A bleach mixture for mold will also kill black mold and white mold although youre better off calling for a mold expert to deal with dangerous molds such as black mold. White vinegar dissolves dirt naturally so this method works well even on tough stain stains too. Thanks! Once it begins to lose its odor-absorbing abilities, simply place it in the sun for a few hours (up to a few days) to recharge. Have you decided which method and which type of bleach you want to use? The bleach to water ratio for mold is 1:9 from the procedure above. Bleach is marketed as one of the best solutions against mold. Instead, rinse the water and vinegar down the sink and discard lemons in the trash or compost. Some of the signs that your building has mold include the following: These issues point to different levels and types of mold infestation in the home or office. In a clean and dry spray bottle, pour some distilled vinegar. Remove all wet items from the house such as carpeting, rugs, toys, furniture, and ceiling tiles. Basically, the bleach concentration to kill mold is 10%. This means that, eventually, everything is at risk from exposure to concentrated amounts of chemicals such as bleach even when used sparingly. Here are some recommendations that you can follow to minimize mold from occurring: Mold is an issue that lots of households suffer from. Mold can appear anywhere, provided there is moisture. Pingback: Hydrogen Peroxide vs Bleach: How They Compare, Pingback: When To Repair your Commercial Garage Door, Pingback: The Best 7 Ways for Cleaning With Hydrogen Peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide. Here are some of the natural methods we recommend. Keep the humidity level in your home below 50 percent by using an air conditioner or a dehumidifier. All rights reserved. The effervescent nature of hydrogen peroxide makes it more effective than chlorine bleach at reaching and killing mold on porous surfaces. Rinse the surface then spray the baking soda solution on the surface again. Ammonia is an alkaline substance with pH levels between 11-13, which is significantly higher than what most molds are able to tolerate (most molds prefer slightly acidic pH levels below 7). Explore this interactive experience to discover the right bed accessories, lighting, and more to help you get a better nights sleep. So while bleach is highly effective at killing mold spores. A company called EnviroKlenz has created an advanced mineral technology that completely neutralizes malodors that other solutions cannot. Still, the EPA doesnt recommend using it as a solution to kill mold (6). Bleach is an effective disinfectant that can be used to kill a variety of germs. What is Ethical Honey and How Can I Find It? (Too Fast Will Break It), Where To Place a Humidifier in a Babies Room (Placement Matters), How To Oil (Lubricate) A Ceiling Fan in 7 Steps (Without Taking It Down). Put on a pair of latex gloves, protective mask, and goggles. **Hydrogen peroxide is considered an oxygen bleach. Also, if youre looking for a non-toxic way to remove mold, consider using vinegar as its mildly acidic. According to the manufacturer, Lysol Mold and Mildew Remover destroys stubborn mold & mildew stains and remove[s] mold from tubs.. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA. Lets Un-Plastic Your Bathroom, Shall We? Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. After 3 hours, scrub and rinse then let it air dry. If the salt paste doesnt work to remove all of the mold from an area, use vinegar instead since salt isnt very effective at removing mildew stains alone. Address all issues related to water, such as leaking faucets, roofs, and wet basements. This concentration wont kill mold right away and is limited to nonporous surfaces like tiles. Then, once youve tackled the mold stains, you can absorb any lingering odors naturally with salt water, vinegar, activated charcoal, or odor-neutralizing minerals. Wait for 15 minutes then wipe the surface dry. (the active ingredient in most mold sprays), itcannot penetrate porous surfaces. