How To Kill Mold With Bleach: Steps & Alternatives
Mold and mildew are not just an eyesore, they can be hazardous to your health. Bleach is a common household item that will help remove mold on surfaces in the home. Bleach has many benefits for killing mold, but it also carries risks if not used properly or with caution.
Kill mold with bleach by mixing 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water and spraying the mixture to the surface with mold. After an hour, scrub and rinse the surface before drying it up. Ensure the room has enough ventilation and you have put on protective gear such as a mask, goggles and gloves.
The bleach to water ratio for mold is 1:9 from the procedure above. Basically, the bleach concentration to kill mold is 10%. This concentration wont kill mold right away and is limited to nonporous surfaces like tiles.
The Path Of Resistance
Initially, Mikes landlord tried to fix the problem himself, bleaching the moldy walls. We call that spray n’ pray, said Scott Armour of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a global industry body for remediators. They, along with the EPA, advise against bleach for a variety of reasons, namely that fumes can be dangerous and its usually ineffective.
Bleach only works for non-porous surfaces. It cant touch the mold that has burrowed into surfaces like wood or drywall . But the most important reason bleach fails is that people dont stop the molds water supply.
First thing I do is check for leaks, in the bathroom or roof or a crack in the foundation, said Greg Bukowski, who runs the Chicago-based remediation company Moldman USA. Theres always a leak. If you dont fix that, dont bother with bleach or vinegar. Then kill and remove the mold with detergent and water, then prevent its return with mold-resistant paint like Kilz .
When bleach didnt work, Mike paid for an indoor airborne mold test, which raised more questions than it answered. We had no idea how to interpret the results. I just couldnt find any information out there that isnt written by remediation guys, he said. They told him he had the dreaded black mold, and needed professional remediation.
How To Kill Black Mold With Bleach
Killing Black Mold with Bleach on a hard, non-porous surface will kill nearly any type of mold spore that it comes in contact with.
Eliminating Black Mold with Bleach is also very inexpensive and readily available. Many, if not most food markets, grocery outlets, and hardware stores will carry a number of mold killing cleaners.
However, bleach has a heck-of-a time reaching the root level of mold growth in porous type items such as tile grout , wood and cement block. To name a few. Thus, it is very important to pay attention to the type of surface you are intending to clean.
The mold killing agent in the bleach simply does not reach the root and instead, leaves the moisture content of the bleach behind in its wake. This same moisture is what promotes additional mold growth to the area just cleaned.
Have you ever wondered why mold stains keep coming back to the same area of your outside patio or wooden deck after killing the mold growth with bleach? Hmmm..,
Never mix bleach with ammonia This is extremely dangerous and will likely produce Toxic Chloramine Fumes or Vapors.
Never mix bleach with vinegar Combining these two mold cleaners together will not give you a better cleaning agent to work with.
While vinegar will lower the pH in the bleach and in turn make the bleach a better disinfectant, the trade-off for safety purposes is not worth it. And, the vinegar-bleach combo could be lethal as Toxic Chlorine Gases will be discharged into the surrounding airspace.
Read Also: How Does Mold Affect You
How To Kill Mold With Tea Tree Oil
How To Remove Mold From Walls
Mold on your interior walls doesnt just look unpleasant it can be a health hazard for your family. Depending on the amount and location, its presence also suggests a larger problem in your housewater infiltration.
For this project, we will focus on solving the mold problem. The remedy is two-fold: 1. Control moisture and 2. Kill the mold. While the former may take a more involved approach, depending on the situation, the latter often can be done with some bleach, water and a bit of elbow grease.
Read Also: How To Get Mold Off Wood Furniture
How To Treat Mold With Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antifungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial solution found in most medicine cabinets, and its an effective mold treatment. You can use it safely on a range of surfaces such as kitchen appliances and counters, bathroom fixtures and tubs, hard flooring, and even certain wall surfaces.
Pour a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Test an inconspicuous area of surfaces first to prevent discoloration or damage. Saturate the moldy surface and leave it for 10 minutes. Next, scrub the area with just enough force to remove black mold and mold stains. Once the surface is free of residual mold and stains, wipe dry.
Keep It Clean And Dry
It never hurts to clean regularly. Make sure humid areas and rooms with plumbing get regular spot checks. Add mold and mildew removal products to your cleaning routine, especially for the bathroom and kitchen.
Mold thrives on moisture, so use dehumidifiers in humid areas of your home like bathrooms, basements, or closets.
Also Check: What To Do With Black Mold On Drywall
How To Kill Black Mold Without Killing The Environment
Dont Be A Turkey! Sure, there are many black mold killing products available on the cheap. And, some of these products will take care of your basic needs in your next mold removal project.
