WHY BLEACH DOESN’T WORK
Bleach is Not Enough to Fight Mold.
There is a great deal of misinformation about the use of bleach to treat mold. Professional companies DO NOT use chlorine bleach [sodium hypochlorite] to treat mold or moldy areas. Bleach may discolor mold on surfaces, but it will not get to the "roots" of mold. Mold has a hypha (or root) that extends out from the body of the mold cell. This hypha can microscopically penetrate into fibers of a porous surface. Chlorine does not penetrate porous surfaces – so it cannot reach the hypha. Bleach may change the color of the mold on the surface, but in a few weeks, the problem might return.
Bleach does nothing to eliminate the spores in the air. Mold spores are resistant to dry, adverse environmental conditions, and therefore capable of surviving a long time.
Bleach loses strength rapidly: Bleach loses its effectiveness quickly when being used - "gassing off" before most disinfecting can be accomplished.
Bleach can hide dirt: The bleach can make some soil transparent, leading a cleaner to think he/she has actually cleaned a surface when in fact the soil remains there.
Bleach damages floor finishes, fibers, carpets and other porous materials.
Bleach corrodes hard surfaces: Metals and other surfaces can not only be corroded, but discolored.
Bleach can be dangerous: Improper use of bleach – either using too much or mixing it with certain products – such as those that contain ammonia hydrochloric acid, acetic acid and phosphoric acid – can create hazardous health conditions.
If you must investigate for mold in your home, the EPA recommends using an N95 respirator, gloves and eye protection. Properties with severe mold devastation due to a hurricane, typhoon or other natural disaster require professional treatment to ensure complete remediation.
For more information call 1-877-796-2832 and start breathing easier today.