Mould's one of those things that shows up uninvited and refuses to leave. You know the spots we're talking about—the grout lines, the shower corners, that bit of ceiling near the exhaust fan that never quite dries out. You've tried ignoring it (we've all been there), you've tried bleach and you've tried scrubbing, and maybe for a week it's gone, and then - surprise, it's back. If you're tired of the cycle and looking for something that actually works long-term on mould, clove oil might be exactly what you need. It's not new, it's not trendy, and it's certainly not a gimmick. It's just genuinely effective, which is why cleaning experts have been quietly recommending it for years.
Let's dig into why clove oil has earned its reputation as a mould-fighting powerhouse, how to use it safely and effectively, and why having a ready-made solution can save you a whole lot of hassle.
What Makes Clove Oil So Effective Against Mould?
Here's the thing about most cleaners: they make mould on the surface disappear, but they don't actually kill the spores. The spores are what cause mould to come back, often faster than you'd like. Clove oil is different. It's a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent that gets to the root of the problem and kills those spores, so mould doesn't just bounce right back.
The active compound in clove oil, eugenol, is what gives it this mould-busting power. It gets into mould colonies and stops them from regrowing, which is exactly what you want when you're trying to keep those black spots from reappearing on your shower tiles or bathroom grout.
Unlike harsh chemical cleaners that can leave behind fumes and residue, clove oil does the job naturally. No burning eyes, no toxic smell lingering for days, and no worrying about what you're breathing in while you scrub.
How to Safely Use Clove Oil for Mould
Using clove oil to tackle mould is straightforward, but there are a few important things to know before you start mixing.
The Basic Method:
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Mix your solution: Add ¼ teaspoon of clove oil to 1 litre of water in a spray bottle. That's it. Don't be tempted to make it stronger; more isn't better here.
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Lightly spray the mouldy surface. You don't need to drench it.
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Leave it to work for 20 minutes, then wipe the area clean.
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Spray again and leave it for 24 to 48 hours without wiping. This gives the clove oil time to get in there and kill any remaining spores.
Important Safety Notes:
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Always test on an inconspicuous spot first, especially on painted walls or delicate surfaces.
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Don't make your mixture stronger than recommended. Clove oil is potent, and too much can damage surfaces or cause irritation.
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Store your solution in a cool, dark place.
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Keep it away from children and pets in concentrated form.
Shannon Lush's Expert Clove Oil Mould Solution
If you're not familiar with Shannon Lush, she's Australia's Queen of Clean, a household name when it comes to using natural cleaning solutions for the home. And when it comes to getting rid of mould, she's been championing clove oil for years.
Her recommended approach is simple and effective:
Shannon's Clove Oil Recipe:
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¼ teaspoon clove oil
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1 litre of water
Her Instructions:
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Lightly mist the affected surface
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Wait 20 minutes, then wipe
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Spray again and leave for 24–48 hours without wiping
Shannon is firm about one thing: do not make the mixture stronger. It's tempting to think more clove oil means more mould-killing power, but it can actually damage surfaces and isn't necessary. The ratio she recommends is powerful enough to do the job properly.
She also notes that one litre of this solution can last around a year, making it an economical choice for ongoing mould prevention.
Clove Oil Spray for Mould: When Ready-Made Wins
Look, we love a good DIY solution as much as anyone. But here's the reality: measuring out ¼ teaspoon of clove oil, finding the right spray bottle, making sure your ratios are spot-on – it's fiddly. And if you're already dealing with a mould problem, you probably just want to fix it quickly.
That's where a ready-made clove oil mould spray makes life substantially easier. No mixing, no measuring, no second-guessing whether you've got the concentration right. You grab it, spray it, and you're done.
Euclove's Bathroom & Mould Cleaner comes with clove oil already perfectly formulated, plus it includes microfibre cloths, so you've got everything you need in one go. Sometimes convenience really is worth it.
How Much Clove Oil Should You Use To Get Rid of Mould?
This is one of the most common questions people have, and the answer is surprisingly consistent across experts: ¼ teaspoon per litre of water.
