Black mould will wipe clean from surfaces with 1 teaspoon of natural ingredient

Black mould is a problem faced by many households at this time of the year thanks to cold and damp conditions.

Mould can grow on walls, ceilings, around windows and even on clothes and it can be expensive to fix if you leave it untreated. Condensation is the most common cause of dampness in homes and is caused when warm air inside meets the cold surface of your windows or walls, then cools quickly to form water droplets. These droplets can then soak into your wallpaper, paintwork and window frames, which then attracts black mould to grow on the surface.

It's a common problem during the autumn and winter months when the weather is often cold and rainy, but luckily there is an easy fix to rid your home of those unsightly black spores. According to experts, all you need to kill and remove mould spores in your home is a teaspoon of tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant which works by destroying the cell walls of mould spores, causing them to rupture so they can no longer grow and spread.

As such, tea tree oil is great for cleaning and it's an excellent natural ingredient that means you don't have to rely on using harsh chemicals, making it a safer option for use around your home.

Experts at Mould in Homes explain: "Tea tree oil (also known as melaleuca oil) is a natural fungicide that is effective at killing mould spores throughout the home.

"It's a great choice because it's environmentally friendly, harmless to pets and people, and small amounts can be extremely effective. Of all the natural mould killing solutions, tea tree oil is the most effective."

To kill and remove the mould, experts recommend first wiping the affected area with a damp cloth to remove any excess mould and then apply a diluted solution of one teaspoon of tea tree oil and one cup of water, and allow this to sit for one hour before wiping it clean.

Experts at Cannock Chase Council said: "Tea Tree oil is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant but it's also great for cleaning, especially on mould or mildew. Make sure the Tea Tree oil is derived from Melaleuca Alternifolia.

"Try a dilute of 1 teaspoon of Tea Tree oil to 1 cup of water (hot or cold). Soak mildewed items in the solution or spray on to trouble spots using a plant mister. Wipe clean, no need to rinse off as leaving the Tea Tree oil solution to dry will kill the mould and prevent it from returning."