However, several of these cleaning agents are highly toxic to use indoors so be careful. And, great care should also be taken to ensure that your work area is well ventilated and a respirator and gloves are worn while killing black mold and taking care of your mold problem.
In this article, we will outline some ways of taking care of black mold without using highly toxic substances that could impact the environment.
If you want to eliminate your mold infestation but keep a clear conscience, then read on for several methods of taking care of mold without as many hazardous effects.
Removing Mold From Different Rooms
Some rooms are more prone to mold than others. Bathrooms are notorious for mold growth because they harbor damp, humid environments that mold loves. Less frequented rooms such as basements and attics can also suffer from mold, which can go unchecked for a long time before being noticed. Heres how to prevent mold from taking hold in each room of your property.
Also Check: Does Vinegar Get Rid Of Black Mold
What Does Black Mold Look Like On Wood
Detecting black mold on wood may be somewhat tricky due to the wood pattern and patches. Identifying the right color of the wood will help you look for a darker shade on the wood surface. Black mold may grow on either side of the wood before spreading to other parts in circular patterns. Black mold will flourish under damp or moist areas before expanding to much larger areas. Thus, when looking for black mold, check for areas with a high concentration of moisture and dark greenish colors spreading to other areas. Another way to identify black mold on wood is through the pungent odor that comes from the mold.
When inspecting for black mold in your home, ensure that you cover your nose, eyes, hands, and mouth covered. It is because of the natural toxins contained in the black mold that may cause adverse respiratory problems.
Learn Why White Vinegar Removes Mold Better Than Bleach
Vinegar is a bold mold killer. According to ServiceMaster Restoration and Cleaning, the mild acid in vinegar kills about 82% of known molds and can help prevent future outbreaks.
You can clean small amounts of mold with vinegar yourself, but know when to call professionals. Besides a crisis, such as a flooded home, the Environmental Protection Agency advises hiring professionals when the moldy patch covers about 10 square feet or larger.
In this video, learn more about mold remediation from out senior editor, Brad Holden.
Also Check: How To Get Mold Off Shower Grout
When To Call Black Mold Remediation Expert
If you spot black mold too late and it has covered a huge portion of your home, its removal can become dangerous because it can spread all over your home. In this case, call a seasoned mold remediation expert immediately.
These professionals have specialized equipment, training, and experience to handle huge black mold infestation. They will ensure all spores are removed from your home and no regrowth occurs.
Quick Tips To Check Your House For Mold
Check for hidden leaks
Remember, it is almost impossible for mold to grow if you do not have a water source.
Normally, when you have a leak, some clues may be available to the naked eye. You will want to check around all windows, doors, plumbing fixtures and dont forget to look up at the ceiling as there may also be signs present above.
Some of the indications of leak include:
- Stains on the walls
- Baseboards and crown molding pulling away from the wall
- Paint bubbling or pealing
- Discoloration on flooring
If you really want to get productive, you can get yourself a moisture meter and start checking the water content on building material yourself.
### Make Sure The Relative Humidity In Your Home Is Between 30-60%
While this may not matter much if you are in a dry section of the world
It is important to make sure that your homes relative humidity is between 30 and 60%.
If your air conditioning is functioning properly, it will be pulling enough moisture out of the air to keep the RH low.
If you have relative humidity above 60%, you may start to notice mold growing on some of your belongs including clothes, shoes, furniture, etc.
Get yourself a standard thermometer where RH is also measured. If you have higher indoor humidity, you should contact and air conditioning professional to determine if your system is working correctly.
Read Also: Can Black Mold Cause Asthma
What Causes The Growth Of Mold On Wood
Molds usually reproduce through the production of large amounts of spores. These spores are airborne and are adaptable to wind dispersal. They, therefore, quickly grow on outdoor woodand can get indoors through areas such as open doors and windows. Mold spores can also attach themselves to clothes and animal fur.
With the right conditions, such as warmth, moisture, darkness, and time, these spores will produce mold.
Some of the common causes of mold on wood in your home are:
- Flooding
After you experience flooding in your home, you will almost inevitably develop mold problems shortly after that. Flooding brings in a significant amount of water, and wood will remain wet for days or even weeks to come. Different mold types require a surface to stay moist for different amounts of time, with some needing only 24 hours before growth begins. To mitigate these effects, you should contact a restoration company immediately after the disaster passes.
