There’s a myth that you can use bleach to clean mold. Unfortunately, this is completely false.

In fact, using bleach to clean mold can actually make the problem worse!

The fact that chlorine bleach doesn’t penetrate porous surfaces very well is one of the reasons that it’s not effective at cleaning mold. The other reason is that bleach only kills the mold spores on the surface, but doesn’t do anything to kill the roots of the mold, which are still alive and can continue to grow.

How Does Mold Grow and Reproduce?

Mold reproduces by creating minute spores. These microscopic spores may float through the air until they find a suitable location to land and develop.

They begin to germinate and form new mold colonies as soon as they discover a favorable location.

Related: Does Bleach Remove Black Spots On My Patio?

Mold Can Cause a Number of Health Issues

Exposure to large amounts of mold can cause a number of respiratory problems, including sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and even asthma.

In certain circumstances, individuals have reported skin irritation, such as rashes.

Mold Can Damage Your Home

Not only is mold unsightly, but it can also damage your home. Mold that is left unchecked will continue to grow and cause further damage.

In some cases, mold can even cause structural damage to your home.

What Kills Mold?

A combination of vinegar and baking soda is a safe and effective way to clean mold.

Vinegar is an acidic substance that can penetrate porous surfaces and kill the roots of the mold.

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help to remove mold spores from surfaces.

Cleaning Mold

Step 1

To clean mold with vinegar and baking soda, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Step 2

Spray the moldy area with the vinegar solution and let it sit for about an hour. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the area and scrub it with a brush.

Step 3

Finally, wipe the area down with a damp cloth.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide to kill mold. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can kill mold spores.

What Kills Mold On Wood?

By using dishwasher soap and warm water, you can clean mold off of wood surfaces.

Step 1

First, mix dishwasher soap and warm water together in a bowl.

Step 2

Next, use a brush to scrub the moldy area with the soapy water.

Step 3

Finally, rinse the area with clean water.

FAQs

What effect does bleach have on mold?

Bleach is ineffective at removing mold on porous materials. In fact, bleach may actually exacerbate mold growth!

Will remediation remove all mold from my home?

Mold remediation will remove visible mold growth from your home. However, it’s important to note that mold can still be present in hidden areas, such as behind walls.

Should you use bleach on wooden decking?

No, you should not use bleach on wooden decking! Bleach can damage the wood and make it more susceptible to mold growth.

How do you remove mold from painted walls?

The best way to remove mold from painted walls is to use a mixture of vinegar and water. Spray the moldy area with the vinegar solution and let it sit for about an hour. Next, use a brush to scrub the area with the vinegar solution. Finally, wipe the area down with a damp cloth.

In Summary

Bleach is not effective at cleaning mold and can actually make the problem worse. The best way to clean mold is to use a mixture of vinegar and water.

You can also use a combination of dishwasher soap and warm water to clean mold off of wood surfaces.

If you have any questions about cleaning mold, feel free to ask in the comments section below!

About the Author

Passionate about helping households transition to sustainable energy with helpful information and resources.

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