That ratio gives you enough antifungal power to kill mould spores without risking damage to your surfaces or creating an overpowering scent. It might seem like a tiny amount, but clove oil is incredibly concentrated. A little genuinely goes a long way.
If you're tempted to add more thinking it'll work faster or better, resist the urge. Over-concentrating your mixture can cause discolouration on painted surfaces, irritate your skin, or damage porous materials like untreated timber. Stick to the recommended amount and let the clove oil do its thing.
Using Clove Oil for Mould on Fabric
Mould doesn't just show up on bathroom tiles; it can appear on curtains, clothing, upholstery, and other fabrics, especially in damp environments. The good news is that clove oil can work on fabric, too, but you need to approach it carefully.
Here's How:
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Always ‘spot test’ first. Apply a tiny amount of your clove oil solution to an inconspicuous area and wait 24 hours to check for any discolouration or damage.
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Lightly mist the affected fabric rather than soaking it. You want it damp, not drenched.
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Let it air dry completely in sunlight if possible. UV light is a natural mould killer and helps prevent regrowth.
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For delicate fabrics like silk or wool, consider taking them to a professional cleaner rather than treating them yourself.
Good ventilation/Airing is crucial when treating fabrics. Hang them outside or in a well-ventilated area to dry completely, as any remaining moisture will just invite mould back.
Tea Tree Oil vs Clove Oil for Mould – Which Is Better?
Both tea tree oil and clove oil show up in natural mould removal conversations, and they're both effective. But there are some key differences worth knowing about.
Tea Tree Oil:
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Great for general cleaning and mild mould issues
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Pleasant, fresh scent
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Good antibacterial properties
Clove Oil:
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Specifically targets and kills mould spores
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Prevents regrowth more effectively
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Stronger antifungal properties
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Longer-lasting protection
Tea tree oil is excellent for maintenance and general bathroom cleaning, but when you're dealing with persistent or recurring mould, clove oil tends to be the more powerful choice as it gets in there and deals with the spores that cause mould to return.
That said, some people combine both oils for a more rounded approach. There's no harm in using both, as long as you maintain safe dilution ratios.
Where Can I Buy the Best Clove Oil for Mould?
Clove oil is widely available in Australia. You can find it at health food stores, chemists, and online retailers. But here's something important: not all clove oils are the same.
For mould removal, you want pure, therapeutic-grade clove oil. Avoid synthetic fragrances or diluted versions marketed for aromatherapy, as they won't have the same antifungal punch. Check the label and make sure you're getting 100% pure clove oil.
If mixing your own solution feels like too much hassle, or if you want the peace of mind that comes with a professionally formulated product, buy clove oil for mould in a ready-to-use formula instead.
Why Choose Euclove's Bathroom & Mould Cleaner with Clove Oil
Sometimes the best solution is the one that's already done the work for you. Euclove's Bathroom & Mould Cleaner brings together everything we've been talking about in one bottle.
Here's What Makes It Worth Considering:
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Formulated with natural clove oil that kills mould spores and prevents regrowth
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Ready to use straight out of the bottle, no mixing, no measuring, no fuss
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Comes with microfibre cloths included
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Antibacterial and antifungal properties for a properly hygienic clean
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No harsh chemical fumes, so you're not stuck with that overwhelming bleach smell
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Safe around kids, pets, and septic systems
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Made right here in Australia with natural, plant-based ingredients
It's the kind of product that makes life easier when you just want to tackle a mould problem quickly and effectively without worrying about getting the DIY ratios right.
Final Thoughts
Clove oil for mould is more than a natural alternative; it's a genuinely effective solution that experts like Shannon Lush have been recommending for years. It kills mould spores, stops them from coming back, and does it all without filling your home with harsh chemical fumes.
Whether you choose to mix your own solution or opt for the convenience of a ready-made spray from Euclove, the important thing is that you're taking a safer, more natural approach to keeping your home mould-free.
Ready to tackle that bathroom mould once and for all? Shop Euclove's mould-cleaning range and give clove oil a proper try. Your lungs (and your family) will thank you.
Shop Now:
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Euclove's Bathroom & Mould Cleaner 300ml – comes with microfibre cloths
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Euclove's Bathroom & Mould Cleaner 500ml – perfect for larger jobs