If you’ve ever found mold lurking in a damp corner of your home, you know how unsightly and concerning it can be. The first instinct may be to reach for the bleach to blast that mold into oblivion. But hang on – what concentration of bleach is actually needed to effectively kill mold?
To kill mold, use a bleach solution with a concentration between 2.4% and 16%, which translates to a 1:4 to 1:64 ratio of bleach to water.
While that brief answer gives you the basic gist, there’s a bit more nuance to effectively and safely using bleach against mold. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of mixing your bleach solution, applying it properly, and crucial safety precautions to keep in mind.
What’s The Best Way To Mix A Bleach Solution To Kill Mold?
When mixing your bleach solution, always add the bleach to the water rather than the other way around. This helps prevent the bleach from splashing and potentially causing injury. Use a clean, non-porous container and mix gently to avoid creating a lot of fumes.
For most household mold situations, a solution of 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water (a 1:16 ratio) will do the trick. However, for tougher mold or larger areas, you may want to increase the concentration up to 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Just be sure to never exceed a 50/50 mix, as higher concentrations can be harmful and aren’t any more effective.
What’s The Safest Way To Use Bleach To Kill Mold?
Always protect yourself when working with bleach. Wear rubber gloves, safety goggles, and clothes you don’t mind getting bleach stains on. Ventilate the area by opening windows and running fans to help dissipate the fumes.
Apply the bleach solution to the moldy area using a spray bottle or sponge, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Avoid scrubbing, as this can release mold spores into the air. After 15 minutes, wipe the area clean with fresh water and allow it to dry thoroughly. Repeat if needed for stubborn mold.
When Should You Call A Professional To Remove Mold Instead Of Using Bleach?
If you’re dealing with a mold infestation larger than 10 square feet, it’s best to call in a professional mold remediation service. The same goes for if the mold is caused by contaminated water or sewage, as this type of mold can be particularly hazardous.
Mold infestations that are inside walls, under floorboards, or in HVAC systems are also best left to the pros, as they can be difficult to access and properly remediate without specialized equipment. In these cases, using bleach yourself may not be enough to fully solve the problem.
Can Bleach Kill Mold On Any Surface?
Bleach is most effective on non-porous surfaces like tile, glass, and sealed countertops. On these smooth surfaces, the bleach can easily reach and destroy the mold at its roots. However, bleach is much less effective on porous materials like wood, drywall, or fabric.
For porous surfaces, the bleach may appear to remove the mold stains, but it can’t penetrate deep enough to kill the mold at its roots. This means the mold is likely to grow back. In these cases, you’re better off using a product specifically designed for killing mold on porous surfaces, like Concrobium Mold Control.
Are There Any Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Using Bleach To Kill Mold?
If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly option, white vinegar can be an effective alternative to bleach for killing mold. Vinegar is a mild acid that can destroy about 82% of mold species. Plus, it’s natural and doesn’t give off harsh fumes like bleach does.
To use vinegar, simply pour it into a spray bottle undiluted and spray it directly onto the moldy surface. Let it sit for at least an hour before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing with water. For tougher mold stains, you can try mixing vinegar with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide for extra cleaning power.
Banish That Mold for Good
Now that you know the right bleach concentration to annihilate mold, you’re well-equipped to tackle that unsightly growth head-on. But remember, bleach is just one part of the equation. The key to keeping mold at bay long-term is to address the moisture issues that allowed it to grow in the first place, whether that means fixing leaks, improving ventilation, or running a dehumidifier.