Homemade Mildew Removal Spray {Mold too!}
A homemade mold and mildew spray is one of the easiest cleaning mixes to keep on hand, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp corners of the house. This version uses simple cupboard ingredients & essential oils and takes only a minute or two to mix. It’s handy for routine cleaning when you want something quick, effective, and budget-friendly.
Plus, you can snag a free printable with this recipe & some of my other favorite homemade cleaners at the bottom of the post!
If you have been plagued with mold or mildew, you know how big a difference a great quality mildew removal spray can make in your home. In the hot summer months, I find the extra heat and humidity mean my showers and faucets grow mildew faster than before. To get rid of this problem, and keep things safe in our home, making a simple mildew removal spray is a great solution.
Homemade Mildew Removal Spray
This Mold and Mildew cleaning spray is super easy to make, and is not the conventional recipe you’re probably seen that uses stinky vinegar! I love how effective vinegar can be, but not everyone can stand the smell!
This one uses hydrogen peroxide, which will foam to help remove and kill the mildew, without stinking up your bathroom in the process. Â The combination alongside our favorite essential oils makes this a potent spray that is natural and safe to use.
Safety Tip: Always test this spray on a small, hidden patch before using it on any surface. Do not mix it with bleach or any product that contains bleach. Keep the bottle away from children and pets, store it upright, and label it clearly so everyone in the house knows what it is. If you are sensitive to strong scents or have breathing concerns, wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated space.
When Not to Use This Spray
This mix isn’t suited for every surface. Avoid using it on:
• Natural stone such as marble, granite, or slate
• Unsealed grout or cracked grout
• Painted walls where finish may lift
• Waxed or polished wood
• Metal surfaces that may react to acidic ingredients
If you’re unsure, patch-test first or switch to a gentler cleaner.
Ingredients For Homemade Mildew Removal Spray
- 2 ounces water
- 2 ounces hydrogen peroxide
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 10 drops pure clove essential oil
- 10 drops melaleuca essential oil
Also needed:
Note: I prefer using a glass bottle for this mildew removal spray since essential oils have been known to break down plastic containers when stored for a long period of time. I prefer not to take any chances.
Directions For Homemade Mildew Removal Spray
Mix together water, peroxide, and essential oils in a large measuring cup or mixing bowl. I use a whisk to blend these together well.
Pour into your spray bottle. You may need to use a funnel to prevent spills.
Top with the sprayer attachment and add the label to your bottle so you can easily recognize in your cleaning supplies.
To Use: Just spray this mildew removal on areas in your bathroom where mildew is an issue and leave for 15- 20 minutes if possible. Then come back and scrub and wipe down. If you are just doing a touch-up, and not removing spots, just spray and wipe down.
You can create a fun label, buy some simple reusable labels, or just handwrite your product name on paper and tape onto the bottle. Whatever method you chose, you'll likely want to make it waterproof so if there are drips it won't fade the name.
Yes, it works well on most ceramic and porcelain tiles. Avoid using it on natural stone or unsealed grout.
For best results, mix small batches and use within two weeks. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Keep pets out of the area while you spray and let surfaces dry fully before they return. Store the bottle safely out of reach.
It helps with light mold and mildew in routine cleaning, but severe or recurring issues may still need a specialist product.
As you can see, this simple mold and mildew removal spray is very easy to put together, and you probably already have these ingredients on hand in your home. I love that it is safe for all of my surfaces, safe to use around my children. Plus, it is very cost-effective since I already have these inexpensive items on hand in my home.
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More DIY Cleaning Info:Â
- Homemade Cleaners: All Purpose Spray
- Speed Cleaning Tips
- Easy DIY Disinfecting Spray
- How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies & Gnats
- 50 Homemade Cleaning Products
- Why I Shine My Sink
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Have you tried this spray on fabric?? My pop up camper has some mildew spots on the roof and I’d love to find a natural alternative and try to remove it a bit more naturally. Please let me know your input!
Peroxide can be an issue with some fabrics. If you want to give it a try, I recommend doing a spot test first. I’ve used everything in here on fabric before, but not the spray itself.
For clothes, I normally just mix equal parts water and vinegar (white vinegar) and soak for about 15-20 minutes. You could mix it in a spray bottle, spray the area, and then let dry. Reapply as needed.
Please do NOT use this mixture around cats. Melaleuca (Tea Tree) is fatal to cats.
Thank you! I completely forgot to put a disclaimer in here. Tea tree should never be used on cats or diffused around them either.
Where did you get the glass spray bottle?
I’m not sure where that particular one came from, but I normally get them from Amazon or Grove Collaborative.
thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday, so useful!
I Had mold in my shower walls and roof and after i tried your homemade spray and its works 100%, thank you a lot
Glad it worked for you! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Can I use a plastic spray bottle instead?
You can but I generally avoid using essential oils in plastic because the oil can deteriorate the container.
Do you think this would take mold off of a bathroom ceiling that has a popcorn texture? I have tried a few cleaners and hasn’t cut it.
Lori,
Sorry for the delayed response. I’m not sure what to try on a popcorn ceiling and it would depend on the type of mold. If you give it a try, please let me know how it works for you!
Savanah
Great recipe and information! Never know what to use for old and mildew. This will definetly help in bathrooms, kitchen and basement. Appreciate the knowledge
So glad I found this! My carpet cleaner used a mold removal spray similar to this and I totally forgot to ask him about it before he left.