Black mould can be a nightmare to get rid of and can be expensive to fix, but there is a natural cleaning solution that can kill and remove mould in just five minutes
As the chill of winter sets in, you might find yourself waking up to a layer of condensation on your windows.
Condensation is the leading cause of dampness in homes and if not addressed promptly, it can lead to the growth of black mould. This pesky fungus can appear on walls, ceilings, around windows and even on clothing, and can be costly to remove.
Therefore, it’s best to nip the problem in the bud as soon as you spot it. Some people swear by white vinegar as a natural cleaning solution for black mould due to its affordability, safety and non-toxicity. However, it does have a downside – it leaves behind a strong smell and needs to sit on the mouldy area for at least an hour.
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But don’t worry, there’s another natural alternative that works in just five minutes and won’t leave your home smelling like a chip shop.
Cleaning gurus suggest grapefruit seed extract as a highly effective solution for killing and removing black mould, and unlike vinegar, it doesn’t have any odour, reports the Express.
This extract is a natural antifungal and fungicide, eco-friendly and also acts as a deodoriser, helping to banish those unpleasant musty smells caused by mould. Plus, you only need a small amount to do the job.
The experts at Beyond Toxics explain: “Grapefruit seed extract is rich in essential oils and antioxidants. It is an environmentally-friendly choice as a cleaning agent, similar to tea tree oil but without the strong scent.
“It is a microbial that has been shown to be effective in eliminating 60 types of bacteria and yeasts. It is also a deodoriser. It is most effective on nonporous surfaces but can also be used on porous ones.”
To utilise grapefruit seed extract for killing mould, you simply need to mix approximately 10 drops of the extract in a cup of water and pour this into a spray bottle.
Just spray it on parts of your home that are affected by mould and it will begin working in as little as five minutes. After allowing the solution to remain on the surface for a brief period, wipe the area clean and repeat once more if needed.
Specialists at Mould in Homes explained: “A small amount of grapefruit seed extract is very effective at killing mould. Grapefruit seed extract is also similar to baking soda, in the sense that it is also deodorises, so it will help remove bad smells.
“Mix 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract per cup of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the solution directly onto the mould and leave for 5 to 10 mins.
“If you don’t have a spray bottle, just thoroughly dampen a disposable towel and apply to the affected area. Use a scrub to brush and remove the debris. Repeat if necessary, until the mould has been completely removed.
“Don’t rinse the solution away afterwards, allow the solution to naturally dry. The longer the solution is in contact with the mould, the more killing it will do and prevent the mould from returning.”
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