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Once the mold is gone, youll want to keep the room dry with a dehumidifier and/or proper ventilation to prevent the mold from returning. Additionally,airlucent.comparticipates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. study testing the effects of various mold-killers, Apply the diluted bleach solution to the moldy surface, Apply vinegar to the moldy surface using a spray bottle, Apply hydrogen peroxide to the mold surface using a spray bottle, Let it sit for 10 minutes or until it stops bubbling, Mix together a 1:1 ratio of rubbing alcohol and water, Apply to moldy area using sponge or spray bottle, Prepare a diluted solution using a 1:1 ratio of clear ammonia and water, Apply ammonia solution to moldy area using a spray bottle, Make a paste using a 1:1 ration of baking soda and water, Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water and pour into a spray bottle. Killing mold is a concern for so many people since it can cause structural damage. amzn_assoc_linkid = "4bf0feb26481b60469572a993ae938e4"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B00FVXL7EO,B01N8S735Y,B01M7U7EIZ,B07J9TBHPL,B00EPNDYRE"; Find practical tips & natural alternatives to the everyday chemicals that invade our lives. White vinegar containing 5% acidity will also work just fine. Not drying the surface cleaned of mold will only encourage the mold to regrow. Let the bowls sit a few days until the smell is gone. Put on protective gear, such as gloves, mask, eye goggles, or old clothes. Matthew is a freelance writer with several years of experience in DIY and HVAC. Heres what can kill it. Just like with generic bleach, these products are most effective for removing mold from hard, non-porous surfaces. Both vinegar and bleach can kill mold. Mold will spread its roots into porous materials and bleach with thus only kill the outer parts of the mold. Still, the best way to remove mold is to call for a mold remediation expert who will assess the source of the mold, the extent of its growth then kills and prevents its regrowth. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; While household bleach isnt considered corrosive or toxic, prolonged exposure to it may cause irritation to the eyes, mouth, lungs, and skin. Repeat as necessary, or scrub extra-stubborn stains with baking soda. [Reasons & Solutions]. Want to kill mold? Carpeting should not be placed in locations of your house that may get wet like the kitchen or bathrooms. Even during mold remediation, leave the building to avoid inhaling the airborne mold spores. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, The 9 Best Couches for Good Posture and a Healthy Back, How to Turn Your Bedroom into the Ultimate Sleep Sanctuary, Never Washed Your Pillows Before? Spray the mixture on the mold then wait for at least 1 hour. 6 natural, safe mold treatment solutions to use instead of bleach. Therefore, look at the surface first and check whether its porous or not. Airlucent.comis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is another natural household cleaner that can be used for cleaning mold. Not only does bleach fail to kill mold on a porous surface, but it can also make matters worse. Wear protective gear like a mask, apron, goggles and gloves since bleach is both corrosive and emits dangerous chlorine gas. There are several ways you can prevent mold from growing and thriving in your home. Consider taking the following preventive steps: Mold can become problematic if its not addressed quickly and thoroughly. It is useful for cleaning mold on hard, non-porous surfaces, especially in bathrooms. (n.d.). Its important to keep in mind that bleach can only kill mold on dry surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. After an hour, scrub and rinse the surface before drying it up. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; Heat or Evaporative? Spray the moldy area and let the vinegar work its magic for one hour. If your home is severely infested, its best to call a mold remediation professional who can properly test your home and recommend solutions. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. For instance, users can place a dehumidifier in the basement or laundry room. Heres What to Eat. (n.d.). While bleach may be a solution for nonporous surfaces, it cant get to the root of mold and kill it entirely on porous surfaces, such as drywall and hardwood floors. Chlorine bleach is a highly toxic chemical that releases harmful substances. These are some of the best hand soaps to keep your hands clean without drying out skin. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or consultation. And as a multipurpose cleaner, it replaces your home sanitizers, deodorizers, and disinfectants and even your glass cleaner. The water component of the bleach will penetrate these pores and can increase mold growth. You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean mold off some surfaces in your home. As such, you may want to have a specialist handle items of sentimental or monetary value. Tough on germs, gentle on hands. (n.d.). The active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, reacts with water to form hypochlorous acid, which kills mold by denaturing proteins, inactivating enzymes, disrupting nucleic acids, and destroying other cellular components. Hydrogen peroxide will kill the mold after about an hour, but it may leave behind a yellow stain. Bleach has been