The molds inside our homes produce toxic agents known as mycotoxins which can have negative effects on human health, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that seven million premature deaths are linked to indoor air pollution annually. And according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the people at greatest risk of health effects and mold symptoms due to mold are infants and children, elderly people, and pregnant women; as well as individuals with allergies, asthma, sinusitis, or other respiratory conditions.

The good news is that there are precautions that you can take at home. A common misconception is that chlorine bleach can be used as an effective cleaning method, but that is far from the truth – it’s neither safe nor effective. However, essential oils – particularly cinnamon oil – are a harmless and potent killer of molds. (And just in time for the holidays!) Cinnamon oil has been shown by the National Library of Medicine to be one of the strongest oils used for killing mold, as well as for suppressing bacterial growth for 60 days.

How to use cinnamon oil for mold removal and prevention:

1) Diffuse – diffuse cinnamon oil to reduce mold spores in the air.
2) Clean – for small mold contaminants on hard surfaces, you can dilute essential oils with water and vinegar to clean.
3) Try a half-gallon of water mixed with one-thirds of a cup of vinegar and 10-15 drops of cinnamon oil.