Using Bleach To Kill Mold In The Basement? 3 Things You Should Know

If you have a mold problem in your basement or other room in your house, you may think nothing of grabbing a bottle of bleach, diluting a little of it with some water, spraying it on the mold and call it a day. However, despite what your mother may have told you, bleach is not the end-all-be-all for killing mold. In fact, it could make your problem worse. Here are some things to know about killing mold with bleach:

Why Shouldn't Bleach be used to Kill Mold?

While it is true that bleach will kill the mold on walls and other areas, it can also exacerbate the problem. Store-bought bleach is actually chlorine that is diluted with water. The chlorine will kill the moldy areas, but it also leaves behind water on your walls, which can lead to even more mold growth. In a few weeks, you will likely find yourself with even more mold to deal with.

Are There Any Other Reasons to Not Use Bleach?

In addition to bleach not doing much to control a mold problem, there are several other reasons why it should not be used from a personal health perspective. First and foremost, bleach is an irritant to the respiratory system. The fumes from the chlorine can get into the airway and irritate the nasal passages, esophagus, and even the lungs. It can cause difficulty breathing, sore throat, and cough. It is also an eye and skin irritant and can actually burn you if undiluted bleach remains on the body for any length of time.

What is the Best Way to Kill Mold without Bleach?

One of the very best ways to get rid of mold is exposing it to air and sunlight, the most powerful natural enemies of mold and mildew. If your basement is moldy and you have no outside access or windows, it can be difficult to bring in sunlight. However, you can bring in some extra ventilation by way of fans or ventilation systems that you can have installed in your home by a professional. These systems are used to keep the dampness out of the house by expelling it outdoors.

If you have a constant problem with mold in your basement, it is important to get it resolved immediately. Mold can be detrimental to your health as well as the health of your family. If you have questions about how to prevent and remove mold, be sure to contact a professional, such as Safe-Guard Waterproofing.