linked with groundwater contamination through its manufacture process. Mold remediation should help do away with the mold and mildew permanently. First, here are some precautions you should consider: If youve picked chlorine bleach, follow these steps: Most oxygen bleach detergents come with an instruction manual on the packaging. Or you can get one of the newer starter kits that already come with either 25 capsules or 50 capsules if you dont want to reorder for a while. You will be able to remove the mold successfully if you follow these steps and respect the mentioned quantities: You can also use a scrubber, cloth, or sponge instead of a sprayer and follow the same steps. Either way, be sure to also inspect any air ducts that have come into contact with the mold. You can also keep sachets of activated charcoal around the room. Keep surfaces dry means keeping humidity levels below 50%. Our well-researched topics also highlight thoughtful and ethical brands. It doesnt work on porous surfaces, such as wood or drywall. Known also as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda can be used to kill mold. However, its not as effective as other substances on this list, such as bleach and vinegar. Bleach toxicity. When water damage occurs, make sure to fix it promptly and dry thoroughly after fixing it. Bleach is a common household item that will help remove mold on surfaces in the home. Find practical tips and natural alternatives to the harmful toxins that invade our everyday lives. Mix equal parts of baking soda and table salt with just enough warm water to make a thick paste. Bleach is also very bad for your pets. Does vinegar have the potential to kill many types of household mold in your home? Yes, vinegar is a mild acid that kills 82% of mold species. We avoid using tertiary references. Its stronger than vinegar and is similar to bleach in terms of potency, although make sure to never mix two together ammonia and bleach react to produce toxic fumes. And to prevent musty odors from building up again in the future, be sure to fix any leaks and consider investing in a dehumidifier to keep the room dry. Press Esc to cancel. Breathing it in or rubbing against it can cause rashes, nausea, allergies, asthma attacks, and other serious health issues. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "false"; Get the Scoop on Natural Laundry Detergents, Softeners, and Whiteners, Hydrogen Peroxide vs Bleach: How They Compare, When To Repair your Commercial Garage Door, The Best 7 Ways for Cleaning With Hydrogen Peroxide. While a severe mold problem (more than 10 square feet) is best left to the professionals, you may opt to tackle a smaller mold cleanup yourself. Thats because mold spreads its roots deep into porous surfaces. Grapefruit juice extract is used in cleaning mold since its acidic and is safe to use on all surfaces. You should never combine bleach with ammonia as it can produce toxic fumes. Remove wet baseboards and drywall up to 12-inches above the water or mold stains. You can use hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and baking soda, which are also very effective. This List of Natural Toothpastes, Mouthwashes, and Dental Floss Can Help. These pesky mold spores also love hanging out on the ceiling and walls of poorly ventilated bathrooms. That way, it doesnt come back (2). The chlorine released can also cause cancer through its byproduct called dioxin. When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You dont need to rinse it off. The original Starter Kit has 5 activator capsules, which creates 5 bottles of cleaner and you can stock up on the 25-packs of the capsules thereafter. Some people reported feeling nauseous, having coughing fits, and a painful sting in their nose and eyes when using bleach (3). Do not use fans if the mold has already begun to grow, as they can spread the spores to other parts of the house. Stop leaks that cause dampness on surfaces. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach alternative for removing mold. Finding mold growing in your home can be a jarring experience. You can, however, easily remove mold from wood with vinegar. Benzoni T, et al. Yes, bleach is a potent biocide that can be used to kill mold. What now? Already wash your bedding regularly? Does Chlorine Kill SARS-CoV-2 the Virus that Causes COVID-19? amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Clorox can kill moldbut its not as effective as what a mold remediation expert will do. It is also inexpensive and readily available at grocery stores and pharmacies. Chlorine is found in bleach and many cleaning products. The correct way to kill mold in porous materials such as wood and drywall is to use distilled white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Alcohol kills a variety of microbes by denaturing proteins and dissolving lipids. Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide, antiseptic and antibacterial agent. As we said, vinegar is one of the most effective, natural, and non-toxic methods to kill mold. This article may contain affiliate links. If you cant identify the mold right away, better call a mold expert since some mold can be very dangerous to human life. Using soap and water with a sponge or stiff brush, scrub off all visible traces of mold before using a disinfectant to kill the residual mold and mold spores. Prevent the growth of mold through the following methods: If an area has already been contaminated by mold spores, it will be more difficult to prevent future outbreaks from occurring if there are still moisture problems within the house itself. We consulted top orthopedic experts and combed through customer reviews to help you choose the best couch for good posture and a healthy back. Mold and its spores can be found almost anywhere, but active mold growth requires moisture. According to CDC recommendations, mold can be removed from hard surfaces with household products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.. Want to opt for other natural, non-toxic solutions? Throw away any sponges or cloths after use. Borax (sodium borate) is slightly stronger than baking soda. Worse still, mold can be harmful to those with allergies and weaker immune systems (1). You can combat mold with bleach if you are dealing with non-porous surfaces. The key to controlling mold is to eliminate residual water and humidity. Spray the area again and leave it dry to prevent the mold from returning. Bleach also produces toxic fumes that can be as harmful to inhale as the mold itself. Then proceed to clean the area with a scrub brush and then wipe. Chlorine bleach, on the other hand, is a potent disinfectant used to prevent germs from spreading. It can grow on walls, floors, carpet, appliances, or furniture. It has acetic acid and is typically available in the market just like household bleach which you probably already have at home. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Lets compare. Start by opening doors and windows to allow fresh air inside the room. Visit our. Find out about its effectiveness and several other household items. When inhaled in large amounts, chlorine gas can cause: Bleach can also damage your skin, especially if you dont rinse after immediate exposure. Spray the moldy surface, wait for 1 hour then wipe the surface dry. Scrub with a brush then rinse before drying the surface. amzn_assoc_asins = "B00SP4TOFK,B004BR8KB4,B00063Y25U,B01LQZNDX8"; The strong chemical compounds that make up chlorine bleach also cause deterioration over time on various building components including metals, plastics, rubber gaskets and other seals found around doors and windows. Most of the health concerns surrounding bleach are because its largely reactive. Unfortunately, it has adverse health issues, especially when used carelessly. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush if the surface is rough or dirty. These effects are as a result of bleach being acidic and releasing chlorine gas when in use. Clear and repair any gutters and downspouts to ensure water from the rain flows away from the walls. Bleach is effective in some cases, but not when it comes to porous surfaces. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Even after applying bleach and wiping away mold from these surfaces, the mold will continue to grow beneath the surface and will return to the area you cleaned in a short amount of time. Chlorine bleach is an acidic and hazardous chemical because it can irritate the nose, throat and lungs when inhaled or swallowed. Mold will occur wherever there is water damage, such as leaks or flooding. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 2 cups of water then add the solution to a spray bottle. When using bleach, the CDC recommends using a diluted solution of no more than 1 cup of household bleach (5-6% sodium hypochlorite) mixed in with 1 gallon of water. Whats Killing Our Bees and How Can Our Choices Help? amzn_assoc_region = "US"; When mold accumulates behind unfinished drywall, inside unpainted wood, underneath carpets or other places that spray solutions simply cannot reach, the material will likely need to be replaced. You may want other non-toxic ways to kill mold without endangering your health and the health of your loved ones. This further encourages the remaining mold to regrow. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "greenopedia0b-20"; Mold and mildew are not just an eyesore, they can be hazardous to your health. Keep reading to find out what household ingredients you can use to eliminate mold on porous surfaces, and preventive steps you can take to keep it from coming back. