What Concentrate of Bleach is Needed to Kill Mold?

Mold can be a health hazard and should be completely removed. In addition to removing mold the area must thoroughly disinfected. Bleach will kill many types of mold. The correct mixture of beach and water coupled with the right application and method of disinfecting can be very effective against mold. Caution should be used whenever working with chemicals. It is important to work in a well ventilated area wearing protective gear. Bleach is a potent chemical which is not meant for use on every surface.

How much bleach to use

To kill mold using chlorine bleach use ½ to 1 cup of bleach to a gallon of water. The mixture can be applied from a spray bottle or from a bucket using a sponge or cleaning cloth. Chlorine bleach does not kill mold on contact. To thoroughly kill the mold using bleach it is important to leave it on the area at least thirty minutes.

How to clean up mold

Wear protective gear including latex or rubber gloves, protective eye wear, protective mask that covers your nose and mouth, and clothing that covers arms and legs completely. Bleach will not penetrate the dirt to kill the mold. It will only work on a clean surface. Scrub mold off of hard surfaces with a scrubber sponge or scrub brush using a mixture of detergent and water. Remove any visible mold completely. Once all visible sings of mold has been removed disinfect the area with the bleach and water mixture. Completely dry the disinfected area using a fan if possible or air flow from opened windows or doors. Bleach will kill many types of mold but has no long term lasting effect and will not prevent future mold.

Porous surfaces

Chlorine bleach is not recommended for use on porous surfaces to kill mold. For example, chlorine bleach will not penetrate or soak in to wood surfaces making it ineffectual on wood with mold problems. Because bleach cannot penetrate wood surfaces deep enough it can not get to the mold to kill it.

Metal or color fast surfaces

Do not use bleach to clean metal surfaces because it can be corrosive. Never use bleach on color fast items. Using chlorine bleach can result in damage to what you are trying to clean.

Getting rid of the cause

Cleaning up mold is just the first step. The most important part of dealing with mold is it to prevent it from coming back. Mold is caused by moisture. Moisture comes from many sources like a leak in the ceiling, a slow leak in a pipe, a leaky dishwasher to mention a few. Stop the moisture and you will stop the mold.

Warning:

Never mix chlorine bleach with cleaning solutions that contain ammonia for it will create very dangerous toxic fumes that can be fatal. Chlorine bleach produces extremely strong fumes that may be harmful. Always work with chemicals in an open and well ventilated area.