Does bleach kill mold and mildew?
A few years ago, I noticed some dark spots forming around the corners of my bathroom walls. At first, I thought, “No problem, I’ll just spray some bleach and it will disappear.” I grabbed a bottle, scrubbed the spots, and for a while, it seemed gone. But a few days later, the mold came back, even worse than before. That’s when I realized that bleach alone doesn’t really fix the problem. From my experience, I learned that while many people think bleach kills mold, it doesn’t always solve the problem, especially on walls or wood. If you want the best for mold removal and remediation in Norcross,MMI is the team you can trust. They know how to handle mold safely and make sure it doesn’t come back, keeping your home healthy and comfortable.
What Are Mold and Mildew?
Mold and mildew are tiny fungi that grow in damp and warm areas. Mildew is usually light-colored, soft, and grows mostly on the surface. Mold is darker, can be fuzzy, and often grows deep into materials like wood, walls, or carpets.
Mold can cause more serious problems than mildew. It can weaken walls, floors, and furniture. It also spreads tiny spores in the air. These spores can make people cough, sneeze, or have trouble breathing. That’s why it’s important to remove mold properly and safely.
Read Also: How to Get Rid of Black Mold?
Can Bleach Kill Mold?
Bleach can remove mold on hard surfaces like tiles, glass, sinks, and bathtubs. It can clean the visible mold and make the surface look good again. But here’s the catch: bleach does not work well on soft or porous materials like wood, drywall, or fabrics.
When mold grows in these materials, its roots go deep inside. Bleach only cleans the top layer. After a few days or weeks, the mold can come back, often worse than before. So, bleach might hide the mold for a short time, but it doesn’t fix the problem.
Health Risks of Using Bleach to Kill Mold
Bleach can be dangerous if not used carefully. If you mix bleach with chemicals like ammonia, it produces toxic gas called chloramine. Breathing it can hurt your lungs, eyes, and skin. Even using bleach alone can create fumes that are harmful, especially for people with asthma or other breathing problems.
If you must use bleach, always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask. Without proper protection, the bleach might cause more harm than the mold itself.
How Bleach Kill Mold Can Harm Your Home
Bleach is mostly water. When you spray it on wood, drywall, or other soft surfaces, the water can soak into the material. Mold loves moisture, so this can help it grow faster.
Bleach also does not stop mold spores from spreading in the air. Even dead spores can cause allergies and breathing problems. So, bleach might make the mold look gone for a while, but it does not solve the real problem.
Safer Ways to Remove Mold
There are safer and better ways to remove mold without using bleach:
1. Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural acid that can kill most mold. Spray it on the moldy area, let it sit for an hour, and then wipe it clean. Vinegar works on both hard and soft surfaces, and it’s safe for kids and pets.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another safe option. Use a 3% solution, spray it on the mold, wait 10 minutes, then scrub the area. It kills mold and bacteria, and it works better on soft surfaces than bleach.
3. Baking Soda
Baking soda is mild and safe. You can mix it with water to make a paste or dissolve it in water to spray. Apply it to mold, scrub gently, and rinse. Baking soda also helps remove moisture, so mold is less likely to come back.
4. Professional Mold Remediation
If the mold is large or hidden inside walls, it’s best to call a professional. Experts have the right tools and experience to remove mold completely. They can also fix the moisture problem, so the mold doesn’t come back.
How to Prevent Mold
After cleaning mold, it’s important to prevent it from coming back:
- Keep indoor humidity below 50% using a dehumidifier
- Fix leaks or water damage right away
- Ventilate bathrooms, kitchens, and basements
- Use mold-resistant paint or materials in damp areas
- Check under sinks, behind appliances, and around windows regularly
Preventing mold is much easier than dealing with a big problem later.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes mold is too big or dangerous to handle on your own. Call a professional if:
- The mold covers more than 10 square feet
- It has grown into walls, insulation, or floors
- It keeps coming back even after cleaning
- You have health problems from mold exposure
Professionals make sure mold is removed safely and completely, and your home’s air quality is restored.
Common Misconceptions About Bleach
- “Bleach kills all mold instantly.” Not true. It only works on the surface of hard materials.
- “Bleach stops mold from coming back.” Not true. Mold roots stay alive and can regrow.
- “Bleach is completely safe.” Not true. The fumes can hurt your lungs, eyes, and skin.
Knowing these facts helps you make better choices when dealing with mold.
Summary
So, does bleach kill mold and mildew? On hard, non-porous surfaces, it can clean visible mold, but it’s not effective for soft or porous surfaces. In fact, it can make mold grow faster and release harmful fumes.
Better options are natural solutions like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. For big mold problems, calling a professional is the safest choice.