Anisha Riggs
Incense is often used to mask unpleasant odours, including mildew. However, it is unclear whether incense can kill mould. Natural fungicides such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and clove oil are known to be effective at killing mould. These essential oils can be used in conjunction with other mould cleanup methods to purify the air and prevent mould from spreading.
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What You'll Learn
Incense can mask mildew smells
Incense can be an effective way to mask mildew smells, particularly strong-smelling varieties such as cheap synthetic incense, Nag Champa, Spiritual Guide, Gonesh, and dip sticks. These options are ideal for covering up unwanted odours, but they may not always smell pleasant.
If you are looking for a more subtle fragrance, masala incense sticks like Parampara, Flute Masala Nagalinga Champa, Woods, Satya, Goloka Nag Champa, or Sri Sai Baba are recommended. For a strong yet pleasant fragrance, Cycle Rhythm Amber incense sticks are a good choice, with their scent of amber.
While incense can be a temporary solution to mask mildew smells, it is important to address the underlying cause of the mildew. Mildew is often a result of poor ventilation, moisture issues, or a lack of cleaning. It is recommended to deep clean the affected area, ensure proper ventilation, and address any moisture problems to prevent mildew from returning.
Additionally, it is worth noting that incense may not completely eliminate mildew smells, especially if they have permeated walls or fabrics. In such cases, a fresh coat of paint, replacing affected fabrics, or seeking professional help may be necessary to fully remove the mildew odour.
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Tea tree oil can kill mold
While incense can be used to mask mildew smells, tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that can be used to kill mould. Tea tree oil has potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, making it an effective remedy for killing mould if properly applied. It can also prevent mould spores from growing and spreading.
To use tea tree oil to kill mould, add 10 drops of the oil to a spray bottle and fill it with water. Spray the mixture on mouldy areas, let it sit, and then wipe away the mould. This method will also fill your home with a lovely medicinal scent.
Tea tree oil can also be mixed with other natural anti-bacterial ingredients such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and club soda to create an effective daily anti-bacterial spray. Combine a cup of white vinegar, a cup of club soda, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and eight drops of tea tree essential oil in a dark bottle and shake well. This solution will help prevent future mould development if applied correctly and regularly.
It is important to note that natural cleaners may not be effective for large areas of mould coverage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends bleach or dish detergent as effective cleaning solutions following a mould outbreak. If mould covers more than 10 square feet, it is best to call a professional for help.
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Clove oil can kill mold
While incense can be used to mask the smell of mould, clove oil is a popular natural remedy for removing mould. Clove oil is an essential oil that has antifungal properties, which can effectively kill mould spores.
Clove oil contains a chemical constituent called eugenol, which is capable of killing mould spores. It is a much more preferable alternative to bleach, which will simply whiten and mask the problem. Clove oil is also a more attractive option than conventional mould cleaners, which often contain harsh acids and chlorine bleach that release toxins into the air.
To use clove oil for mould removal, it is recommended to first clean the surfaces with a mixture of 4 litres of hot water, 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda, and half a cup of vinegar. Then, mix a quarter teaspoon of clove oil per litre of water, put it in a spray bottle, lightly mist the mouldy surface, and leave for 20 minutes before wiping off. The process can be repeated with a second spray, after which it will take between 24 to 48 hours for the mould spores to dry and drop off.
It is important to note that while clove oil can kill mould spores, it is still crucial to address the root cause of the mould growth, which is often moisture. Fungi need a source of food and moisture to grow, so it is important to identify and rectify any sources of moisture, such as excessive condensation, inadequate ventilation, plumbing issues, or flooding. Additionally, clove oil should be used with caution as it can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
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Eucalyptus oil can inhibit mold growth
Incense is often used to mask mildew smells, but it does not kill mould. However, eucalyptus oil is a popular natural remedy for cleaning inside the home and providing a refreshing scent.
While eucalyptus oil does not directly kill mould, it can inhibit mould from growing and producing new spores. A 2017 study found that eucalyptus oil has moderate antifungal benefits against two species of mould: Ulocladium and Coprinellus. However, eucalyptus oil is ineffective against other species of mould, such as Penicillium and Aspergillus.
For small infestations on hard, non-porous surfaces, eucalyptus oil can be useful as a natural mould remover. It is important to note that eucalyptus oil will not penetrate porous materials, so it is not effective for large-scale mould infestations. Additionally, eucalyptus oil will stain fabrics and wallpaper, so it should be used with caution.
To use eucalyptus oil for mould removal, mix one part eucalyptus oil, one part methylated spirits, and two cups of water. Apply the solution with a cloth or spray bottle and leave it to dry. Once dry, wipe off any residue. It is important to wear a mask, goggles, and gloves during mould removal to protect yourself from inhaling mould spores, which can be dangerous to your health.
While eucalyptus oil can be effective for small mould problems, it is important to address the underlying causes of mould, such as moisture control, to prevent recurring mould issues.
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Vinegar can kill mold
While incense can be used to mask mildew smells, vinegar is a surprisingly effective and non-toxic solution to kill mold. White vinegar, a mild acid, can kill around 80% of mold species, including hazardous black mold. It is a natural antimicrobial substance that can be used to prevent mold growth in damp areas like the laundry room and bathroom.
To use vinegar to kill mold, pour it undiluted into a spray bottle. Spray the mold directly, fully saturating it, and allow the vinegar to sit for at least an hour. After that, use a baking soda solution to scrub away any remaining mold and stains. As vinegar can be irritating to the skin, it is recommended to wear non-porous gloves, goggles or glasses, and a mask when using it to kill mold.
While vinegar is an effective mold killer, it may not work for every mold variety or surface type. Additionally, due to its acidic nature, vinegar should not be used on aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone as it may cause damage or etching.
It is important to note that direct contact with mold can be dangerous, especially if spores become airborne. If there is a significant mold infestation, it is best to contact a professional restoration company.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense does not kill mold. However, it can be used to mask the mildew smell.
There are a few natural ways to kill mold, including vinegar, tea tree oil, vodka, and eucalyptus oil.
The key to preventing mold is moisture control. Repair and remove conditions that lead to excess moisture.
