Why You Should Not Clean Mold With Bleach
7/25/2019 (Permalink)
Why You Should Not Clean Mold With Bleach
Mold can grow in a commercial building when there is a leak in the plumbing system. Air ducts and other parts of the HVAC system can also be breeding grounds for mold. Without proper cleanup mold can spread quickly, especially in damp environments.
Fungus cleanup is a complex process that typically requires the help of mold remediation specialists. This is especially true if the mold covers an area larger than 10 square feet. However, there are some steps you can take to mitigate the damage before the experts arrive:
- Dry wet items
- Fix any leaks
- Turn off the HVAC unit if you suspect it has been contaminated
- Clean moldy surfaces
You can use a variety of materials to clean mold, such as detergent, ammonia or vinegar. One liquid that you shouldn't use, however, is bleach.
Making the Problem Worse
You should avoid use bleach during fungus cleanup because bleaching mold does not actually destroy mold. This liquid cleaner is actually only designed for non-porous surfaces. It does not go deep into drywall or wood to kill the source of the issue. Mold, in particular, can grow roots deep within porous materials. Bleaching mold does not eliminate these roots, so the mold will continue to grow back.
Less Effective
Another reason to avoid bleaching mold is that the chlorine in the cleaner evaporates over time, making the product less effective. Even if your bottle has just been sitting in your cabinet for months, it may not work as well. You thus may not even be able to clean all of the surface mold.
Fungus cleanup should help limit the spread of the mold spores and reduce the odor. However, you need to make sure the infestation is completely contained before you allow employees or customers to return to your Weaverville, NC, property. Mold remediation professionals can quickly fix the problem and get your business back up and running.