Bleach Won’t Kill Mold (Do This Instead)

Mold and mildew are gross. 

Nobody wants to walk into their bathroom or look under the kitchen sink and discover they have a mold problem. If this happens to you, your first instinct may be to grab the bleach bottle and start spraying. 

Since bleach kills germs and other icky things, it makes sense that it would take care of mold just as easily. Right? Wrong. 

You should never clean mold with bleach. 

Yes, a bleach solution is great for making your sheets a little whiter, disinfecting your toilets, and keeping your everyday surfaces free of germs. However, bleach does not kill mold spores and should never be used to remediate mold. 

In fact, bleach is one of the worst things to use, especially on porous surfaces, and it may even contribute to further mold growth. When using a liquid bleach (sodium hypochlorite) solution on a surface that has mold, you are actually adding more water to the equation. 

And, since mold and mildew love moisture and thrive in wet and damp areas, it is more likely that bleaching will make things worse instead of getting rid of your mold problem

What should you do instead? 

For smaller patches of mold or mildew, you may be able to tackle the problem on your own. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that if the area affected by mold is smaller than 10 square feet, your mold cleanup could be a DIY job

The problem? Most store-bought mold and mildew removers are ineffective, and the key to getting rid of a mold problem is making sure you are as thorough as possible. While vinegar may provide a short-term solution for cleaning smaller areas of mold growth, it is important to note that visible mold doesn’t always tell the whole story. 

If you find mold in your home or commercial office space, here is what to do instead: 

1. Start by calling a mold remediation specialist. 

Even if the visible area of mold looks small, there is always a chance that the problem extends to areas that are not visible—such as behind walls or beneath the flooring. A professional mold removal company will be able to send an expert to assess the problem and provide intelligent guidance as to what your next steps should be. 

And if it turns out to be a DIY job, an expert can tell you which products to use and how to keep yourself safe during the cleaning process. 

2. Try to find the source of the problem. 

If you suspect there may be water damage, such as from a leaky pipe, try to identify the issue and fix it if possible to prevent any further mold growth. When dealing with mold, always be sure to wear protective gear such as a mask and gloves to prevent exposure to potentially harmful mold spores

Remember, many types of mold can trigger allergic reactions (such as coughing, sneezing, and watery eyes) as well as breathing problems in some people. 

3. Do your best to contain the area. 

You may not feel comfortable diving head-first into your newly discovered mold problem, and that is perfectly normal. After contacting a mold remediation specialist, do your best to contain the area and keep it as dry as possible while you wait

Let your family members or staff know to use caution around the mold-affected area, and remove any damaged materials within reach (such as rugs or bathmats) if you can.   

Better than bleach: Our 3-step treatment method

As part of our comprehensive mold remediation process, CT Mold Pros uses the following 3-step treatment method to neutralize the mold and prevent future mold growth:

  • First, we apply an EPA-registered moldicide spray to render the mold inactive. This process is relatively quick and takes just minutes between coats.
  • Second, we apply a catalyst spray to remove any visible staining. Depending on the extent of the staining, our specialists may also use hand tools such as wire brushes to remove more stubborn stains.
  • Third, we release an antimicrobial/antibacterial fog to penetrate tight spaces and effectively neutralize mold growth in porous items such as insulation. An odor neutralizer is also applied to remove any remaining odors.

Once treatment is complete, our team will vacuum all vertical and horizontal surfaces within the space to remove any residual particles. We will also remove and dispose of any waste materials off site.

Got mold? Act quickly and give us a call. 

Our team of mold remediation specialists has seen it all—from minor mold problems caused by poor ventilation to major issues caused by heavy water damage. Regardless of the size of the problem, we can provide the expertise you need to address mold growth properly and restore your peace of mind. 

Call us today at (203) 920-0265 for a free estimate or fill out this short form with your message to schedule an appointment with one of our trained and certified specialists.

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