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Mold & Aspirin

Jennifer Eblin

Aspirin has a number of health benefits, as it reduces fever and helps patients manage and combat pain. The over-the-counter medication also helps fight mold. When you discover mold growing on plants or trees, use an aspirin combination that kills the mold. Aspirin may also be effective at killing and treating mold growing on your skin.

Mold and Plants

Mold comes in a variety of colors and textures.

Over-the-counter aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, which in its natural form occurs on willow tree bark. The chemical found in aspirin mimics the natural element and kills mold and fungus growing on plants. Crush one aspirin pill into a fine powder and pour into a large plastic bucket. Add one-quart cool water to the aspirin and stir until the aspirin dissolves. Use the mixture when watering the mold-infested plants. The plant absorbs the acid from the mixture and spreads it through the plant via the root system. Make more of the mixture as needed until you defeat the mold problem.

Mold and Skin

The salicylic acid found in over-the-counter aspirin kills mold effectively. Pour three to four capsules into a small ceramic bowl and hit with the back of a spoon. Crush the aspirin into a thick powder. Rub the powder on any fungus-affected areas of the skin. Wipe the excess powder and residue off with a dry cloth. Repeat the process as many times as needed until the fungus and mold disappears from your skin.

Other Types of Mold

No evidence exists that the acid compound found in aspirin may work at killing mold growing around your home, including mold caused by water damage. Depending on the severity of your outbreak, you may try using an aspirin mixture to kill the mold. Use the same combination of aspirin and water as you would for mold growing on plants. Once the aspirin dissolves, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and lightly coat the affected area. Scrub the mixture on the mold with a scrub brush and wipe with clean towels.

Warning

Never attempt the aspirin method for killing fungus until you consult a doctor. The symptoms of another infection may mimic the look of a fungal infection. Even if you have fungus or mold growing on your skin, the problem may be too severe for home remedies. Your doctor can diagnose the problem and determine the best course of treatment for curing the infection. Your infection may require a medical prescription.