Never Use Bleach to Clean Mold: How to Remove Mold Without Bleach

Bleach kills everything! But why shouldn't you clean with mold with bleach? Because bleach can also help mold grow. Here's why you shouldn't use bleach for mold removal, and what to do instead!

Nobody likes an unwanted house guest, and perhaps nothing is more unwelcome in a home than mold.

Long-term mold exposure can cause allergic reactions, cognitive impairment, and chronic inflammation, leading to symptoms like coughing, fatigue, headaches, and memory loss, among other health problems [

1]. Protect the health of your family by preventing mold growth and cleaning it as soon as possible. Chlorine bleach is popular for its powerful disinfecting properties, but never clean mold with bleach. Using bleach to tackle mold can actually worsen the problem and expose you to harmful chemicals. This is why you should never use bleach for cleaning mold and how to prevent it from growing out of control. 

What Is Mold and What Causes It?

Mold is a type of fungus that is commonly found both indoors and outdoors. It plays an essential role in nature by breaking down dead organic matter like leaves and trees. However, when mold grows indoors, it can cause health problems. Mold reproduces through tiny spores that float in the air, and it thrives in damp, warm environments with a food source such as wood or drywall [2].

Some of the most common causes of mold include:

  • Water Leaks: Leaky roofs, pipes, or windows can create moist environments ideal for mold growth. Since water can pool in basements, these areas are prone to mold growth.
  • High Humidity Levels: When humidity levels rise above 60%, it can promote mold growth. That’s why areas prone to high humidity levels, such as bathrooms, are at a higher risk of mold growth. 
  • Poor Ventilation: Lack of airflow can trap moisture inside, encouraging mold. Open windows for at least 15 minutes every day if weather permits. 
  • Flooding and Condensation: Water from floods or condensation on cold surfaces can lead to mold. Consider getting a sump pump and air purifier in areas that tend to grow mold.

Knowing how mold spreads is critical to preventing its growth in the first place. Inspect your house regularly to look for signs of mold so that you can remedy the situation before it worsens. If you spot some, don’t use bleach to clean mold. 

Why You Shouldn’t Use Bleach for Mold

Seeing mold might compel you to call for some backup. Before instinctively grabbing the bleach, you might want to think twice. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t use bleach for mold removal. 

Doesn’t Go Deep Enough

Bleach is a potent disinfectant for surface cleaning. However, that’s as far as bleach goes. It only kills mold on the surface of materials.

Bleach can't penetrate porous surfaces like wood, drywall, or carpet, where mold often takes root. This means that while the visible mold may disappear, the underlying problem remains untouched, allowing mold to regrow quickly.

It Can Aid in the Spread of Mold

Surprisingly, using bleach can actually encourage more mold growth. Bleach is mostly water, and after the chlorine evaporates, it leaves behind moisture.

That’s exactly what mold needs to thrive!  In addition, the added moisture can seep into porous materials. This feeds the mold's roots, potentially worsening the infestation.

May Cause Structural Damage

Bleach is highly corrosive and can damage the materials it's meant to clean. It can weaken wood fibers, discolor fabrics, and corrode metal surfaces. 

Over time, bleach can compromise the structural integrity of affected areas in your home. Therefore, using bleach on your property could potentially lead to costly repairs.

Health Risks Associated with Bleach

Breathe easy without exposing yourself to mold…or bleach. Inhaling bleach fumes can irritate your lungs. Those who are exposed to bleach regularly are at an increased risk of developing cancer [3]. 

Fumes from bleach can also agitate your eyes and nose. Also, skin contact with bleach can cause burns. 

Lastly, don’t combine bleach with other cleaners. When mixed with certain cleaning products, bleach can create toxic gasses. This is especially true when mixing bleach with ammonia [4]. 

Toxic Chemicals In Bleach Products

The exact things we like about bleach are the exact reasons why we should avoid it. The cleaning powers of bleach are attributed to its chemical makeup.

As we’ve mentioned, fumes from chlorine can cause health problems. However, many cleaners that contain bleach also have other ingredients. These common chemicals are also typically harmful to our health. 

