shutterstock_318814001Once warmer weather hits, it’s not just the heat you have to worry about -- there’s also mold. Mold has a tendency to pop up unexpectedly and can be annoying to get rid of. This stuff is harmful to your health and environment so you want to deal with this issue immediately before it grows into a bigger problem.

It is common to use items such as bleach to remove mold, but these are considered harmful chemicals. For a natural mold fix that does not require filling your home with all kinds of toxic chemicals, try these tips.

5 mold killing tips Hydrogen peroxide

Take a small portion of hydrogen peroxide, pour it into an empty bottle and spray it on the moldy surface. Let this to sit for 10 minutes then clean it off. Afterward, wipe off the surface with a wet towel to get rid of any leftover mold.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is multi-purposeful and an excellent way to remove mold. With only two teaspoons of tea tree oil combined with two cups of water, you will have enough mold killing solution to last some time. The only setback is this stuff can get pricey.

The smell can be a little intense at first but will not last long. Take the mixture and spray some onto the mold and allow it to sit. Do not worry about rinsing the mix off.

Citrus seed

If you prefer an odorless option for removing mold from your home, citrus seed extract does the trick. Put 20 drops of extract into 2 cups of water, combine in a spray bottle and spray the solution on the moldy area. This is another mixture that you do not have to rinse, just let it soak in.

Vinegar

Using vinegar around the house may not appeal to many because of the not so pleasant odor, but it truly is the top notch way to kill mold. Spray it directly from the container onto the mold. Allow it to sit for a couple of hours, then remove the mold using some sort of brush. To tone down the harsh smell, you can even add your preferred essential oil to the mix. Trust me the benefits of vinegar in this situation is worth the odor.

Vinegar is known to destroy 82 percent of mold spores, including any viruses and bacteria. As a preventative measure try spraying in on your counters and in the showers and let it sit even when mold is not an issue yet.

Baking soda

You can use baking soda two different ways to kill off pesky mold. Mix it with water or combine it with vinegar and water for an extra boost. Spray it on the problem area, let it dry, scrub and wipe with a wet towel. Baking soda works as a gentle disinfectant, and you do not have to worry about any unpleasant odors.

The best way to ensure you do not end up with a mold problem to begin with is by acting ahead of time. Wipe down your surfaces often, spray vinegar on wet areas, especially in the showers and pay very close attention to any leaks you find in the house.