We’ve already said our goodbyes to the sweltering summer heat. Now, we’re well in the middle of the ‘wet season’ here in Australia.

And while it’s good that we no longer have to worry about the intense heat, the cooler and humid season also brings with it another pesky little problem – mould.


Mould is a type of fungi that thrive in damp, humid, and wet conditions. They require water to grow and spread, and oxygen to survive.

And since getting rid of fungus requires a lot of time and hard work (even money!), it’s much better to think about how to prevent mould from growing in your home in the first place.

Thankfully, a cleaning guru is here to share a mould-prevention hack!

Anita Birges, the mastermind behind the Mise en Place Professional Organising, recommends using two unusual household items to combat mould and prevent them from forming in your home.

In a video she posted on her social media pages, she showed how a combination of chalk and clove oil can counter mould buildup at homes.


Simply put a few drops of pure clove oil on jumbo sticks of blackboard chalk, then place or hang them in cupboards around the house. This will allow the scent to spread around the area, killing mould spores and preventing them from forming in the first place.

Once the scent has disappeared, you can just add a few more drops of oil every month or so.

Apparently, this hack works by letting the chalk absorb any excess moisture in the air, while the clove oil is a popular mould remover that actually kills the spores, rather than just bleaching and hiding them.


However, we must advise our members that using clove oil, and dealing with mould in general, can be quite dangerous to your health, so it’s important to follow safety instructions.

Even though it’s completely natural, clove oil is still similar to other essential oils. It can cause skin irritations while some people may have an allergic reaction.

When dealing with mould, it’s also important to wear gloves and a mask. Avoid handling mouldy items directly because inhaling mould spores can be dangerous, especially for those that suffer from asthma or mould allergies.

For more mould-prevention tips, check out our previous article here. However, if you ever find yourself accidentally exposed to mould, we suggest going to a doctor or an allergy specialist to prevent further complications.

Watch this video below to check out some treatments for quick symptoms relief: