Cleaning experts have revealed some wallet-friendly products which can banish mould within an instant - and they’re probably in your cupboard already. Keeping your home spick and span all year round can be a monumental task, but when the summer months hit, mould can pose a problem. When it gets hotter, the humidity and lack of ventilation combine to create the perfect environment for mould to grow and thrive in your home.
Josh Clarke from Clear It Waste explained there’s a few items, some which cost as little as 35p, that can do the job just as well as more expensive cleaning products. He also pointed out a few ways you can prevent mould from festering during the summer, including good ventilation, reducing moisture, and making sure you’re on top of cleaning. So how can you utilise your own store cupboard staples to get rid of unwanted mould? All you’ll need is a few ingredients.
Vinegar Firstly, a cupboard staple such as white vinegar could be your secret weapon for banishing mould this summer, as it can kill up to 82 per cent of mould species. Simply mix up a solution of one part vinegar to one part warm water in a spray bottle. You’ll need to apply this spray to the mould and leave it to work for at least an hour.
Once you’ve let it soak in a bit, all you’ll need to do is simply wipe the vinegar away with a damp cloth, which should remove the mould. Josh Clarke, manager at Clear It Waste, said: “Most of us will already have some white vinegar in the cupboard, so why not try this low cost method out. Vinegar is a great eco-friendly and budget-friendly cleaner that can help banish mould quickly, however, it may not necessarily be a long-term solution for particularly stubborn mould.
” Baking soda Another store cupboard you might have which can help get rid of mould is baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda. An advantage of using baking soda is that it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals, making it harmless to your family and to any pets, as well as no risk of it damaging your property. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with warm water, again putting in a spray bottle, shake and mix well, and spray on the affected area.
Leave this to soak for a while, then wipe and rinse off the area. Josh advised: “This method is natural and effective, and if you want some added prevention, simply spray the solution onto the area once finished, and allow it to dry naturally. This can help provide a layer of protection to prevent mould from returning quickly.
However, if your case of mould is quite severe, this may not be the method for you, due to the lack of chemicals in this formula.” Of course, you can also use bleach, should you not have any store cupboard items to hand. Bleach can act as a tougher method for removing mould and can be a great way to get rid of light mould stains in bathrooms and on grout.
It’s important to remember that when using bleach, it is best to wear protective gloves and keep pets away. Simply mix one part bleach to four parts water, and wipe/wash the surface with the solution. Afterwards, rinse the area with water to remove any bleach residue, and dry well with a cloth.
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