Don’t Use Bleach on Mold

Many people believe chlorine bleach is good way to kill mold, and for good reason.  For many years, both OSHA and the EPA recommended chlorine bleach as an effective way to remove mold.  What they have since found is that using bleach to kill mold actually does more harm than good.  Subsequently, both agencies have revised their mold cleanup recommendations to exclude the use of bleach as an effective mold cleaning agent. 

The reason for this is that chlorine bleach, even full-strength, is not strong enough to permeate porous surfaces. If you have mold in your home or business, it probably exists on porous surfaces such as wood or drywall (walls, ceilings, moldings, carpeting, etc.).  While bleach may be able to kill some of the surface mold, but it cannot penetrate down to the root of the mold.  Once the surface layer is cleaned, it’s only a matter of time before the roots of the mold spread to the surface again. 

But that’s not the worst of it.  While chlorine cannot penetrate porous materials, the water in chlorine can – meaning not only is the bleach not killing the mold, it’s actually feeding it with more water – exactly what it needs to grow.

And don’t be taken in by store-bought “mold and mildew removal” products. Most of these are just chlorine bleach with a mold removal label slapped on it. Check the list of active ingredients to see for yourself.  Another thing to check for: the label will tell you whether or not it’s suitable for use on porous surfaces.  Most of the time it’s not, and you’re back to the drawing board.

To get rid of mold on porous surfaces, you’ll have to remediate. This involves removing/cleaning the materials contaminated by the mold. Mold remediation contractors know the difference between what is salvageable and what has to be removed. They use specialized cleaning agents to disinfect and thoroughly clean infected items. Most importantly, they'll stop the source of the water that is causing the mold in the first place.

Mold is no joke – it can be incredibly harmful to you and your family. So if your bathroom countertop or bathtub show signs of mold, go ahead and try bleach. But if it’s spread to your walls or ceilings, keep your family’s health and safety in mind. Call your local mold remediation team and get the job done by professionals.

Concerned About Mold In Your Home?

Do your closets, basement or attic smell musty? Do you see black spots on the ceiling above your shower or behind your clothes dryer? If so, you have a mold problem.

Molds are microscopic organisms that exist everywhere, indoors and out. Mold becomes a problem when it finds damp spots to latch onto. If the moisture level in your home is not controlled, the humidity created by the damp areas will create an ideal place for mold to grow.

It's common knowledge that mold can affect your health. Mold spores are small enough to be breathed in, so any place with high mold levels is unsafe for you and your family. And while mold can be potentially lethal to those more susceptible (babies, the elderly, and those with asthma, allergies, immune suppressions or lung diseases) everyone should minimize their exposure to mold for their own safety. In fact, continued exposure to mold can cause you to develop an allergy to mold!

The effects of mold exposure are innumerable: congestion, cough, watery eyes, runny nose, skin irritations, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, sore throat, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, nose bleeds, respiratory scarring, liver damage, and even memory loss. While some of these symptoms will cease once you stop the exposure, some are irreversible.

So, what can you do to protect your family from the harmful effects of mold exposure?

First, don't be fooled: many DIY mold removal methods are ineffective and a waste of time. Air cleaners, for example, won't help. While they may be able to remove some mold spores from the air, they'll do nothing to get rid of the spores that have already landed. Another common misconception is that you can just paint or caulk over mold to cover it up. Not only is this not true, but it will also cause your paint to peel right off the wall.

If your home gets flooded, you have no more than one day to get everything completely dried before mold begins to grow. Once mold has had the time it needs to grow on floors, walls, and ceilings, it will be too late to simply "clean it off." You will be facing total replacement of everything from wallpaper to drywall, carpet padding to stud beams.

When it comes to mold, unless it is contained to a very small area, it is generally best not to try to tackle it yourself.

If you suspect you have a mold problem in your home, call Renewit. Our team of experts will:
* Remove physical mold
* Clean or dispose of any contaminated materials
* Vacuum and air filter airborne spores

Don't replace it... Renewit!
Call 585.473.7821 or check us out at http://renewitwaterdamage.com/mold-cleaning-restoration-services.htm!