It might seem strange that mould often begins to appear in September, just as the weather starts to get colder, especially since spores can only grow in warm and moist environments. However, this is the time of year when we begin to dry laundry indoors and keep windows closed more frequently, which can cause condensation to build up inside the home.
Mould thrives in humid conditions, making it a common problem in autumn, but can spread at any time in bathrooms and kitchen since these rooms are regularly exposed to moisture. I have recently noticed a mould spot on my bathtub that will not go away no matter how much I clean it, but luckily I discovered that a simple way to get rid of it properly is by using tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil is usually used to treat acne as it is anti-inflammatory, but it also has antifungal properties, which makes it a fantastic natural remedy to tackle mould spores.
It is really common for experts to suggest using white vinegar to treat mould since it is very acidic, and while it can be effective, I have found that vinegar tends to evaporate really quickly.
In my experience, vinegar tends to dry up before it has completely got rid of all the mould spores, so it often needs to be reapplied.
However, tea tree oil leaves a slight residue on a surface if you do not wipe it off, which acts as a protective barrier against mould so it cannot grow back.
After using a mixture of both white vinegar and tea tree oil to kill mould I am impressed by the results, as it took me less than five minutes to get rid of it completely.
How to stop mould growing in your home
All I did was fill a small spray bottle with white vinegar and add a few drops of tea tree oil. I used an empty travel-sized bottle I had lying around, so if you are doing a post-summer clear-out, it is worth holding on to any small bottles rather than throwing them away.
I picked up the white vinegar from the condiment aisle at my local supermarket, and the tea tree oil from Boots. The tea tree oil cost £5, but I think it is worth it if it helps prevent mould from growing, especially if it means avoiding bleach or harsher chemical cleaners.
I then simply sprayed the homemade solution onto the mould stain, then left it alone overnight. The white vinegar and tea tree oil need a lot of time to be able to break down the mould spores.
When I woke up in the morning, I was happy to see that the mould stain was completely gone, and it had taken less than five minutes of actual work to remove it
