Does Bleach Kill Mold?
Does Bleach Kill Mold?
…This is one of the most commonly asked questions about how to kill mold. The answer is, yes, bleach does partially kill mold. However, the use of bleach is not recommended as a mold removal agent.
According to the EPA:
Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup.
ref: “Does Bleach Kill Mold” – Addressed by the IAQ
Bleach Causes Partial Mold Destruction
“Does bleach kill mold?”: On contact, bleach will partly destroy the top layer of a mold spore, but it does not penetrate and kill the root of the spore. Bleach will also commonly remove the coloration of mold. On visual inspection, the appearance is that the mold has been removed. However, mold spores may remain and continue to grow.
The Best Way to Remove Mold
Merely “cleaning” mold from porous materials is ineffective for long term results. The best way to kill mold is to determine what is causing the presence of mold in the first place. By addressing the underlying cause, you will prevent future mold growth. If mold is growing due to a leak, swift repair of the leak is the most effective method of mold control. Sometimes, the underlying cause is due to environmental conditions. Simply adjusting the temperature, lowering humidity, or increasing ventilation may be the best solution.
Once the root cause of mold growth is determined and rectified, mold cleanup is the next step.
During the cleanup process it is important to understand what materials can be salvaged, and what needs to be discarded. Typically, porous substrates such as sheetrock and carpeting should be removed and replaced with new material. However, other building materials may be cleaned, such as concrete walls in a basement. In either case, using bleach to kill mold is not a recommended protocol.
The Dangers of Using Bleach to Kill Mold
Not only is bleach an ineffective way to kill mold, but it presents a number of risks. Chlorine Bleach is a corrosive, and can cause damage to the surfaces on which it is applied. By using bleach to kill mold you may risk further damage to the affected area. In addition, chlorine bleach fumes can be highly irritating to the eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs. When mixed with other agents such as ammonia or vinegar, the result can be disastrous due to toxic vapors.
The Best Solution to Kill Mold Growth
So if bleach is not fully effective, and the risks outweigh the benefits, then what is a safe alternative? The best solution is an antimicrobial agent, more specifically fungicide.
It cannot be stressed enough that the most important phase of a mold cleanup project is identifying and addressing the root of the mold problem. By skipping straight to the cleaning process, mold will continue to grow over and over again, causing further damage to building materials. Once the underlying cause is corrected, porous substrates are discarded, then an application of an fungicide will penetrate to the root of the mold spore.
Often, if a smaller area (less than 10 square feet) is affected by mold growth, and the root cause of the mold growth is clear, it is a project that can be done by a homeowner. For larger areas of mold growth, the primary concern is preventing the indoor air environment from becoming contaminated with mold spores. That’s why larger projects are best left to a professional mold removal specialist.
Additional tip: Beware of a “mold removal specialist” that uses bleach to kill mold for their mold cleanup protocol!
Thank you for exploring the answer to, “Does bleach kill mold?” For responsible and safe mold removal at fair pricing, contact a Titanium Laboratories Mold Expert today for a free consultation.
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