Why Bleach Isn't The Answer For Fighting Mold

10/16/2018 (Permalink)

There are much better ways to get rid of mold than using bleach

Got mold? It’s a common issue. And most people think the common answer of using bleach to get rid of mold is the best answer. Wrong. We’re about to give you four major reasons why bleach is not the most effective choice to rid your home or business of mildew or mold.

1.    Bleach won’t kill mold on porous surfaces. It may even help mold grow.
Yes, chlorine bleach can kill surface mold. But mold can grow deep roots within porous surfaces including drywall and wood. Those roots will not be affected by bleach. The bleach you apply remains on the surface while the water in the bleach goes deeper and can feed the mold growth.

2.    Bleach loses its effectiveness over time.
Do you know how old the bleach is that you’re using? That’s important because chlorine bleach rapidly loses its effectiveness. Try leaving a glass of chlorinated water out on the counter for a few days. You’ll find the chlorine will evaporate. This happens within bleach containers as well. Evaporation means that it will be hard for you to determine the true potency of your chlorine bleach solution because the chlorine can escape through plastic. Perhaps the chlorine bleach you’re using has been sitting at the store, or in your home for months or longer. That will lessen its power to perform.

For Mold, Fire & Water Cleanup & Restoration Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield At (860) 633-8791

3.    Bleach is toxic.
Chlorine bleach produces fumes that pollute the air and can become harmful to humans and pets. Chlorine bleach also generates a by-product called dioxin, which is linked to cancer. If you use bleach over time you can build up these pollutants in your environment.

4.    OSHA and the EPA recommend not using bleach to kill mold.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), stopped recommending the use of bleach for dealing with mold problems. And, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated their guide as well, removing the suggestion to use bleach to kill mold.

For Mold, Fire & Water Cleanup & Restoration Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield At (860) 633-8791

So, bleach can kill surface mold but it won’t touch the roots. You can use bleach to temporarily kill what’s on the surface but treating mold with bleach alone is not effective in the long run. You won’t know how potent the bleach you use is and using it means exposing yourself to harmful fumes. And major consumer protection organizations do not recommend bleach.

Get Rid of Mold Issues for Good

Specialists in professional remediation can be your best bet when it comes to getting rid of mold for good. Our crews at SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield use special cleaners and equipment to get rid of mold, including spores. We can identify the full extent of your mold infestation and treat mold-infested areas safely and effectively.
 
More Information   
SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield publishes educational articles on how Glastonbury area residents and businesses can protect themselves from mold and natural disasters and restore their property after a flood, sewage spill, fire, or other harmful event. We also try to give you ideas about resources in the greater Glastonbury and Wethersfield community. Here are a few blog posts you might find helpful:  

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In Glastonbury the team at SERVPRO has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield anytime at 860.633.8791.

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