Reasons Why You Should Never Use Bleach To Clean Mold
Mold is not a topic that most homeowners want to think about. If they are discussing mold, it is likely because they have discovered some mold in their home, and as it can be both dangerous and costly, the chances are if you have found some you are desperately trying to determine how to get rid of it as soon as possible.
You may be wondering if you can do the remediation yourself and if so, what type of chemicals or cleaners you should use. Luckily for you, were here with those answers!
Question 1 Of : Can I Remove Mold And Mildew Myself
Does Baking Soda Remove Mold From Clothes
Baking soda is a great laundry cleaning option. Its versatile nature means you can use it to wash white shirts and also apply it to mold and mildew stains as an effective and safe pre-treatment. As with hydrogen peroxide, this is an excellent choice for attacking mildew spots without reaching for chlorine bleach.
You May Like: Removing Mould From Bathroom Ceiling
How To Clean Mold With Bleach
Use bleach to get rid of mold on nonporous surfaces as follows:
This method works on all nonporous surfaces including basement walls, roofs and even floors. Not drying the surface cleaned of mold will only encourage the mold to regrow. Also, throw away all the items that came into contact with the mold such as the brush and gloves.
How To Remove Mold From The Concrete Patio
The paramount solution is to scrub and clean the troubled areas on the patio with a simple solution of household bleach and water. Be sure to wash aggressively to get down into the pores of the concrete. Let the detergent or bleach solution soak in for a while to ensure that the entire mold is killed. For densely stained patios, use a pressure water pipe to clear off the whole mold.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Mold Off Canvas
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Mold In My Basement
Dry Fabric In The Sun
Another method on how to remove mildew from fabric that will be revealed in this article is drying your fabric in the sunshine. If you can find sunshine in the place where you live, you are able to apply this method to remove mildew from your fabric without putting much effort. All you have to do is drying your fabric in the sun when you finish washing. This method has been proven to be noticeably effective. You can also use a drying rack or a hanging wire to achieve the best results.
However, in case you want to apply this method on colored fabrics, you should be careful because the sunshine can fade the colors off.
See more: How to remove grease stains
How To Get Rid Of Mold With Baking Soda
Baking soda is mild, harmless to your family and pets, and is a natural and safe household cleaner. It can also kill mold. Baking soda and vinegar are typically used together when dealing with a mold problem since they kill different species of mold.
Recommended Reading: What Causes Mold In Bathroom Ceiling
Where Not To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Remove Mold And Mildew
As we mentioned, hydrogen peroxide is unlikely to inhibit mold growth on porous surfaces like fabrics and wood. If you notice mold on bath rugs, wooden walls, or other porous surfaces, the object or surface will need to be safely discarded according to your local disposal rules.
Hydrogen peroxide has the potential to bleach some types of natural fabrics like wool.
Hydrogen peroxide is generally safe on solid surfaces and even most synthetic fabrics. To avoid accidental bleaching, make sure to clean off all the hydrogen peroxide once you finish cleaning the mold.
When cleaning mold in your home, its a good idea to wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask to prevent coming into contact with mold spores.
Heres how you can clean mold from solid surfaces using hydrogen peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide is just one of many household ingredients you can use to clean mold. Using vinegar is another effective way to clean mold in your home.
However, its important not to mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together.
Other Mold Removal Options
Removing mold from fabric and wood can be particularly tough. For fabric, if using household ingredients to remove mold stains doesn’t work, consider using special mold and mildew removers for fabric.
The team at Family Handyman explains that liquid chlorine bleach can remove mold from fabric, but it can damage the fabric and cause color loss. The writers recommend an odor-free, gentle stain remover that is made to clean most fabrics, like Engleside Restoration Fabric Cleaner. Just be sure to read and follow the label directions when laundering.
If there is mold on your wood, you can first try vacuuming it with a HEPA filter vacuum attachment. When the mold has not penetrated into the wood, this could solve the problem and may be the best mold killer for wood that doesn’t involve chemicals. Otherwise, you’ll need a more robust cleaner to get down into the wood and kill the mold spores. Look for mold and mildew removers that do not require scrubbing, since this can damage the wood.
Read Also: Mildew On Grout
Can I Mix Bleach And Vinegar To Kill Mold
While this mixture would effectively kill mold better than bleach alone, its dangerous for you to mix these materials. According to Science Notes, the ingredients create toxic chlorine gas when combined. The gas hurts your lungs and can even be fatal- so dont mix them!