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, mold spreads its roots deep into porous surfaces, How to use bleach to remove mold on nonporous surfaces, Health concerns associated with using bleach to kill mold, beyondtoxics.org/wp-content/uploads/GreatNaturalMoldCleaners-Instead-of-Bleach.pdf, doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/HealthyHome/Contaminants/BleachMixingDangers, niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/mold/index.cfm, poison.org/articles/2011-oct/mold-101-effects-on-human-health, mold-help.org/want-to-kill-mold-dont-use-bleach/. When used to clean surfaces, it wont damage the surfaces unlike bleach. Vinegar is excellent for porous surfaces. If you already have mold at home, you need to kill it and fix the moisture problem. If you dont already have some at home, white vinegar can be inexpensively purchased at most grocery stores. But if youre sensitive or allergic to mold, exposure can cause problems like respiratory, Chlorine kills SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Never mix bleach with ammonia-based cleaners, which can react to produce toxic fumes. It might surprise you to learn your pillows need washing, too. ). amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Soon afterwards, the mold regrows even stronger than before. But if we were to answer which one is better, we would say vinegar. Dark spots on the wall especially where there is moisture and its dark. It is also important not to use too many chemicals on floors as they might damage walls and paintwork that are damp from water leakage. White vinegar is an effective cleaning agent that can be used as a substitute for bleach and kill mold on porous surfaces such as wood. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "greenopedia0b-20"; It can cling to your pets paws and fur. These are necessary parts of buildings (and homes). Cleaning vinegar, which contains 6% acetic acid, is the best type for killing mold. (Rigid insulation can be disinfected and reinstalled. And remove and discard wet insulation, so that you can alsocheck inside the wall for mold. Now, were going to tell you how to kill the mold effectively. amzn_assoc_title = "Safely Remove Mold"; The odor-causing bacteria will be absorbed into the porous charcoal for up to three months. If youve got a stale, musty odor in your basement, you may have a small water leak. Fermented Foods and Probiotic Supplements For Healthier Skin, Better Poops, And A Stronger Immune System, How to Order and Use a COVID-19 Testing Kit by Everlywell, Brand Review: Charlottes Web Whole-Plant Hemp Extracts with CBD Oil. Once youve dealt with moldy items, place bowls of vinegar, lemon water, and/or saltwater around the room to absorb lingering odors. Yes Clorox products such as Clorox Disinfecting Bleach and Tilex Mold & Mildew Remover both use bleach (sodium hypochlorite) as the active ingredient, which is effective at killing mold. Bleach can work well for non-porous surfaces because when applied, it wont seep into anything else but its intended area. Rinse your skin immediately if splashes on you. Shake the bottle until the baking soda dissolves completely. Because bleach requires direct contact to kill mold, its most effective at killing mold on the surface of nonporous surfaces like tiles and sinks. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Avoid using vinegar on aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood and natural stone surfaces as it can damage the surface. This helps to cover our costs and keep this site going. Always dry rugs as soon as they get wet. Its often used as a natural and nontoxic alternative to cleaning chemicals when it comes to killing household mold. Mold 101: Effects on human health. Inhalation of this gas can cause serious symptoms and is potentially deadly. However, this may not be the best for all surfaces. With a pH level above 9, borax creates an unfavorable, high-alkalinity environment that kills mold and inhibits it from regrowing. Take a spray bottle filled with water and add a quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda. Dangers of mixing bleach with cleaners. You deserve their safer, healthier products and they deserve the recognition for going the extra mile to make sure you get them. Using bleach for cleaning mold can result in damaged surfaces, curtains or clothing because the bleach cannot distinguish between different types of materials. Dish soap doesnt exactly kill mold, but it can be used to remove visible mold. Stain removers, toilet cleaners, and even tile residue removers all use bleach. Spray it on the moldy surface then scrub after an hour. Since the salt, water, lemon slices, and vinegar will absorb the odor-causing bacteria, they should not be used in food or drink afterward. Trying to clean up mold in your home? Your Easy Guide to Essential Oil Diffusers: Nebulizing or Ultrasonic? So if youre doubtful about which kind of surface youre dealing with, we advise you to go for the vinegar. Use bleach to get rid of mold on nonporous surfaces as follows: This method works on all nonporous surfaces including basement walls, roofs and even floors. As powerful as Enviroklenz is, there is a downside in that the Everyday Odor Eliminator is a white creamy liquid and can be quite messy to clean up. