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Jun 28, 2025

3 hacks to removing mould using clove oil

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Mould is a big problem for many people, and extra moisture combined with less sunlight in winter means mould is popping up in some annoying and unlikely places. Curtains anyone?

While there are several ways to remove mould, clove oil is popular thanks to its antiseptic properties.

It’s also widely available – you can sometimes find it in supermarkets, as well as pharmacies like Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Healthylife and plenty of other online stores.

So, here’s how to use clove oil for mould.

Remember that although essential oils are natural, ensure you follow the safety instructions.

That said, when it comes to using clove oil to kill mould spores, there are a few methods you can try.

Cleaning expert Shannon Lush recommends a clove oil solution for hard surfaces.

“Place a quarter of a teaspoon of oil of cloves into a litre of water. But – do not make it any stronger, as it won’t work better and can damage surfaces. To kill the spores, place the mixture into a spray bottle and lightly mist over hard surfaces.”

She says a 1 litre bottle should last you about a year.

Is there anything vinegar can’t do? For an easy mould remover spray, you will need:

Get the full mould remover spray recipe here.

Lucinda Curran is an Indoor Environmental Health Consultant. When killing mould, she likes to use a mixture of dishwashing detergent and warm water. While she prefers adding essential oils, like oregano and thyme, clove oil will also work.

Killing mould isn’t enough. You have to remove the spores from surfaces in your home. Here’s how to make sure you are removing mould properly.

If you suspect mould is lurking in your washing machine or your clothes, you can add about 10 drops of clove oil to the drum and run a hot cycle of at least 60 degrees for a more extended period; you will be able to kill the mould.

You can find clove oil in supermarkets, pharmacies and even some department or variety stores, as well as online. We have found it’s harder to get in store after particularly wet or humid periods when everyone else has the same mould problems (and solutions). So with that in mind, here are some of our top picks for clove oil online.

01

This bottle of natural clove oil is a great size for creating mould removal and other cleaning solutions, as well as being at a lower price point than some options we’ve seen and shopped for. It’s also got a 4.6-star average from over 24 global ratings, including several 5-star reviews from Australians who said they used it for mould and mildew.

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02

This bottle of pure clove oil from Australian online store Biome comes in a generous 50ml size that should last a long time with any of the mould removal methods we’ve shared here.

If you’re in need of some serious DIY cleaning, Biome also has a mould buster essentials bundle that includes a 25ml bottle of clove oil, scrubbing brush and moisture absorbing Huon pine bag.

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03

This small but mighty bottle of clove oil is a cost-effective way to start cleaning your home and getting rid of mould. As a basic guide, if you used the first method of clove oil mould removal – which calls for a quarter of a teaspoon of clove oil – you could make 10 litres of the solution. And as cleaning expert Shannon Lush said one 1L bottle would last about a year, you’d be well equipped for a while!

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04

Australian brand Bosisto’s has designed this essential oil solution for cleaning and antiseptic care, with 125mg of tea tree oil and 7.5mg of clove bud oil. For cleaning, Bosisto’s recommends mixing 50ml with 1L of warm water, saying it’s “ideal for kitchens and bathrooms”.

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You might also like:

How to remove mould stains from common household surfaces

The top eight spots where mould is hiding in your house

How to remove mould from your plant’s soil and leaves

With a Bachelor’s degree in communications and over a decade of industry experience, Livia is a seasoned content producer and editor who has a knack for crafting articles brimming with helpful information you never knew you needed (but you do). She has covered various topics, from home decor and gardening to health and wellness, showcasing her versatility and expertise. Livia's writing has been featured in publications such as the lifestyle section of the Sydney Morning Herald. Additionally, she has worked as a content editor for various parenting and lifestyle brands, including Babyology and Essential Kids. When she isn’t reporting on ways to improve your home and garden, she can be found crocheting ponchos and attempting to master the perfect homemade pizza dough.

Amy Bradney-George has over 17 years of editorial experience, covering topics including money, travel, sustainability, lifestyle and entertainment. Her work has featured in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, Money Mag, Finder, Equity Magazine and SBS Online. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and when she’s not writing you’ll probably find her in the theatre or a voiceover studio.

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