it has a very pungent smell that can linger after you have cleaned up the mould. 

How to naturally remove mould using vodka

All you need to do is mix one part vodka and one part water into an empty spray bottle. Spray it on a surface and then leave it for a few minutes to give the solution time to break down the spores. 

Once the time is up, gently scrub the surface with a bristled brush and the mould should wipe away easily. Wipe the area down with a damp cloth, and it should be completely clean. 

However, it should be noted that vodka is effective but should not be used on delicate materials such as tiles, glass or wood as it can damage certain coatings.

What are some other eco-friendly ways to remove mould?

Instead, you can also use tea tree oil, which not only kills mould but will keep it away for good as it leaves antibacterial compounds on a surface.  The only downside is that it takes tea tree oil longer to break down the mould than using vodka. 

The expert said: “Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent. It can be used to kill mould and it also helps prevent it from coming back.” 

All you need to do is mix 15 drops of tea tree oil and water into an empty spray bottle, then spray it on the mouldy surface. 

Wait one hour to give the tea tree oil time to completely get rid of the mould. Once the time is up, scrub it with a bristled brush and then wipe it down with a damp, clean cloth. 

The mould will be completely gone without much scrubbing and without using harsh chemicals, but make damp areas around your home, like bathrooms, are well ventilated if you wish to prevent it from growing back. 

The expert said: “Open windows and doors whenever possible to allow fresh air to circulate. After each shower or bath, open the window wide, then shut the door. This will prevent the moist air from travelling round the rest of the house.”