Function

• Organic mold and mildew cleaners act by removing mold and stains from mold, then making the surface upon which they are used "unfriendly" to new mold colonies. When any remaining mold spores light on the surface (and there usually will be a few spores that slip through the first cleaning) they will not be able to grow. Organic mold and mildew cleaners also rely on your ability to keep cleaned surfaces dry to prohibit new growth.
  
  

Types

• Organic mold and mildew cleaners can be purchased commercially or made at home. If you buy commercial options, then they will contain one or more of the same home ingredients, but they may also have artificial colors or scents. Organic mold cleaners may contain tea tree oil, bleach, vinegar or plain old soap. Baking soda is also an effective cleaner if you need to keep an item like an old book dry while removing mold. Baking soda works even better when used in natural sunlight.
  
  

Time Frame

• Organic mold and mildew cleaners should remove visible traces of mold and mildew immediately. However, when you are cleaning mold, you should repeat the process several times within a few days, then return and reclean in about two weeks. Constantly monitor the area for recurrence of mold and mildew. Once the area has been clear for a month, then you have probably kicked your problem.
  
  

Organic Mold and Mildew Cleaner Recipes

• If you opt for a homemade organic mold and mildew cleaner, try making a spray with 2 cups of water and 2 tsp. of tea tree oil. When sprayed on mold, it will kill it and you can scrub the dead growth away. According to Care2 Healthy and Green Living, straight vinegar alone will kill 82 percent of mold growth. Spray mold growth with vinegar, then scrub away the remnants, repeating the process several times over the next few days and weeks. Finally, a paste of baking soda and vinegar will help remove tough stains from mold, or you can coat the moldy paper with dry baking soda and leave the treated paper in a plastic bag in the sun for several hours. This should kill mold, remove musty odors and brighten the pages of your moldy books.
  
  

Warning

• If you suspect that your home has been invaded by black mold or if you have a major mold infection that is endangering the structural stability of the healthy atmosphere of your home, then do not wait to contact a professional. Mold and mildew can ruin the value of your home and even make it unlivable. For the safety and health of your family, allow professionals to handle major mold infections immediately.