Why Not to Use Bleach to Treat Mold

Using bleach to get rid of mold is a “go-to” remedy for many people, but it’s a really bad idea. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Limited Effectiveness: While bleach can kill mold on non-porous surfaces, it is not always effective on porous materials where mold often grows deep into the material. These are also the materials where mold is very often found. Mold is a plant, and it sends roots deep into the material. Bleach can't penetrate porous surfaces like wood or drywall well enough to kill all the mold and its roots.
2. Toxicity: Bleach is a harsh chemical and can produce harmful fumes, especially in poorly ventilated areas. These fumes can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and can even exacerbate respiratory issues.
3. Potential for Harm: Mixing bleach with other cleaners, such as ammonia or vinegar, can create toxic fumes. Additionally, bleach can damage materials over time, especially if used in high concentrations or repeatedly.
4. Incomplete Treatment: Bleach may kill the visible mold, giving a false sense of security, but it doesn't address the underlying issue of moisture. If the moisture problem isn't resolved, mold is likely to return.
5. The “lifeboat effect.” When bleach or other substances that are toxic to mold come in contact with it, mold reacts in a way to help assure its survival. Specifically, it releases all of the spores that it has – typically millions of them. These are microscopic “seeds” that will land on everything around them - including human bodies. They are usually ingested through breathing and swallowing, and quite often irritate sensitive mucous membranes, such as the mouth, throat, sinuses, and eyes. In some cases, they can cause other health effects in the body. The spores land on all kinds of surfaces, and when conditions are right, they will start growing. Often, the result of treating mold with bleach is to see it briefly disappear, and then roar back with a vengeance, much worse than before.  

Instead of bleach, it's recommended to use specialized mold cleaners or solutions that are specifically designed to penetrate porous materials and kill mold at its roots. There is simply nothing better to do this than the patented Pure Maintenance dry fog technology, available here exclusively from NoMoldWNC.