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Bleach is not effective on porous building materials for killing mold |
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In order to kill mold, you must penetrate the root system. Bleach is only effective on non-porous surfaces, such as tile, glass, or formica. This is actually stated right on the bottle. |
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Bleach is 99% water! Water is one of the major food sources for mold. In many situations, bleach has actually contributed to mold growing back faster and heavier, with mold spore counts twice the levels before bleach was introduced.
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The ionic structure of bleach allows only the water to penetrate the porous surface of wood. The chlorine in bleach stays on the surface and off-gases losing any of its effectiveness. |
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Bleach gives off gases and in larger quantities can be very harmful. |
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OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) does not recommend bleach as a product to be used for remediating mold. |
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Bleach is corrosive. It is clearly stated on the label. Bleach can effect the performance of steel fasteners like nails, joist hangers, hurricane strapping, etc. If it comes in contact with duct work for HVAC systems, long-term problems could arise. |
Summary
Using bleach on porous building materials has proven time and again not to work. It may in time worsen your mold problem.
Bleach can be harmful in many cases due to off-gasing.
Bleach is corrosive. It says so right on the bottle. So it can cause issues with the structural performance of your home, as well as with HVAC duct work.
If your mold remediation company is using or recommending bleach, then they are not resolving your mold problem!
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