Common toxic chemicals found in bleach products include:

  • Sodium Hypochlorite: This is the main active ingredient in bleach, providing its disinfecting power. However, it can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and in high concentrations, it may cause burns [5].
  • Sodium Hydroxide: Added to stabilize the product and maintain pH, sodium hydroxide can cause severe burns to the skin and eyes if concentrated. Inhaling its fumes may irritate the nose and throat [6].
  • Sodium Chloride: A byproduct of the bleach manufacturing process, sodium chloride is generally considered safe but may cause nausea or vomiting if ingested in large amounts [7].
  • Sodium Carbonate: Used for product stability, this chemical may cause eye and skin irritation, and inhaling it can irritate the respiratory tract [8].
  • Fragrances: Often added to mask the strong chlorine smell, some fragrances can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Many fragrances contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormones, which can lead to infertility and cancer [9]. 
  • Preservatives: Chemicals like sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate are included to extend shelf life. Various preservatives could have a variety of potential health effects. 

Clean up mold without exposing yourself to bleach. Read on for more tips for removing mold naturally. 

How to Clean Mold Without Bleach

Dealing with mold can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that you don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals like bleach to tackle this invasive problem! There are plenty of safe and effective alternatives to eliminate mold while protecting your health and the environment. 

Vinegar

White distilled vinegar is a natural antifungal that can kill up to 82% of mold species [10]. Simply pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and apply directly to moldy surfaces. 

Let the vinegar sit for an hour. Then, wipe the area clean with a rag and water.

Much like bleach, vinegar is mostly used for surface-level cleaning. It’s ideal for mildew and minor cases of mold. 

Hydrogen Peroxide

A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can be effective at killing mold [11]. Spray this solution on the affected area. 

Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for 10 minutes. Scrub the area and wipe clean.

Again, hydrogen peroxide is great for killing surface-level mold. It has limited abilities to penetrate porous surfaces. So, it might not be suitable for larger infestations.

Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can penetrate porous surfaces to some extent, but its effectiveness may vary depending on the material and the depth of the contamination.

Make a paste with water and baking soda and apply to moldy areas. Let the paste dry. Then, scrub it away and wipe the area clean. 

While baking soda is excellent for cleaning mold, it’s also a wonderful preventative tool. Baking soda helps absorb moisture to prevent future mold growth!

Commercial Antifungal Products

Look for EPA-registered antifungal sprays specifically designed to kill mold, like Concrobium Mold Control. These products are formulated to penetrate porous surfaces and eliminate mold at the roots.

Call A Professional for Mold Removal

Don’t take risks with your health or the health of your family. If you suspect the mold contamination has become troublesome, please contact a mold specialist in your area for proper removal. 

If you have mold expanding across 10 square feet, you may have a serious problem. Professionals have the proper equipment and expertise to safely remove large-scale mold infestations and address underlying moisture issues.

The most important steps are to identify and fix the source of moisture, thoroughly clean the affected areas, and take preventive measures to control humidity and moisture in your home. With the right approach, you can effectively eliminate mold without resorting to harsh chemicals like bleach.

Is It Bad to Use Bleach On Mold?

Yes, using bleach on mold can be dangerous. Bleach is only effective at the surface level for removing mold. When the chlorine in bleach evaporates, it leaves behind water, which can feed mold deep within the wall. Instead, use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, vinegar, or baking soda paste for surface-level cleaning. For large mold infestations, consider an EPA-certified antifungal cleaner or contact a specialist. Focus on moisture control and regular maintenance to effectively keep mold at bay and create a safer space for you and your loved ones. If you had a mold outbreak, consider getting an air purifier for that area. With these steps, you can prevent mold growth and eliminate mold without the use of bleach. 

Resources

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mold/health-problems/index.html 
[2] https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/mold/275885
[3] https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/documents/ccc-toolkit/ccc_bleach.pdf   
[4]  https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00015111.htm 
[5] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a802a9eed915d74e622cdc0/Sodium_hypochlorite_TO_PHE__130515.pdf 
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10715446/
[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9058106/  
[8] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-Carbonate
[9] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8157593/
[10] https://www.medicinenet.com/is_bleach_or_vinegar_better_to_kill_mold/article.htm
[11] https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/10/1/55