Getting rid of mold/mildew without bleach and other nasty chemicals.

[Sequoia]

Does anyone here know how to get rid of mold/mildew without the use of bleach or other nasty chemicals?

Mold/mildew grows in my bathroom on the ceiling, no matter how much I aerate the damn place, so every couple of months it gets bad enough that I take a cloth soaked in bleach and wipe the ceiling and walls down. Last time I did this, I managed to get some in my eye, and was temporarily blinded. I'd kind of like to avoid this happening again, as it really hurt and probably was damaging. (Seriously!!!)

Does anyone know any good natural or non-irritant-chemical ways to get rid of mold/mildew on walls?

Please? :wah2:

[TheWomanMonster]

Bleach really doesn't help anyways because dead mold still releases irritating spores...

Vinegar or an abrasive detergent like comet work the best. :)
Scrub scrub scrub and wipe down with a damp rag afterwards.

[Sequoia]

Bleach really doesn't help anyways because dead mold still releases irritating spores...

Vinegar or an abrasive detergent like comet work the best. :)
Scrub scrub scrub and wipe down with a damp rag afterwards.

Comet is bleach, it's just an abrasive form :) I still use that old classic stuff to clean the toilet, works like a charm.

I hadn't thought of vinegar...! I'll have to try that! THANKS!!

[TheWomanMonster]

Comet is bleach, it's just an abrasive form :) I still use that old classic stuff to clean the toilet, works like a charm.

I hadn't thought of vinegar...! I'll have to try that! THANKS!!

vinegar and one of those plastic scrubbers would work good. :)

[Tanya]

mold hates sunshine.

Get yourself a 'gro' light for the bathroom... it puts out UV light which kills mold (thus why they like wet dark places)

You can get them at garden supply stores (or from a pet store that deals with herps)... its just a lightbulb... and it will have the added benifit of making you feel happy as UV light in your eyes gives you a mood jump. (clinicly found to help sesonal affect disorder)

continue to air.

scrub with baking soda....

[Darkest Eve]

...doesn't citric acid also kill mold? (I can't remember, but it seems like we used citric acid to kill mold in a chem class...)

ETA: Websites all recommend vinegar (and baking soda?)

[SilverClaw]

I say yay to the vinegar to, but also orange peel oil and a scrubbie works to, but with vinegar and orange peel oil make sure your careful with how much you scrub because it takes paint off really really easily .

[materra]

You can also use your hair drier on the area most prone to mold to dry it after a shower.

If it were me, I would seal the ceiling and wall area with a recommended sealer (low emisions paint or such) and then repaint and keep the area dry and UV lighted.

[TheWomanMonster]

mold hates sunshine.

Get yourself a 'gro' light for the bathroom... it puts out UV light which kills mold (thus why they like wet dark places)

You can get them at garden supply stores (or from a pet store that deals with herps)... its just a lightbulb... and it will have the added benifit of making you feel happy as UV light in your eyes gives you a mood jump. (clinicly found to help sesonal affect disorder)

continue to air.

scrub with baking soda....

Oh for sure the UV lights, the only time we get mold here is during the winter... the summer sun kills it all by May.

[Sequoia]

If it were me, I would seal the ceiling and wall area with a recommended sealer (low emisions paint or such) and then repaint and keep the area dry and UV lighted.

Can't do any of that stuff, I live in an apartment :(

[materra]

Apartments are the pits sometimes. Well, light that bath up with UV, a quick wipe with a dry or vinegar cloth in the area and a blast from the hair dryer should help too.

Good luck with this.

[Sequoia]

My other problem? I can't reach the ceiling!! :wah2:

I have to use a Swiffer handle to get rags up on the ceiling to wipe. :lol:

[materra]

And your on line name is Sequoia???? :giggle: That's okay. Materra hides my iron clad interior parts. :hehehehe:

The hair dry air should reach. Warm hugs

[Sequoia]

Yes, I'm Sequoia dammit. I'm 5'8". I guess we have high ceilings. :lol:

[materra]

Stirs the barbque sauce for her foot carefully and plans placement of said foot in mouth. "Would you prefer the left foot or right foot my lady?" :hehehehe: :fpraise: :hehehe:

[Sequoia]

Awwwww :giggle: :hugz:

[Shanti]

Check your building codes via your city hall.
Mold is a health issue and the owner of the building is responsible for proper ventilation, and structure. There is a cause to the mold and the owner should be liable for the fixing to eliminate it. Heck you could have black mold inside that ceiling. I'd report it to the building inspector. Every town, city and what not has an inspector for this stuff.