Did you know that Tea Tree Oil is well researched as a potent anti-fungal solution, it can kill and inhibit mould spore germination?
Below are some handy hints to prevent mould without chemicals, the negative health effects from mould and some of our favourite natural DIY recipes & tips for cleaning mould using Australian Tea Tree oil.
Where & How Does Mould Grow
Mould is a type of fungus that can grow on any organic material if there is oxygen and moisture present. You might notice it around your house on wood panels, carpet, curtains, in insulation, in wardrobes on clothing, and on walls and tiles. It also gets into hidden places like behind drywall & wallpaper, under carpets, on aircon ducts, and inside drainpipes.
Mould essentially eats what it is growing on, so if left to grow wild, it can eventually damage buildings and materials.
Planchonella House, Queensland by Jesse Bennet Architecture
Eliminating mould spores completely is practically impossible but, it can be minimised and controlled with a plan to minimise growth and moisture.
In high humidity there is a high level of moisture in the air and mold spores love water! When humid air touches a surface that is cooler than the air, this causes condensation and accumulation can cause mold.
As well as high humidity, moisture problems indoors can also be caused by poor ventilation, leaks, condensation, poor ventilation and appliances that produce steam and moisture like clothes dryers, showers, and combustion appliances like gas stove tops.
Planchonella House, Queensland by Jesse Bennet Architecture
What To Look Out For In Your House
💧Water stains and damage
💧Wood that is rotting
💧Visible condensation like water beads on windows & walls
💧Visible mould spots often appear on walls, ceilings and behind furniture.
💧Musty smell
Mould & Your Health
- Mould can cause or intensify nasal congestion, eye irritation, runny noses, headaches, fatigue, coughing, wheezing and sneezing.
- It can worsen asthma, allergic conditions & respiratory infections.
- For people with weakened immune systems, allergies, severe asthma or chronic lung diseases, mould can have a greater impact.
- In some people, mould can trigger a more inflammatory response, leading to other medical conditions.
Raes on Wategos @raesonwategos
How To Prevent Mould
- Keep air cool. Have the air conditioner on during really humid times, if possible open windows and doors to let fresh outside air in.
- Open blinds and let the sunshine in.
- Always use the exhaust fan in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry. If using a portable heater in the cooler weather, try and keep the room ventilated as well.
- Use fans and keep inside doors open to ensure air flow can travel around the house and make it more challenging for moisture to collect.
- If you notice condensation on walls or tiles, wipe away the moisture to try and keep things inside dry.
- Open the doors to your wardrobes and cupboards regularly to air them out.
- Ensure clothes and shoes are completely dry before putting them away.
- In smaller home areas it might be worthwhile to have a dehumidifier if you have particular areas where it’s hard to keep airflow open or where dampness & condensation forms easily.
- If you have indoor plants, try an stick to low-water varieties – succulents are a good choice as they don’t need a moist air environment.
- Avoid placing furniture right about against the wall so air can circulate around it.
- Vacuum and turn over mattresses regularly.
- If you live in a high humidity area, investing in a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to regularly clean carpets and rugs could be handy.
- In high humidity (over 65%) it is better to open doors and windows than running an evaporative air cooling system with water.
ETTO Pure 100% Tea Tree Oil $58
ETTO Tea Tree Oil: The Natural Anti-fungal
This is how we like to use ETTO Tea Tree to minimise and prevent mould
Anti-fungal Floor Cleaner
🌱Add ETTO pure, unadulterated Tea Tree Oil to the mopping water so the floors get a dose of those anti-fungal properties killing any spores in their tracks. To 10L of water add 10 drops of Tea Tree oil and 1/8 cup of castile soap or natural, plant-based floor cleaner.
1 cup distilled water
1 cup white vinegar
2-3 teaspoons of natural, plant-based dish cleaner
40-50 drops of ETTO Tea Tree Oil (or half half with Blue Mallee Eucalyptus)