Mold Keeps Coming Back: Why Didn’t Bleach Work?

4/27/2018 (Permalink)

You spot mold on the bathroom wall and spray it with the leading mold killing spray with the active ingredient bleach. You got it, right? Wrong.

You spot mold on the bathroom wall and spray it with the leading mold killing spray with the active ingredient bleach. You got it, right? Wrong. Pretty soon, the mold is back, so why was the fungus cleanup unsuccessful?

Important Points About Mold Prevention and Cleanup

Bleaching mold does not get rid of mold. If you look at your cleaner, you will likely see it specifies the surface must be “non-porous” (i.e. glass). If you use bleach, it is over 90 percent water. The chlorine evaporates quickly, leaving the water behind to soak into the porous surface. Here are some more points to consider:

• To reduce mold growth, you should eliminate moisture quickly.
• It helps to maintain a humidity level at less than 45 percent.
• Mold growth often begins as rapidly as 48 hours on a wet surface.
• Cleanup mold on non-porous surfaces with detergent and water per EPA (it does not recommend bleach).
• Wiping off surfaces, especially porous surfaces such as walls, does not get rid of mold because of its root system.

The Root of the Problem

Mold spores float in the air, indoors and outdoors. They settle on surfaces, including your clothes, as you walk in and out of your house throughout the day.
Mold is a naturally occurring type of fungus. It is microscopic but can become visible when conditions are right for growth. When a mold spore lands on a wet surface that is porous, it roots into that surface quickly, which can make your fungus cleanup more difficult. If mold keeps coming back after you have cleaned it, then it was not just a surface problem, or the conditions are just right for the mold to grow (or both). Keep in mind, Stillwater, OK, and its surroundings may contribute to your building’s mold susceptibility.
Finishing the Job

If you made the decision to call an expert to address your need for fungus cleanup, then make sure to choose a qualified professional with certification specifically for mold remediation. A professional typically has the experience, tools and knowledge needed to get the job done. Now you can tackle the next item on your to-do list. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.com/.