Mold may be a natural substance, but it is still something you do not want to come across growing inside of your home. Unfortunately, mold growth is a common issue that homeowners end up dealing with because of how easily mold colonies can develop indoors.
Mold spores are naturally present in the air, so all it takes for mold to grow indoors is the proper conditions. If mold spores can find a moisture source and an organic food source, then mold growth is soon to follow.
Without prompt action, any mold growth in your home will only get worse with time. The mold will damage affected surfaces further and spread to new areas. Until the mold is removed and its source is properly taken care of, the issue will remain.
Aside from property damage, mold can also have a negative effect on your and your family’s health. Exposure to mold can cause people to experience allergy-like symptoms. Those exposed to the mold for a prolonged period of time can experience even more severe health concerns.
That said, when you discover mold growing in your home, it must be addressed as soon as possible.
In such a situation, homeowners may think to turn to bleach to kill mold. But the thing about mold is that proper methods must be taken, and the mold must be dealt with at its source. Otherwise, the problem could become even worse.
Continue reading to learn more about using bleach to kill mold and other methods of mold removal.
Using bleach to kill mold, always wear protective gear
Can I Use Bleach to Kill Mold?
Yes, mold can be killed by using bleach. However, it is only effective in certain situations.
When mold is found on hard, nonporous surfaces like tile, bleach kills the mold found on the surface, but that’s all. This is why bleach cannot be used to kill mold on porous surfaces. The bleach only treats what’s on the surface, which is fine for nonporous materials because mold cannot embed itself into the hard material. However, mold can penetrate porous surfaces, making bleach ineffective for porous materials.
If bleach is used on a porous surface, it will only address the mold at the surface and not beneath it. Because of this, if you do use bleach to clean mold on porous surfaces, it won’t be long until the mold reappears on the porous material’s surface.
If you are going to use bleach to kill mold, make sure to wear proper protective gear, including gloves, mask, and eyewear. Once you’ve protected yourself, make a solution of 1 gallon water to 1 cup bleach. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle, spray the affected area, let it sit, then use a brush to scrub the surface. Rinse the area and let it dry.
What are Other Methods of Mold Removal?
Knowing that bleach is not an effective choice for all surfaces affected by mold, it is important to know what other techniques can be used for mold removal in your home. Even if you can use bleach, you may want to opt for a less harsh, more natural method. No matter how you choose to go about mold removal, always prioritize your safety and wear the proper protective gear.
If you are dealing with minimal amounts of mold, then white distilled vinegar is a great choice. It is cheap and readily available, and there is a good chance you already have some at home. Just transfer some of the vinegar to a spray bottle, spray it on the moldy areas, and then let it sit. Once an hour has passed, wipe the area clean.
Baking soda is another item that you may have around that can be used for mold removal. Create a solution of 1 cup water with 1 tablespoon baking soda and mix it until the baking soda has dissolved. Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle and apply it to the affected areas. Allow it to sit momentarily before scrubbing down the area. Then, rinse off the area and reapply the baking soda solution to ensure thorough mold removal.
Professional Mold Remediation Services
Taking mold removal into your own hands may seem like a good idea, especially when considering the urgency of situations involving mold. However, it is also important for mold removal to be done properly. When incorrect methods are used to address mold growth, it can create an even worse situation.
In addition, do-it-yourself mold removal further exposes your to mold, putting you at risk for negative health effects. Knowing this, it is in everyone’s best interest to turn to professionals for mold remediation help when there is mold growing in your home.
ServiceMaster S&R Systems has professional mold remediation services available to homes and businesses in Kane, Kendall, and Will Counties in Illinois. Within these services, our professional technicians will contain the mold to prevent the situation from becoming worse, develop a remediation plan, remove the mold from your property, and address the source that triggered the mold growth. We have specialized equipment and will use advanced remediation methods to ensure complete mold removal.
With mold remediation help from ServiceMaster S&R Systems, your home will be free of mold and safe to live in once again.
