Look, nobody likes having a patch of mold in their home. And if you are going the DIY route, you might be tempted to reach out for that jug of bleach. But wait! This might not be the best solution after all, and it could even lead to bigger problems!
But there is no need to panic, dear reader. We are here to help you out! At Restore-It, we are committed to improving people's lives both through our services and through our educational articles. This time, we are going to talk about bleach and mold remediation.
Bleach is often found in our homes as a go-to cleaning solution, but it may not be the best option for tackling mold. Together, we will explore safer and more effective alternatives that will really make a difference. Let's dive in and embark on this exciting learning journey together.
Bleach: Not the Mold Killer You Thought
Now, let's make something clear: Bleach is an incredibly effective disinfectant! If you're looking to sanitize a space from bacteria or viruses, bleach can get the job done. And in a matter of seconds! It's no wonder it's a go-to option for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. However, when it comes to mold, that presents a different challenge altogether.
The thing about mold is that it doesn't just sit on the surface. It actually develops deep roots, much like a plant. The catch is that, instead of doing that in the soil, it grows into porous materials like wood, drywall, and insulation.
To get rid of mold, removing those pesky roots is important instead of just tackling the surface. While bleach might seem like a quick fix, it can't reach the "root" of the problem (see what I did there?), giving you a false sense of security. This can make you think everything is fine when, in reality, mold is just hiding beneath the surface, ready to make a return. It's like weeding in the garden: if you don't pull out the roots, they'll grow right back.
Why Bleach Can Work Against You
Previously, we talked about porosity and mold. Imagine your building materials as a sponge and mold as a plant. The mold "roots" grow deep in the sponge's holes, making the visible part the "flower." Bleach can cut the flower but won't get to the roots. And we are not alone in this. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends NOT using bleach during mold cleanup.
Here is another fact about bleach: it's mostly water. Yeah, you read that right. Most bleach solutions sold in the market contain only 6% of sodium hypochlorite and other additives. The rest is just plain water. And guess what does mold love? If you guessed water, you are on the right track.
So, here's the kicker: using bleach on porous materials can actually worsen the problem. While bleach evaporates, the water in the solution can be absorbed deeper into the building material. This can provide more moisture for the mold to grow, leading to a vicious cycle of constant cleaning and constant resurfacing.
The Hidden Dangers of Bleach
Bleach isn't just ineffective against mold; it can also harm your health and home. Here's a closer look at the risks:
- Harmful Fumes: Bleach releases strong fumes that can irritate your eyes, skin, and lungs. These fumes can be especially problematic for people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory sensitivities. This is why is always recommended to ventilate the area after use.
- Damage to Materials: Bleach can damage or discolor certain materials, such as fabrics, carpets, and some types of flooring. This can ruin furniture, carpets, or even your clothes if you're not careful. It's always a good idea to test bleach in a hidden area before using it on any surface, but even then, there's no guarantee it won't cause damage over time.
- Environmental Concerns: Bleach is a harsh chemical that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. When bleach goes down the drain, it can react with other substances in the water system, creating harmful byproducts that pollute our waterways and harm aquatic life
- Potentially Dangerous When Mixed: Bleach can react with other cleaning products to create dangerous gases, putting you and your family at risk. Mixing bleach with ammonia, for example, can produce toxic chloramine gas, which can cause severe respiratory problems.
Of course, we are not suggesting that bleach doesn't have its place in your cleaning toolkit! What we want to highlight is that there are some important precautions to keep in mind when using it, and it's not the best choice for tackling mold.
The DIY Basics of Mold Cleanup
So, you've spotted some mold in your home? No worries, we've got you covered! If the patch is not bigger than 10 square feet, then you can clean it yourself. Based on the EPA guide, we made a list of steps to follow:
- Dry It Out: Mold loves moisture, so the first step is to dry everything out completely. Fix any leaks or water problems ASAP.
- Scrub-a-Dub-Dub: For hard surfaces like walls and floors, grab some detergent and water and scrub that mold away. Make sure to dry everything completely afterward.
- Toss It Out: Sometimes, things like carpets and ceiling tiles get so moldy you just gotta toss 'em. Mold can hide deep inside those materials, making it impossible to clean completely.
- Suit Up: Protect yourself! Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up mold, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.
- Don't Paint Over It: Painting or caulking over mold just traps it underneath. Clean and dry the surface first, then paint.
- Call in the Pros: If you're unsure about cleaning something, if the patch is larger than 10 square feet, or if a valuable item has been taken over by mold, don't hesitate to call a specialist.
Larger Mold Problems? Call Restore-It!
Mold can be a stubborn opponent, and bleach is just not up to the task. Having learned the mistake of trying to tackle mold with bleach, you are now on your path to save time (and money!).
While there are some cases where you can treat it with DIY solutions, for larger infestations we suggest you call Restore-It. We have the expertise, equipment, and experience to safely and effectively address your mold problem, protecting your health, home, and peace of mind. Don't let mold take over – contact us today, and let us help you create a healthy environment.
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