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Learn how to, Red mold is usually harmless if youre in good health. However, bleach cant kill mold on porous surfaces, such as those made of wood. Dont use bleach!. The salt kills the mold spores by dehydrating them, making them unable to grow and reproduce. A clean alternative for neutralizing odors from surfaces is actually a mini-appliance called Force of Nature that uses water + vinegar + electrolysis to create a powerful disinfectant. Spray abundantly on the mold area and leave for 10 minutes. If the mold is widespread and severe and these home remedies do not work, take the next step. Bleach is very effective when it comes to killing bacteria. 5 Natural & Non-Toxic Rug Brands That Are Also Beautiful, Your Guide to Healthy (And Not So Healthy) Cookware, test for mold yourself with an at-home kit, http://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf, http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/dehumidifiers-for-allergies, http://www.epa.gov/ttn/catc/dir1/fzeolite.pdf, Get Rid of Strong Paint Fumes with Salt, Lemon, and Vinegar, How to Clean Silver Naturally with an Easy Non-Toxic Tarnish Remover, Your Guide to Buying High-Quality Essential Oils & Using Them Safely. Panic over, the mold is gone, but you dont want a recurrence. Proceed to clean the area with water and let the area dry. You may need to avoid using bleach to kill mold for the following reasons: Using bleach to clean mold may have adverse health effects. It is possible to experience eye, skin and respiratory irritation from exposure to bleach. Let it air dry. For hard, non-porous surfaces, vinegar and bleach are far more effective at killing mold. Bleachs chemical setup prevents it from soaking up into the material and killing mold from within or removing stains. How to Clean Mold from Carpet (4 Simple Tips), 5 Best Air Purifiers for Mold (2022 Reviews), How to Get Rid of Mold on Walls (Permanently). Turn on the fan or open the windows to ventilate the house. Benefits and Drawbacks, Beat The Heat Summer Gift Guide (Stay Cool With Cool Stuff), Why Mold is on Styrofoam In an AC [SOLVED], How Long to Wait Before Turning on an AC? Heres how it works, as well as how to use it safely. Vinegar can be used to kill mold on both nonporous surfaces and porous surfaces. Both chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach can kill mold, but they are totally different. Bleach doesnt work well on porous materials such as drywall, carpeting and wood paneling among others. Avoid installing carpeting in areas of your home that may become wet, such as the kitchen or bathrooms. It is made out of sodium percarbonate which dissolves in water and becomes water, oxygen, and sodium carbonate. Its used in sterilization and safe food production. With baking soda, you can also remove mold from grout. Mold is not only unsightly, but it can also eat away at the surfaces it lives on, causing structural damage. Learn if bleach is a mold-killer in this guide. With bleach being made up of 90% water and 10% chlorine, the chlorine will evaporate leaving the water behind. Ensure the room has enough ventilation and you have put on protective gear such as a mask, goggles and gloves. amzn_assoc_linkid = "e7736f1fe8dc35e346458704dc26b3e5"; Mold is fairly easy to kill on smooth surfaces such as tile. It also causes major problems globally by leading to algae blooms. Stopping leaks requires checking around windows frames, roofs, gutters etc., as well as ensuring pipes are joined properly with glue and other adhesives. Mix 1 cup of bleach into 1 gallon of water. If surfaces are rough, scrub them with a stiff brush. Unfortunately, when licking themselves, they will ingest the harmful chemical. Its effective in the treatment of ringworm, athletes foot, jock itch, tinea versicolor and other skin infections because it penetrates deep into pores where fungus resides. Use ventilation fans in your kitchen and bathroom, or other rooms where water may be present. Tea tree oil kills 99.99% pathogens including yeasts & molds without damaging other cells or tissues.