Tea tree is widely regarded as among the best essential oils to kill mold. This readily available aromatic comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree that grows in parts of Australia.

Native Aboriginal people have long used used the leaves from this plant medicinally. According to other published reports, tea tree leaves were often applied to skin wounds, to facilitate healing and prevent infection.

Tea Tree Oil for Mold

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Tea tree is now one of the most popular aromatic oils, and it’s often one of the first people buy when starting their essential oil collection. It’s become a favorite because of its ability to kill pathogens. Many people buy natural tea tree oil for mold control.

It was also one of the first oils I heard of when aromatherapy started becoming really popular again, around 10 years ago. After listening to the many accounts of how well it obliterates mold, I decided to try it myself.

Best Essential Oil to Kill Mold

Some mold had developed on my bathroom faucet and behind the sink. I applied tea tree essential oil straight, and used an old toothbrush to create some friction. The mold seemed to disappear, even in one longstanding spot.

Amazinging, this oil even seemed to take care of mold that had gotten into a wooden backdrop near the sink. As much as I try to keep this area dry, other people use the sink, and I don’t always catch the moisture in time.

However, if you decide to use tea tree essential oil or mold removal, I’d suggest instead diluting it in a small spray bottle filled with water.

This will accomplish two things. One, it will make the process safer. Tea tree essential oil is exceptionally strong. The fumes I created were overpowering. I had to abandon the project for a few hours, while I let my bathroom air out.

Tea tree essential oil is very useful, but it’s not the most fragrant aromatic. It has a very strong medicinal smell. Some have compared it to camphor. But I think it’s smells more like turpentine.

Essential Oil to Get Rid of Mold in Your Bathroom

Also, if you mix tea tree essential oil with water, it will last longer. I used half a bottle to clean my sink. This wasn’t necessary, as I later learned. Essential oils are so concentrated that you don’t need to use them straight.

Next, I tried tea tree essential oil on my shower. Since it worked so well, I decided to also use some cedarwood oil. But that was a bad idea. The cedar was so strong that it ate the plastic bristles on my cleaning brush. So tea tree is definitely preferable for mold. It’s strong enough to kill the spores, but doesn’t destroy your cleaning utensils.

The tea tree essential oil shown below is the same brand I used for my bathroom mold. It’s sold by Fabulous Frannie, a small California-based company that’s becoming better known. I’ve found you don’t need the best known MLM brand for simple mold removal. This brand did the job very well.

Fabulous Frannie Tea Tree Essential Oil

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Tea Tree Oil for Mold Removal

I definitely didn’t want to buy the most expensive oil on the market for cleaning my bathroom mold, or for other cleaning projects.. But I still like to use one considered “therapeutic grade.” This means it has no chemical additives and can be safely used for massage, or personal care.

Tea tree is considered good for treating skin infections. However, before applying it to your skin, it needs to be diluted in a carrier oil. Tea tree essential oil is also a great acne remedy. (However, make sure you do a test patch on your arm before putting this or any aromatic oil on your face. After 24 hours, if no irritation occurs, it should be okay.) In addition to household mold, tea tree oil is often used for toenail fungus.

Tea Tree Oil Cleaning Spray

Essential oils contain natural antimicrobial compounds. So they make great substitutes for chemical cleaning products. Because I know own a good selection of oils, I’ve been able to get rid of the toxic products I once used to sanitize my home.

If you want to make your own tea tree essential oil cleaning spray, here’s a simple recipe.

• 10 ounces of warm water
• 16 drops of tea tree oil
• 5 drops of lavender oil (optional)

Combine these ingredients and put them in a plastic spray bottle. Store the remainder of the contents in the bottle away from heat and light, so you can use it for your next cleaning project.

Update: I’ve also used a special germ-fighting essential oil blend as a mold fighter. It’s made with five essential oils. Essential oils contain natural antimicrobial compounds. One summer my basement dehumidifier was smelling particularly moldy. A few drops of this blend solved the problem.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless under the direction of a healthcare professional.

I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.

For Additional Reading

Essential Oils Good for Toenail Fungus