- Poor ventilation
If you do not have an efficient ventilation system, it can cause the development of moist and stagnant air pockets. Any wet surfaces in the home will also dry out slower if the house does not have adequate ventilation. Rooms like bathrooms and kitchens that generate a lot of steam are especially vulnerable to excess moisture that leads to mold growth. To prevent mold on wood indoors, leave the doors and windows open, and use a fan as needed.
- Leaking pipes
- Leaks in your roof.
- Increased humidity
- Wet clothes
- Basements
Black Mold Removal With Borax
Borax is a popular chemical used in many household products such as fungicides, herbicides and as a household cleaner. It deodorizes, cleans and disinfects making it a really good choice to help fight off and kill black mold.
Borax is toxic so be careful not to ingest it. However, it does not release toxic fumes or gasses that would otherwise mandate wearing a respirator to work safely. Be aware of these risks when using Borax.
Borax is a non-carcinogenic and has been classified as a mild skin irritant. Therefore, as far as mold killing solutions go Borax is a winner!
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Around Air Vents
Removing Mold From Your Home
Because of its non-toxic nature, vinegar is usually the best cleaning product to use on mold. If vinegar isn’t strong enough, use bleach and heavily dilute it .
Cleaning mold with vinegar is safe and effective, but large quantities of mold should be cleaned with specialized equipment. If you have extensive mold growth, call a professional to tackle the job. If you’re renting and find mold in your apartment, contact your landlord immediately, take photos and keep records of any health problems that you encounter.
The CDC provides these suggestions for cleaning up mold in your home:
Source: CDC
How Helpful Is Bleach In Killing Black Mold
When it comes to sanitizing or disinfecting surfaces, bleach undoubtedly is an effective product to use. The substance being a powerful oxidizer, works well in getting rid of certain types of bacteria. However, if we are speaking of getting rid of black mold, then what most experts have commented may raise your eyebrows in disbelief. According to them, bleach is only helpful in killing mold that is growing on materials such as bathroom tiles, bathtubs, glass, and counter-tops.
This is because these are all non-porous surfaces. Bleach does not come in handy for surfaces that are porous.
So what stops bleach from removing mold from porous surfaces like drywall or wood? When black mold infests such areas, it not only grows on but beneath the surface too, with its roots intact. And this is what limits the efficacy of bleach, as it cannot penetrate the surface. This causes the chlorine to stay on the surface, and it is the water that gets absorbed thus, feeding the black mold spores to become worse. Some of the mold may be removed from the surface, but since its roots still remain embedded, it returns within a few days. Bleach also gets rid of the moldy color from the infested surface, and this puts most people under the impression that the mold is gone for good. But unfortunately, the toxic microflora still thrives.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Powder Mold
Natural Green Mold Cleaning Agents
Over the last few years the mold industry has seen the emergence of natural, green cleaners. This is not surprising as the increased awareness of health and wellness has led to the popularity of natural alternatives. Most of the natural cleaning agents that are designed to remove mold contain thyme oil which is derived from the leaves of the thyme herb.
Our favorite of the natural cleaners is Benefect. The main ingredient is thyme sourced from farms in Europe. Benefect is very effective at killing mold and it leaves behind a pleasant thyme smell. Unfortunately, natural cleaners like Benefect do not remove those ugly mold stains after treatment.
Cleaning Mold Naturally with Vinegar, Baking Soda, or Soap and Water
Did you know that you can clean mold with natural cleaners you already have around the house? Products such as vinegar, baking soda, or soap and water can effectively clean mold. They are a safe and cheap alternative to store-bought mold treatments. But do we recommend them? The answer is: not really. We think these solutions require more work to mix, apply and scrub. Additionally, they do not remove mold stains. We like to keep things as quick and easy as possible.
Understanding the Label & Safety Data Sheet
Getting Rid Of Mold Naturally: 5 Non
Black mold may be growing in your home and you dont even know it. Thats because mold loves dark, warm, humid places that are often out of sight. Once it begins to spread, getting rid of black mold can be challenging.
When the conditions are right, mold can grow quickly sometimes within 24-48 hours. Leaving mold untreated can lead to worsening respiratory illnesses as well as aggravating asthma and allergies. Molds ability to grow quickly and its negative effect on your familys health is why you should keep an eye out and stop mold before it spreads.
Your basement, kitchen, and bathroom are at the greatest risk for mold and bacteria growth because they are typically areas with moisture. The best way to prevent mold is by cleaning regularly and minimizing moisture. Squeegeeing shower doors after use, repairing leaks, and keeping tile grout clean are effective methods for keeping mold at bay. But even if youre frequently cleaning and disinfecting, mold can sneak in and make itself at home.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Canvas
