Benefits of Using Botanical Antimicrobial Cleaners After Mold Remediation

The Benefits of Using Botanical Antimicrobial Cleaners

In recent years, there has been growing interest in using plant-derived or botanical ingredients to create healthier and more environmentally-friendly household cleaners. One category of botanical cleaners that has become especially popular are botanical antimicrobial cleaners.

What Are Botanical Antimicrobial Cleaners?

Botanical antimicrobial cleaners are cleaning products made from plant extracts that have antimicrobial properties to kill germs and sanitize surfaces. Many botanical extracts contain powerful compounds that provide natural disinfecting abilities. Common botanical extracts used in antimicrobial cleaners include:

• Tea tree oil
• Thyme oil
• Clove oil
• Rosemary oil
• Lemon oil
• Oregano oil
• Lavender oil

These plant-based oils contain antimicrobial agents that can effectively kill many types of bacteria, viruses, mold and other germs when properly formulated into cleaning products.

Benefits of Botanical Antimicrobial Cleaners

There are several key reasons why using botanical antimicrobial cleaners can be beneficial:

• Natural disinfecting ability - They utilize plant extracts to provide natural and non-toxic disinfecting power to kill harmful microbes on surfaces.
• Healthier ingredients - They avoid harsh synthetic chemicals and ingredients often found in conventional disinfectants.
• Safer for people and pets - The plant-based ingredients tend to be less irritating and trigger less allergic reactions.
• Eco-friendly - Their biodegradable plant ingredients make them better for the environment once washed down drains or rinsed away.
• Pleasant smells - Essential oils used create nice aromas during cleaning tasks.

Using After Mold Remediation

One of the most effective uses for botanical antimicrobial cleaners is applying them after completing mold remediation in a home or building. Mold remediation involves removing visible mold growth from impacted areas and drying out and decontaminating the surrounding surfaces.

After this intensive mold removal process, spraying botanical antimicrobial cleaners over all remediated surfaces helps ensure no traces of mold are left behind. The natural antifungal abilities of ingredients like clove oil, thyme oil or tea tree oil will kill any lingering mold spores.

This helps prevent future mold regrowth and make the area safer for inhabitants by limiting mold exposure and associated health issues like allergies or infections for those with compromised immune systems.

Tips for Application After Mold Remediation

When applying a botanical antimicrobial cleaner after mold remediation, follow these tips:

• Wait until all surfaces are fully dry before application.
• Shake bottle well to mix key ingredients.
• Liberally spray or wipe cleaner over all remediated surfaces - walls, floors, wood, concrete.
• Don't rinse off, allow to dry fully to maximize disinfecting effects.
• Focus on spray cracks, crevices and hidden corners thoroughly.
• Spray air ducts, vents and air conditioning units if they were exposed.
• Repeat application weekly for 1-2 months after remediation is completed.

Choosing the Best Botanical Antimicrobial Cleaners

If you are looking for an effective botanical antimicrobial cleaner to use after mold remediation (or for general disinfecting duties), there are a few key things to evaluate about products you may consider:

Types of Plants Extracts

Look for cleaners containing research-backed antimicrobial botanical extracts. Tea tree, clove, oregano and thyme oils in particular have excellent mold-killing abilities based on published microbiological studies.

Concentration of Key Ingredients

Make sure the product lists the concentrations or proportions of key essential oils or botanical ingredients. A minimum of 0.5% concentration is recommended for reliable antimicrobial action.

Natural Plant-Based Formula

The best cleaners have a natural plant-based formula focused on antimicrobial botanical extracts. Avoid products with added preservatives, dyes, fragrances and stabilizers.

EPA Registered Disinfectant

For maximum assurance, look for EPA registered antimicrobial pesticide label with an established kill claims for bacteria, viruses and mold.

Choosing the right botanical antimicrobial cleaner and properly applying it after mold remediation projects helps ensure a healthy indoor environment free of hazardous microbes.

FAQs

What ingredients make a cleaner botanical antimicrobial?

Botanical antimicrobial cleaners contain plant-derived extracts and essential oils such as tea tree oil, clove oil, thyme oil, rosemary oil or oregano oil that have natural antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties to kill pathogens.

How do you apply a botanical cleaner after mold removal?

After completing mold remediation, spray or wipe the botanical antimicrobial cleaner liberally over all affected and surrounding surfaces. Don't rinse, allow surfaces to completely dry to maximize disinfection. Focus on cracks, crevices and hidden spaces.

Are botanical antimicrobial products safe?

When formulated properly using plant extracts at safe levels, botanical cleaners provide effective disinfection without toxic chemicals. However, they may still cause skin or respiratory irritation for sensitive individuals in enclosed spaces.

How often should you apply botanical cleaner after remediation?

It's recommended to apply a botanical antimicrobial cleaner weekly over remediated areas for 1-2 months after finishing mold removal. This helps prevent regrowth by killing any remaining traces left behind after the intensive remediation process.