If you want to use vinegar for cleaning, make sure to use it without bleach. You can pour the vinegar into a spray bottle, then spritz it on the moldy surface. Youll need to wait for an hour before you scrub the mold off using a thick sponge or brush.
Does Not Work On Porous Materials
Bleach doesnt work well on porous materials such as drywall, carpeting and wood paneling among others. Bleachs chemical setup prevents it from soaking up into the material and killing mold from within or removing stains. Bleach can work well for non-porous surfaces because when applied, it wont seep into anything else but its intended area.
With bleach being made up of 90% water and 10% chlorine, the chlorine will evaporate leaving the water behind. This further encourages the remaining mold to regrow.
As stated by the Environmental Protection Agency , always call for a professional mold cleaner if the mold covers more 10 square feet or more. Mold remediation should help do away with the mold and mildew permanently.
Also Check: Black Mold Ceiling Bathroom
How To Eliminate Black Mold With Ammonia
Wear a respirator and gloves when working with ammonia-based mold cleaning products. Never mix ammonia with chlorinated bleach
Open nearby windows or doors to get a cross-flow of air to dissipate any fumes generated by your cleaning
- Combine ammonia and water in 50/50 proportions.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray contaminated areas evenly.
- Allow the mold killing solution to sit for 5 or 10 minutes.
- Scour mold tarnished area with a small brush or equivalent and wipe clean.
- Repeat if necessary.
Often enough, many mold killing products will have ammonia already in them. Be extra cautious to follow the directions on the label to the letter and ensure that the cleanser is never mixed with bleach !
Otherwise, ammonia is similar to using bleach in that it should only be used on non-porous areas Always wear gloves when working with any chemical and wash hands immediately, thereafter!
Is Mold Bad For My Health
Most of the time, a low level of mold will have little effect on you. However, if you are allergic to mold or you suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems, the presence of mold in your home can be particularly bothersome. Exposure to indoor mold has also been shown to exacerbate asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Read Also: How To Get Mold Off Ceiling In Bathroom
Mold Cleaning Trick #: Vinegar
Vinegar has been found to kill 82% of mold species! Plus, it is great at preventing mold in the first place. Vinegar contains no toxic fumes like many other agents used to kill mold, such as bleach.
- Pour mild white vinegar into a spray bottle, do not dilute with water. Vinegars acidic qualities make it quite deadly to mold, thats why you dont want to water it down.
- Spray affected surface areas with straight vinegar solution and then wait one hour. If your bathroom has windows, open them up and let it air out during this time.
- After an hour passes, use hot water and a clean towel to wipe the area. Make sure surfaces are dry to prevent mold from coming right back.
Vinegar isnt always strong enough to get rid of mold on its own, but it is great at preventing mold from growing in the first place. Keep that spray bottle of vinegar in your bathroom at all times and use it to spray surfaces prone to mold whenever they get wet. This makes it difficult for mold to grow, which means you wont have to waste time removing it in the first place.
How Can I Prevent Mold From Colonizing
The best way to control indoor mold is to remove its source. Mold is most likely to grow in homes that are damp, have high humidity levels due to daily activities such as showering and cooking, or have cold surfaces onto which moisture can condense. A humid bathroom or a damp basement is effectively a microclimate. First on your list of preventive measures is to clean hard surfaces regularly with bleach-based products that effectively kill mold.
Also Check: Airborne Mold In House
How To Kill Mold Permanently
The best way to remove mold for good is to find and fix the water source. Humidity and condensation are common problems that you can fix with better ventilation. However, repairing leaks are more involved.
Once you fix the water problem, use high volume fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the area. Let them run longer than you think is necessary to make sure your home is really dry. Then disinfect the area again with bleach as a precaution.
In some cases, you may need to cut out damaged flooring, walls or cabinets. Dry and disinfect the area again before installing new materials.
If youre tired of killing mold with bleach, let our restoration specialists solve the problem. They not only clean the mold but find and fix what causes it. Call now for a free estimate on mold removal services.
How To Kill Black Mold With Borax And Vinegar
- Combine ½ cup of vinegar with ¼ cup of borax and 1 quart of warm water.
- Shake or mix your mold killing solution thoroughly.
- Apply the mixture and a little elbow grease to the affected areas to be treated.
- Wipe away any mold debris that has been dislodged.
- For persistent stains, repeat the above wipe clean and leave to dry.
Too many preventable accidents have happened when combining 2 or more cleaning agents together. Often enough, this occurred because the user did so to create a stronger cleaning agent for the job at hand.
