OSHA and EPA on separate occasions have chosen to exclude bleach as one of the approach to get rid of mold in the event that you need to conduct a mold cleanup for black mold removal. Indeed there have been extensive confusion as to whether bleach is the right chemical to use for mold remediation and today we shall address this issue. The process of mold inspection and testing is a lengthy process and has many steps involved in it. Once you are verified by the mold company you can continue with the building. It is important to pass this test to ensure safety and security of the people.
The Corrosive Component of Bleach
All bleach is corrosive and most of the brands would have indicated this fact on their product label. This is not the only hazard, as exposure to the dioxins could be just as harmful to the body. Yet is it not strong enough to penetrate into the wood based building materials where black mold manifest, deeply rooted and embedded. The key on how to get rid of mold is to uproot its roots for good. Many mold removal companies use proprietary chemical agents that effectively sanitize and clean the mold infested areas, especially on porous wood materials.
New mold removal products line the shelves constantly and yet, most of them are simply laundry bleach. Many of them have specific instructions on how to use as well as labels stating that they should not be used on porous and wood based surfaces, else the surfaces be damaged. Some indicate that they should not be used on metal or painted surfaces while others indicate specific instructions not to be used on porcelain, fabrics or paper based materials.
Buyer Beware, Use At Your Own Risk
While choosing the right mold removal products, you need read the labels thoroughly, understand the harmful effect of the products when applied onto the various surfaces you intend to clean. You need to take heed though, that some instructions on certain products tend to be rather confusing. And if your intention is to get rid of mold, ensure that when you follow instructions to the tee, you get the right product that works just as its claims stated on the container. Mixing the wrong amount of water or with other household cleaning agents could literally cause severe harm to your family members’ general health. Take for instance, when chlorine bleach is mixed together with other acidic cleaning agents, they give off highly toxic gases hazardous to human health.
Setting the record right, laundry bleach is not an effective chemical agent for wood based materials to get rid of mold. However, chlorine bleach is indeed an effective disinfectant that for black mold removal on hard surfaces as well as neutralizing allergies.