The Myth of Bleach and Mold For Severna Park Maryland Area | SI Restoration

Author Bio: Jeff Cohn Baltimore Maryland and Washington DC .

I am Jeff with SI Restoration a mold removal, mold remediation and water damage restoration company.

We are also referred to as a water damage cleanup company. SI Restoration has been in business since 1989 and have been IICRC certified for water damage clean up or restoration for 30 years. Jeff graduated from the Park School and University of Maryland.

***Jeff started SI Restoration with his brother Mike Cohn and still own it today. If you have questions on this article or want a free consultation on your issues in Washington DC or Baltimore Maryland please call him day or night at 410-458-5371.

Mold is a common problem

Mold is a common problem in many homes and can cause health issues and structural damage if left unchecked. One of the most common methods of removing mold is using bleach, but does it really work?

Whether you use a bleach solution or mixing bleach to kill mold,

In this article we will explore the risks and limitations of using bleach to kill mold, as well as safer alternatives use bleach and the importance of fixing water issues.

Risks of Using Bleach to Kill Mold

Using bleach to kill mold can pose several risks that may outweigh the benefits.

Firstly, bleach can produce toxic chlorine gas when mixed with other household cleaning products like ammonia or drain cleaners, causing health risks such as respiratory issues and skin irritation.

Secondly, prolonged exposure to bleach fumes can cause breathing problems, watery eyes and other respiratory ailments specially in poorly ventilated areas.

Chlorine Bleach kill mold

Thirdly, Chlorine bleach can damage the surfaces it is applied to, especially porous materials like wood and drywall.

It may remove the visible mold on the surface but fails to penetrate the porous surfaces to kill the mold roots, allowing mold to grow back.

This can give a false sense of security, as the mold may appear to be gone but continues to thrive beneath the surface.

Chlorine Bleach is also ineffective at preventing mold from coming back. Without fixing the root cause of mold growth, such as wetness problems, mold will come back even after using bleach.So be careful not to breath bleach fumes in the air after mold bleach. The air with bleach fumes can cause breathing problems. It becomes a gaseous state and will travel to other rooms causing damage .

Don’t clean windows with bleach as it may etch the surface . If at all possible use vinegar with a one cup of vinegar to a gallon of water .

Applying bleach can kill mildew as well but again watch for air quality, porous surfaces and wood surfaces.

Don’t mix bleach, ammonia and bleach as this will cause a gas explosion.

Check your air conditioner for active mold growth. Don’t use bleach as this will etch metal surfaces with your bleach solution.

Remember when mixing bleach use protective gloves when applying bleach or performing mold cleanup.

You can use household bleach kill to remove mold too.

Limitations of Bleach in Killing Mold Spores

Bleach is often the go to solution for removal cleaning mold because of its strong disinfecting properties. However, its effectiveness is limited when it comes to killing mold spores.

Bleach can kill mold on hard, nonporous or porous surfaces like tiles and glass but struggles to penetrate porous surfaces like wood, drywall and fabric.

This means that while the surface mold might be wiped away, the roots of the mold can remain embedded in the material, allowing it to grow back.

Safer Alternatives to Bleach for Cleaning Mold

When it comes to cleaning mold, there are several safer alternatives to bleach that can effectively kill and eliminate mold, without the health risks.

These alternatives are not only less toxic but can also be more effective in addressing mold issues, especially on porous and hard surfaces too.

Vinegar

1. Vinegar is a natural and effective mold killer that can be used on both porous and nonporous surfaces. Its acidic nature breaks down mold and prevents its growth. Simply spray undiluted white vinegar onto the area, let it sit for an hour and then wipe it clean with water.

   Baking Soda

   Baking soda is another safe and natural option for cleaning mold. It not only kills mold but also absorbs water which prevents mold growth. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda with water in a spray bottle, apply it to the surface, scrub with a brush and rinse with clean water.

   Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a anti-fungal and antibacterial solution that can be used to remove the mold and mildew.

Apply a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution directly to the moldy surface, let it sit for 10 minutes, scrub the affected area and wipe clean.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that can kill mold spores. Use a teaspoon of tea tree oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle, spray on the moldy area and let it dry without rinsing.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

This natural extract can kill mold and prevent it from coming back. Mix 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract with two cups of water in a spray bottle, apply to the moldy surface and let it air dry.

These alternatives are not only safer but also eco friendly making them a great choice for mold remediation. You must address the underlying moisture issue to prevent mold from coming back.

Regularly inspect your home for leaks, improve ventilation and maintain humidity levels to keep mold away.

Addressing Moisture Issues

Addressing moisture issues is a critical step in mold remediation. Mold lives in damp environments and without eliminating the source of moisture, any mold removal will be temporary.

Moisture problems can come from various sources including leaks, high humidity and poor ventilation. Identifying and fixing these issues is key to preventing the mold issues from coming back.

Leaks in roofs, walls and plumbing systems are common culprits of moisture . Regular inspections can detect leaks early allowing for timely repairs.

Also ensure gutters and downspouts are functioning properly to prevent water from seeping into the home.

High humidity and mildew levels can also contribute to mold growth. Using dehumidifiers in areas of dampness like basements and bathrooms can maintain optimal humidity levels.

Keep indoor humidity below 60% to prevent mold growth.

How to Safely Perform Mold Remediation in Your Home

Performing mold remediation in your home safely involves several steps to ensure both your safety and the effectiveness of the mold removal process. Here are the guidelines:1. Assess the Mold: Start by assessing the extent of the mold. Identify all areas including hidden spots like under carpets, behind wallpaper or inside HVAC systems. Knowing the scope of the mold problem will help you plan the remediation process.

2. Wear Protective Gear: Before you start any mold removal, make sure you have the right protective gear. This includes rubber gloves, protective goggles and a mask or respirator to prevent inhaling mold spores and toxic fumes.

Protective clothing can also prevent skin contact with mold.

3. Contain the Area: To prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of your home, seal off the area. Use plastic sheeting and tape to cover doors, vents and other openings. This will keep mold spores localized during the cleaning process.

4. Use the Right Solutions: Choose the right cleaning solution for the surface you're cleaning. Bleach can be used on hard nonporous surfaces, but consider safer alternatives like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for porous surfaces.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and routine practices when using any cleaning product.

5. Remove and Dispose of Moldy Materials: For materials that can not be cleaned like moldy drywall or carpeting, you must remove and dispose of them properly.

6. Protect these materials in plastic bags before removing them from your home to prevent spore dispersion.

7. Clean and Dry the Area: After removing the mold, clean the area with your chosen cleaning solution.

8. Make sure the area is dry to prevent future mold growth. Use fans or dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process.

9. By following these steps you can safely and effectively do mold remediation and have a healthier living environment for you and your family.

10. Don't open windows to air dry mold effected areas. But do open windows to let fresh air in when using bleach to kill mold.

If you need more information contact Jeff at 410-458-5371 if you have questions on mold and free consultation and free estimates on mold removal and mold remediation .