Mold Removal

There is a common misconception held by many people that the use of bleach is effective when it comes to removing and eliminating mold. This misconception has been mistakenly perpetuated over the years by many health related organizations. The fact that bleach can be effective in some limited cases against specific types of molds and when dealing with non-porous surfaces such as glass, countertops, and the bathtub, further adds to the confusion. The problem is that many of the surfaces where mold is found are not composed of non-porous materials and that the types of molds that grow in and on these surfaces may not be effected at all by the use of bleach.

The key to the elimination of mold on a porous surface is to penetrate that surface and get to the roots of the mold. Bleach is not designed to be able to penetrate porous surfaces, so while it may appear to be initially effective in removing the surface signs of mold, it is unable to get to the root of the problem and eliminate the mold beneath the surface. This is why those that have tried this product for mold removal commonly find that it does not achieve the desired results or that the results are temporary. Without the ability to penetrate porous surfaces where the root of the problem resides, mold will once again put in an appearance.

As many of us are aware, chlorine bleach is corrosive and as such is not recommended for use on wood, material or paper based products as it can cause serious damage to items of this nature. This eliminates it as a product that can be safely used in many areas where mold can be found such as on drywall, ceiling tiles, wooden beams and studding. Furthermore, the makers of bleach products will only confirm that bleach will be effective on a relatively narrow range of mold types, such as the one commonly know as athlete's foot fungus, and there again, only when found on a non-porous surface.

Another reason that bleach is not regarded highly for use by a mold removal company is that it contains chemicals that release harmful fumes. The fumes produced by bleach can cause a number of health related problems such as breathing difficulties, irritation in the lungs and eyes, coughing, etc. Mixing bleach with other household cleaners can result in the release of highly toxic fumes and is never recommended.

As molds do not take much time in spreading throughout a home, you should not waste your time in using bleach for mold removal. When dealing with small areas of mold growth, the use of a detergent solution, followed by a thorough drying of the area is considered to be the most effective. If you are, however, dealing with a large area, in excess of 10 square feet, or with multiple occurances throughout your home, your most effective solution may be to call in a professional mold removal company to help you eliminate the problem.

A professional mold removal company will take the time to identify the causes and types of mold that are effecting your home. They are then able to employ the most effective treatment for removing mold in its entirety and to help to prevent its return.