| s bleach kill mold? | | | | Try to reduce humidity. Reducing humidity means |
| Yes, bleach kills mold. It is an effective chemical | | | | reducing the growth of molds. Using air |
| for killing all kinds of molds. Bleach is an acid, and | | | | conditioners or dehumidifiers is one effective way |
| acids are effective killers of microorganisms. | | | | of reducing humidity. |
| However, take care in handling bleach, as acids | | | | Prevention of condensation is another way of |
| are known to be as hard on your skin as on the | | | | keeping molds from coming back. You can |
| molds. | | | | prevent condensation by reducing humidity. |
| Most bleach contains chlorine, a chemical that is | | | | Increasing ventilation is another way. |
| used commercially to kill microorganisms in public | | | | Keeping your home dry will ensure your home is |
| water supplies and swimming pools. Chlorine is also | | | | mold-free. |
| known to be a good choice for killing molds and | | | | If you've significantly reduced the humidity and |
| disinfecting your home. | | | | condensation in your home and the mold is still |
| Just be sure that the bleach you buy does contain | | | | growing, you've most likely got a problem area in |
| chlorine, because there are several non-chlorine | | | | your home that you may not be aware of. |
| bleaches on the market. There are also levels of | | | | Perhaps you have previous water damage that |
| acidity for chlorine. Strong chlorine is best for killing | | | | was not cleaned properly, or you may have a |
| molds. | | | | leaky pipe. When all is said and done, you may |
| * Can I clean and restore all the items in my | | | | need to call in a mold remediation specialist. |
| home that have been affected by mold? | | | | * How do I know when the mold cleanup is |
| Yes. Things that have been affected by molds | | | | complete? |
| can be cleaned and restored in many ways. The | | | | The simple answer is that you'll know the mold |
| easiest way is simply with detergent soaps, but | | | | cleanup is complete when there is no visible mold |
| detergent will only clean things that have been | | | | remaining. There should also be no dust or dirt |
| mildly affected by mold. | | | | remaining that could contain large amounts of |
| Another way to clean up mold is to use any of | | | | mold and mold spores. |
| the chemical products available commercially. Most | | | | Once this has been accomplished, testing for mold |
| of these chemicals not only clean but it disinfect | | | | is really not necessary. Leaving a few mold |
| and kill molds or fungi. When the molds have been | | | | spores behind is not a problem if the moisture |
| killed, restoring items becomes much easier. | | | | problem that caused the mold in the first place |
| * What should I do if I’ve cleaned the | | | | has been corrected. Keep in mind that mold |
| mold but it keeps coming back? | | | | spores are virtually everywhere. Even if every |
| The best thing to do when molds keep coming | | | | mold spore is removed during the cleanup, spores |
| back is to prevent its growth. This can be done | | | | from outside will re-enter the house or building. |
| by acting quickly on water leaks that will cause | | | | However, the mold spores will not be able to |
| dampness and encourage mold growth. | | | | grow unless moisture is present. |