The Do’s and Don’ts for Mold Removal

Indoor mold growth is an inevitable problem that any homeowners have to deal with. It can grow anywhere ranging from predictable places like bathrooms, kitchen cabinets to supposedly impediment places for mold development like books, CDs,…. The hidden, dark, damp environmental conditions allowing mold to thrive unstoppably is also a hindrance for us to quickly discover indoor mold before it becomes too big to handle. Therefore, we normally notice an area of mold only when it let itself to be noticed.

Mold can not only damage any surfaces that it grows on but also cause several serious risks on physical well-being. In addition, in some cases, it even leaves unpleasant odors in the house.

When mold reproduces and spreads in your house, you are likely to go for the most abrasive cleaning solutions ( for instance: chlorine bleach) that promise to instantly kill it. However, is it appropriate to use bleach to kill mold and which cautions should you bear in mind?

This article will provide sufficient and insightful answers to both questions and the way to kill mold effectively with chlorine bleach.

Is it appropriate to use bleach to kill mold?

Household bleach is an ideal cleaning solution if you want to destroy indoor mold in minutes. Biocides contained in household bleach products have a great ability to kill living organisms. Bleach is made of 80% of water and 20% of other chemical substances. Mold loves water. When absorbing bleach, it absorbs its food source and its predators as well. That’s how the cleaning process works. However, bleach only works well for mold cleanup on non-porous surfaces. Due to the chemical structure of bleach, it is unable to reach to porous surfaces where the membrane of the mold actually lives and reproduces. That means the mold has a large potential to return and grow its colony even after the surface is vividly free of mold.

Note: Never use bleach in conjunction with any ammonia-containing cleaning solutions or detergents because hazardous fumes can be released.

How to destroy mold with bleach?

Preparation phase:

Before you clean, take a moment to prepare yourself. Put on gloves, masks and eye safety goggles. Wear a comfortable, non-restrictive shirt and pants. This will shield you from bleach and any hazardous mold strains.

Now, you are ready to jump in the mold-killing task.

Mixing phase:

Preparing the bleach solution. The bleach-to-water ratio for mold is ¼ to ½ cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.

Applying the cleanser and cleaning phase:

Fill an empty spray bottle with the mixture and spray a generous amount of the mixture to the problematic areas. Let it sit for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Use a sponge, rag or brush to scrub the wall with the diluted bleach solution.

Let it air dry or you can remove any remaining bleach solution with plain water after 10 minutes.

Note: Throw away clothes and sponges or any cleaning suppliers that you use to scrub the mold.

Health risks accompanied by using bleach to remove indoor mold:

Despite the fact that the effectiveness of using bleach to kill indoor mold is undeniable, we don’t recommend using bleach for mold removal. When it comes to getting rid of mold in your house, just keep the bleach as the last option for the following health-related reasons:

• Eyes, skin irritation: As instantly as killing mold, household bleach is so harmful and corrosive. Long exposure to these toxic chemicals can lead to rashes on skin, eye inflammation.
• Lungs irritation: Bleach releases a strong chlorine scent that can cause harm to your lungs. If you live with respiratory disorders like asthma, the situation may get worse.
• Vomiting, chest pain, pneumonia, fluid in the lungs: As it’s highly reactive, in some cases, bleach reacts with other cleansers and acids, releasing chlorine gas. Exhaling this toxic odor for a sufficient amount of time may result in coughing, vomiting, pain in chest, pneumonia,…

Natural alternatives for mold removal:

1. Vinegar: Due to the high level of acidity, vinegar is naturally well-equipped with antifungal and antibacterial properties. On top of that, it is affordable and available, which makes it become one of the top options to use in the battle against indoor mold. Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Apply the mixture to the mold and let it sit for an hour. Wipe the affected surface and let it air dry.
2. Baking soda: Baking soda is widely known as a time-tested cleaning solution. It works really well with mold growth. Mix 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of baking soda power in a spray bottle. Shake it until the mixture is completely dissolved. Spray it onto the mold and let it sit for an hour. Scrub away the mold and then rinse the area thoroughly. Repeat this process if necessary, then let it air dry.

Practical tips for mold prevention:

• Try to keep your house dry and clean at all times. Weekly cleaning routine is incredibly essential for damp, dark areas.
• Solve any water-related problems that pop up as soon as possible, especially wet floor, leaking faucets.
• Control the level of humidity in your home. Using an air conditioner or a dehumidifier is recommended.
• In order to vent moisture outdoors, utilize exhaust fans, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
• Use moisture-resistant material in areas is prone to water ( kitchen, bathrooms, laundry rooms)

Conclusion:

Killing indoor mold can become a big chore and requires a substantial amount of elbow grease if it is not addressed immediately and thoroughly. While bleach works effectively on nonporous surfaces, it can not solve the root of the problem and inhibit the chance of mold return on porous surfaces. Fortunately, you can use a wide variety of at-home options to successfully combat mold growth.

Although the killing-mold task is not too difficult to handle, we do understand that not everyone is familiar with this battle. If this is your case, don’t panic when noticing mold growth in your home. Call us on 415-966-1101 immediately and all problems will be solved.Visit our website for more insightful information and cleaning methods.

admin

As the admin of Sparkling & Beyond, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for excellence in the cleaning industry. With years of experience in providing top-notch cleaning solutions, I am dedicated to sharing valuable insights and tips to help maintain pristine and healthy living environments. My mission is to ensure every home and office we service sparkles with cleanliness and comfort.

Subscribe

Notify of

new follow-up comments new replies to my comments

Label

{} [+]

Name*

Email*

Label

{} [+]

Name*

Email*

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments