You surely are aware that bleach is one of the best mold killers. Bleach can kill and destroy visual mold on hard surfaces, but does it also kill mold under the surface? The nasty roots of the mold can go deep into the porous materials, so bleach is not 100% effective. This can cause subsequent mold outbreaks. If bleach does not kill mold, what options do you have? Knowing its limitations and the options available can save you a lot of precious time and troubles that this situation may cause you.
How Effective Bleach Really For Mold?
Bleach only kills mold and mildew on top surfaces. Bleach’s chemical structure prevents it from soaking into porous surfaces, even undiluted, no matter how much you apply. The surface may look clean and white, but the mold is still alive just a few millimeters beneath it and will start growing again within minutes.
Ideal Locations For Mold Growth
Mold lives in places you least expect; it thrives in areas where you wish it just away. And, of course, it is not limited to the old food or the just-plain-neglected space, but it’ll thrive in any environment where moisture and organic matter are available. You may have seen it in damp places, such as bathrooms, basements, or kitchens, where humidity is rife. The spores need several surfaces to mushroom. These tiny spores are found indoors and outdoors, and they wait for conditions to be just right to trigger multiplication.
Mold takes advantage of any organic material it touches, such as wood, drywall, or carpets, to start its vicious cycle of colonization. Unfortunately, the growth process is not only an eyesore; it comes with some serious health issues. Prolonged exposure to mold leads to problems in the respiratory area, allergies, and so on. Left unchecked, mold can damage your home’s structure by weakening the material it feeds on.
Can Mold Affect My Health?
Mold spores are microscopic particles projected into the atmosphere when mold leaves behind its molds. Most people do not react to most kinds of mold, but some kinds produce mycotoxins that can cause a wide range of adverse health effects and may cause allergic reactions or breathing problems for some.
Since mold is hazardous to people’s health, care should be taken when cleaning molds, such as wearing a respirator mask and safety glasses. Extensive areas of mold also pose more health risks and are considered a chance for a professional service.
Role Of Bleach In Removing Mold
You could use bleach to handle mold on non-porous surfaces, killing living mold. But you should know that bleach only acts on the surface and doesn’t do anything with the deeper-growing mold within porous materials; thus, it leaves the roots intact and can even exacerbate the issue.
To eliminate mold, seek other remediation methods, including professional services that address and focus on dealing with the root problems instead of using bleach with the chemical fumes it produces.
Bleach Efficiency On The Surface
Bleach’s stance on mold removal is often misleading because it mainly addresses a mold situation on the surface without attacking the root cause. Bleach kills the live mold that it touches but will not penetrate porous materials to handle problems deeper caused by mold. This means mold can continue developing underneath the surface even after applying bleach, and difficulties will recur over time. Eradicating mold properly is not possible until the cause of mold is directly addressed with solutions deeper than the on-the-surface answer. Using bleach would also be misleading since it makes you believe that the mold is gone when, in fact, there could still be development beneath that remains unrestrained.
Professional remediation services would be aware of the exact methods for removal at its roots and prevention of returning growths. This way, when it has recurring mold issues, it should try hiring professionals to address them adequately and permanently. This will ensure that there is no return of mold and also ensure your house stays healthy afterward.
Alternatives To Bleach Use For Mold Removal
Bleach is the best solution when it comes to removing mold. But it is not. Instead, one needs alternatives that penetrate and reach the roots of the mold. Among the most practical options include detergent and water, which can be applied to kill the mold and, at the same time, or even more effectively than bleach could, prevent its reappearance. This should be accompanied by addressing moisture issues in any remediation process to avoid recurrence.
Other cures and measures to be taken against mold include:
Detergent and Water: They are among the easiest treatments because they clean the surface and dehydrate mold spores.
Vinegar is organic and acidic. It kills mold spores and prevents recurrences. It is mild and has no bitter chemicals that could cause further damage.
Baking Soda: Baking soda is pet-friendly and also safe for humans. This can be used to clean the mold and the odor it causes.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide works well on mold in porous surfaces because it penetrates more deeply than bleach.
Tea Tree Oil Solution: Tea tree oil has fabulous antifungal properties and kills mold. However, it could be a better cleaner. Use a 3% solution of tea tree oil comprised of 1 tsp with 2 cups of hot water. Shake well before using.
Professional Services: These offer specialized techniques that attack the root of the mold for a lasting solution.
General Mold Myths
- People often must address mold with a correct perception of what it is and how to combat it effectively. Mold myths are usually spun, so people focus only on visible mold. Also, tiny mold spots can indicate a big moisture problem behind them. Therefore, tackling them before they become major issues is imperative.
- Many people assume bleach and mold are enemies, believing that applying bleach will eliminate the problem. Bleach only kills living mold on the surface, failing to address the issues deeper within.
- The second is that the mold is not present if it is invisible. Smell can be vital in this context since most molds may not be visual. Overlooking the musty smell may aid the secret spreading of the hidden mold. DIY methods do not apply to spaces larger than 10 square feet. Professional mold removal services are needed in this case.
Safety Tips while Remedying with Bleach
The CDC warns against using bleach without proper personal protective equipment to kill the mold. Now, if you have decided bleach is the answer for killing small, mild infestations on non-porous surfaces, follow these precautions:
- Wear your gloves, goggles, and an N-95 respirator.
- Open doors and windows.
- Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning solutions; it produces toxic fumes.
- Your HVAC system should be checked and cleaned before you use it following the cleanup to avoid spreading mold all over your house.
Conclusion
You must understand that bleach is not a magic cleaner for mold. It can kill mold on the surface but fails to address the problem deep within porous materials. The root cause may lead to persistent problems. Instead, focus on mold removal effectiveness by rectifying the underlying moisture problems. When mold infestations are severe, professional mold remediation services are involved. They can ensure a complete solution. You and your environment will be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Bleach Kill Mold?
You will probably think bleach has fully killed mold growth, targeting only surface mold spores. However, its effectiveness is extremely weak because stronger mold growth will grow below the surface. These household cleaners and specialized cleaning methods are needed to remove mold without damaging the outer layers.
Which One Eliminates the Mold, Bleach or Vinegar?
Given its efficiency and organic cure, vinegar should be applied to eliminate molds. Bleach is only surface-disinfecting, whereas vinegar can penetrate the contaminated section, providing better mold prevention. Their chemical reactions ensure you have safer cleaners around your household against mold spores.
Why Do People Say Bleach Doesn’t Kill Mold?
Bleach does not kill mold because individuals operate under the assumption of fallacies regarding how effective bleach is. Most of the time, mold resistance is unsuccessful due to inadequate penetration into surfaces and poor application. This permits residual growth and spores, leading to potential health risks and environmental impacts unless proper equipment is used.