Mold in your home can be unpleasant. Not only does it look unsightly and smell musty, but it can also cause property destruction and health hazards. If you are allergic or have asthma, exposure to mold can worsen the symptoms. This makes it crucial to get rid of mold as soon as possible for your own safety and that of your family. In this article, we discuss does bleach kill mold or just hide it, and whether this is a recommended approach to getting rid of mold.
Does Bleach Kill Mold
When you notice mold in your house, the first thing that comes to mind is how to get rid of it. For most people, bleach seems llike the obvious solution to mold problems. Not only is it easily accessible, but it is also effective in cleaning surfaces. However, does bleach kill mold or just hide it? Is it really effective in mold mediation and can you use bleach to clean mold in all home situations?
Yes, Bleach kills mold. However, it does not always work as a solution for getting rid of mold. You can use bleach to remove traces of mold on dry surfaces such as tile and tubs. These are hard and impermeable surfaces, which means that the mold only grows on top of the surfaces.
Despite being effective in killing mold, bleach does not work on porous surfaces. In other words, you cannot use bleach to kill mold on porous surfaces like wood and dry wall. Since such surfaces are permeable, mold usually spreads its roots deep into the surface. If you apply bleach and wipe away mold from such surfaces, it will still continue to grow beneath. Within a short time, the mold will grow back and return to the area you cleaned.
How Much Bleach To Kill Mold
Although you cannot use bleach to fully remove mold from porous surfaces, it works just as fine for nonporous surfaces. However, the amount and approach used must be appropriate to effectively eliminate mold. Essentially, you need one cup of bleach per gallon of water to kill mold from surfaces. Then follow these steps to safely kill and get rid of mold from nonporous surfaces:
- Open the doors and windows in your space for ventilation.
- Wear protective gear, including gloves, old clothes, mask, and eye goggles.
- Mix 1 cup of bleach into 1 gallon of water.
- Pour the dilute solution into a spray bottle and use it to spray on the mold
- Allow the mixture to set in for a few minutes and scrub off the mold.
- Rinse the surfaces with clean water and let it to air dry.
Is Bleach Bad For Mold
While commonly marketed as a solution for getting rid of mold, bleach only works against mold on nonporous surfaces. If you pour or wipe nonporous surfaces such as sinks and tiles with diluted bleach, it will effectively eliminate the mold. However, this does not work on porous sufaces such as drywall or wood.
If you want to use bleach to clean and get rid of mold, make sure the surface is hard and nonporous. This includes glazed ceramic tile, glass, porcelain, plastic laminate, stainless steel, silicone, and vinyl. However, do not use the bleach solution on marble, aluminium, non-stainless steel, porous tile, and chipped porcelain. If you are unsure of the surface you are working with, test an inconspicuous area first to make sure the surface is compatible with the solution.
Hire Professional to Get Rid of Mold from Your Home
Getting rid of mold from your home can often be challenging, especially if it has been growing over time. While bleach is an effective approach when dealing with nonporous surfaces, it does not work for porous surfaces. The most effective way to eliminate mold and keeping your home safe is hiring a mold expert. Get in touch with our mold remediation professionals at The Mold Inspection Canary for an effective and lasting solution to the mold issue at your home.
