It may be getting close to spring, but the wintry weather isn't over yet, and unfortunately, the cold and damp conditions at this time of the year can cause problems around your home, like black mould.

Mould growth is a common occurrence during the chilly winter months due to condensation and can cause black spores to appear on walls, ceilings, around your windows, and even on your clothes. Condensation is the main culprit of dampness in homes and is caused when warm air meets the cold surface of windows and walls, before cooling quickly to form a layer of water droplets. If left unchecked, the sitting water can soak into your window frames, wallpaper and paintwork, and before you know it, black mould will be growing on the surface which can be expensive to fix.

But according to cleaning experts, there is an easy fix to rid your home of black mould and all you need is a teaspoon of tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant which works by destroying the cell walls of mould spores, causing them to rupture so they can no longer grow and spread.

As such, tea tree oil is great for cleaning and it’s an excellent natural ingredient that means you don’t have to rely on using harsh chemicals, making it a safer option for use around your home.

Experts at Mould in Homes explain: “Tea tree oil (also known as melaleuca oil) is a natural fungicide that is effective at killing mould spores throughout the home.

“It’s a great choice because it’s environmentally friendly, harmless to pets and people, and small amounts can be extremely effective. Of all the natural mould killing solutions, tea tree oil is the most effective.”

To kill and remove the mould, experts recommend first wiping the affected area with a damp cloth to remove any excess mould and then apply a diluted solution of one teaspoon of tea tree oil and one cup of water, and allow this to sit for one hour before wiping it clean.

Experts at Cannock Chase Council said: “Tea Tree oil is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant but it’s also great for cleaning, especially on mould or mildew. Make sure the Tea Tree oil is derived from Melaleuca Alternifolia.

“Try a dilute of 1 teaspoon of Tea Tree oil to 1 cup of water (hot or cold). Soak mildewed items in the solution or spray on to trouble spots using a plant mister. Wipe clean, no need to rinse off as leaving the Tea Tree oil solution to dry will kill the mould and prevent it from returning.”