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First Choice Talks about Using Bleach to Remove Mold

Why homeowners shouldn't use bleach to kill mold

PHILADELPHIA, PA, January 16, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When people think of bleach, they think of a product that cleans, disinfects, and kills germs/mold. While it is true that bleach is a sanitizer and eliminates bacteria and viruses within the home, should it be used to kill mold within the home? The answer is no. While mold is effective at killing mold on hard surfaces, it does very little on soft surfaces where most mold is found. Additionally, bleach may harm the health of the person using it. There are additional reasons why bleach should not be used to eliminate mold.

1. Bleach is ineffective on many non-porous materials. Bleach should not be used on softer material such as drywall, carpet, or wood. When mold occurs on these softer materials it spreads deep into the material. Bleach is a topical agent and does not soak into these softer materials. Thus, only the top layer of mold would be killed. Bleach also will not kill mold on dirty and metallic surfaces.
2. Bleach contains water. Because bleach contains a large amount of water, bleach may stimulate mold growth instead of kill mold on softer materials. Additionally, mold may regrow on surfaces that bleach was used on if the surface is not properly dried.
3. Bleach is corrosive and harmful to softer materials. When bleach is applied to wood the wood becomes weakened and the fibers begin breaking down. When it is applied to wooden beams in a home, it can compromise the integrity of a home.
4. Overtime bleach loses its power. Even when a bottle of bleach is unopened, bleach loses 50% of its effectiveness in 90 days.
5. Bleach can cause damage to health. If bleach touches skin, it can cause burns. Additionally, the fumes from bleach can be harmful to lungs. If bleach enters the eye it can cause damage to eye tissue.
6. Dead mold is still harmful. Even if a homeowner kills mold with bleach the mold may still cause allergic reactions in someone people. Thus, the mold must be removed physically not just bleached.

Are there any alternative to bleach for killing mold? If there is a small infestation of mold (less than 10 square feet) then a natural mold killer such as borax, vinegar, or a solution of water, dish detergent, baking soda, and tea tree oil can be used.

The key thing to remember about treating mold is that once the mold is killed and cleaned that the area must be dried properly. Properly drying out an area is key to keeping mold from growing and spreading.

If the mold problem is larger than 10 square feet, then a professional mold remediation company should be called in. These companies will properly remove mold, dry the area, and ensure that mold does not return.

About First Choice Restoration
First Choice Restoration is a water, mold, fire, and smoke remediation company headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. The company also operates additional offices throughout other areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Delaware. The company has been assisting homeowners and businesses with water, mold, fire, and smoke cleanup for over 40 years.



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