I know first hand! At the ripe young age of 15. And, as a line cook in a steak house and scrubbing the floors after a shift one night.., I mixed bleach and another cleaning agent together The result was not good for sure. So, be careful please Take care of You and All of Yours!
Take a moment. And, the time to read the label. Be cautious around ALL pets and children when working with bleach or ammonia-based cleaners Be Safe!
Recommended Reading: Best Mildew Remover For Boat Seats
Ways To Kill Mold Naturally
- University of Maryland
Mold and mildew are natural byproducts of a humid environment but that doesn’t mean you want to share your house with the spores. Rather than turning to harsh chemicals, such as bleach or borax, to banish mold, there are natural ways to kill mold at home that won’t hurt your family, pets or the environment.
Effects Of Mold In The Home
Everyone is exposed to mold spores, but they affect each person differently. Those with allergies can suffer effects year-round. These spores can trigger reactions like allergic rhinitis or asthma. They can produce volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Besides the unappealing look and smell, mold can trigger allergic reactions such as respiratory irritation, watery eyes, coughing, and headaches. Coughing, wheezing, runny nose or irritated eyes and throat are all signs of a mold allergy. These can also trigger an asthma attack, with symptoms like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Some strains may also be toxic! This is why we need to address an issue promptly. If youre wondering how to get rid of mold, youve come to the right place!
Recommended Reading: Mildew On Vinyl Boat Seats
Nontoxic Alternatives For Cleaning Mold
Luckily, there are many nontoxic options for mold cleanup on both porous and nonporous surfaces.
- Hydrogen peroxide. Combine 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 1 part water in a spray bottle. Apply to mold and allow to sit before removal.
- Vinegar. Place undiluted white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply to the mold and allow to sit for 1 hour. Wipe the surface and allow to air dry.
- Baking soda. Combine 2 tbsp. baking soda with 2 cups water in a spray bottle and shake until its completely dissolved. Spray onto the mold and let it sit before scrubbing. Afterward, rinse the area and apply the solution once more, allowing it to fully air dry.
- Tea tree oil. Mix 2 tsp. tea tree oil with either 2 cups water or 2 cups distilled white vinegar. Spray onto the mold and allow it to sit for at least 1 hour, then scrub.
- Grapefruit seed extract. Mix 10 drops of extract into 1 cup water. Spray onto the mold and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Does Bleach Kill Mold
Bleach does kill mold but it works best only on non-porous surfaces like tiles and tubs. Bleach is not effective against porous surfaces such as wood, drywall or concrete. Mold will spread its roots into porous materials and bleach with thus only kill the outer parts of the mold. Soon afterwards, the mold regrows even stronger than before.
A bleach mixture for mold will also kill black mold and white mold although youre better off calling for a mold expert to deal with dangerous molds such as black mold. Even during mold remediation, leave the building to avoid inhaling the airborne mold spores.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Mold Off Leather
Why You Shouldnt Use Bleach On Mold
The EPA recommends against using bleach to clean up the mold. Most types of household bleach only kill surface-level mold. The bleach doesnt reach into porous materials to kill the roots. Plus, youre likely to stir up the spores when you scrub the mold.
Drywall, wood, carpet, and wallpaper are all very porous. If those areas have mold growing on them, you wont be able to use bleach effectively. Additionally, any bleach residue left behind in the pores can assist in future mold growth. Overall, its best not to use bleach on mold. There are other products to try, such as vinegar.
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling
Black Mold Removal With Tea Tree Oil
Getting rid of black mold with tea tree oil has many advantages over using corrosives such as bleach or ammonia based mold cleaning products.
Going green with tea tree oil is not as cheap as using bleach or ammonia. However, a small amount of tea tree oil will go very far in effectively getting rid of black mold. And, the environment and your lungs will thank you for it!
Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that is effective at killing black mold spores and getting rid of mildew throughout the home. It will work for you equally as a cleaner and as a mold prevention agent.
Ive written a much more in-depth article here on the many wonders of different essential oils. And, how they can assist you if removing mold in your home naturally. I really hope that you enjoy the read!
Non-Cleaning Attributes: Tea Tree Oil is renowned for its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties. The Aboriginals of Australia have used it for centuries to treat sore throats and ward off infection from cuts and burns.
All tea tree oils are not packaged equally. Check the label first before purchasing and ensure that the contents were made from the Australian tree melaleuca alternifolia.
Note: For mold cleaning purposes, check the label carefully for the active ingredients terpinen 4-ol and cineole .
Be careful not to ingest Tea tree oil it is toxic if swallowed.
You May Like: How To Prevent Mildew In Shower Grout
