Why Bleach Does Not Kill Mold | CHESTER COUNTY FLOOD DAMAGE RESTORATION

Why Bleach Does Not Kill Mold on Porous Material You should avoid using bleach to kill mold on porous materials. Because of its ionic structure, bleach cannot soak into substances which are porous. So the chlorine stays above the surface, while the water is absorbed in. This means bleach will only kill the mold on the surface of porous materials like wood and drywall. The mold's roots are left alive and this can lead to mold soon growing back. Therefore you can end up in a cycle of continually trying to bleach mold, only to have it constantly return. Oxygen Bleach to Kill Mold A good alternative to chlorine bleach is oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach also kills mold and works well for cleaning mold from surfaces and clothes. Oxygen bleach cleans stains and kills bacteria too. It will sanitize, disinfect and deodorize whatever you use it on. Oxygen bleach is another name for sodium percarbonate. You can buy it in a powder which you then mix with water. Once you've added water, the oxygen bleach powder dissolves and breaks down into hydrogen peroxide (which breaks down to water and oxygen) and sodium carbonate (also called sodium ash). These by-products are non-toxic and environmentally safe. Many cleaning products contain oxygen bleach (eg. Oxiclean). You can buy oxygen bleach from the supermarket cheaply, where it usually only costs a few dollars. Advantages of Oxygen Bleach Oxygen bleach has many differences and advantages compared to chlorine bleach. Oxygen bleach deodorizes and kills mold and bacteria but, unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is environmentally friendly. There is no phosphorous or nitrogen in oxygen bleach. Its ingredients are natural and biodegradable. Another advantage over chlorine bleach is that oxygen bleach doesn't fade or deteriorate clothes. You can also use oxygen bleach with hot or cold water. Oxygen bleach doesn't fade surfaces such as wood either. Gas from chlorine bleach is bad for you and it creates toxic fumes if you mix it with vinegar or ammonia. But oxygen bleach does not create any fumes. It can also be used safely with other household cleaners and detergents. Both chlorine bleach and oxygen bleach can be bought cheaply from the supermarket. Disadvantages of Oxygen Bleach Oxygen bleach products are usually a little bit more expensive than chlorine bleach products. Chlorine bleach also works faster than oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach loses its killing power much faster than chlorine bleach too. For best results, you should use oxygen bleach within the time stated on the product's packaging. How to Kill Mold With Oxygen Bleach The general directions for using oxygen bleach should be in the instructions on the packaging. You should be able to follow these to kill and remove mold. Usually you begin by adding the oxygen bleach powder to water. It's best to use warm or hot water, as this will dissolve the oxygen bleach better. The ratio of bleach to water is usually between half a cup and one cup, per gallon of water. However, make sure to check for the ratio that the directions on the oxygen bleach recommend. You can add the oxygen bleach and water solution to a sprayer or squirt bottle to apply it to the moldy surface. If you prefer, you can put the oxygen bleach and water mixture in a bucket, and apply it with a cloth, sponge or scrubbing brush. After you have applied the solution to the mold, let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly and wipe the area with water. You can also make a paste if you prefer. Add just enough water to the oxygen bleach powder to make it into a paste. After you mix oxygen bleach with water, the solution will be active for about 5 or 6 hours. You should dispose of it after this. It's fine to pour the solution down the drain, as oxygen bleach deodorizes drains.