[boo'smama]

Anyone know of a less toxic way to kill mold/mildew than bleach? I need to treat around the windows in our bedroom and the shower stall in the bath that is practically in the bedroom as well. I would prefer to not use bleach.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[Jane]

Try soapy water or a 50/50 alcohol solution. The alcohol will stink and is not too healthy, either. The best thing is to remove the moisture problem before you try to get rid of the mold. You can also paint the walls with a mildew preventative in the paint.

 

[Sustainer]

I would suggest either:

vinegar

or

tea tree oil diluted in water

 

[lauraess]

I've heard that borax works if you let it soak, making a paste and then putting it on to soak-- not sure how long- or if it works- let us know.
Laura

 

[princess buttercup]

GSE (grapefruit seed extract) Non toxic. No foul odor. I would have to do a search to tell you the strength.

 

[mama2annabelle]

Straight vinegar. This is what I use in our shower and it works wonderfully.

 

[Jessviola]

i got these from the Mothering article. there's a link to the complete article in the sticky with the recipes....

Mold Killer 1: Tea Tree Treasure
2 teaspoons tea tree oil
2 cups water
Nothing natural works as well as this spray for mold and mildew. I've used it successfully on a moldy ceiling and shower curtain, and a musty bureau and rug. Tea tree oil is expensive, but a little goes a very long way. It also has a very strong odor, but that dissipates in a few days. Combine tea tree oil and water in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and apply to problem areas. Do not rinse. Leave in the bottle-it has a long shelf life.

Mold Killer 2: Citrus Seed Extract
20 drops citrus seed extract
2 cups water
The advantage of using citrus seed extract instead of tea tree oil for killing mold is that it is odorless. Combine the citrus seed extract and water in a spray bottle, shake to blend, and apply to problem areas. Do not rinse. Leave in bottle-it also has a long shelf life.

Mold Killer 3: Vinegar Spray
Straight vinegar reportedly kills 82 percent of mold. Pour some white distilled vinegar into a spray bottle and apply to moldy areas. Let set without rinsing, if you can put up with the smell, which will subside in a few hours.

hth!

 

[boo'smama]

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I will try them in succession. And thanks jessviola for the recipes!