Mold Removal can be a serious problem in homes and businesses. If left unchecked, it can cause significant damage and health issues. When trying to remove mold, there are many myths and misconceptions about what works and what doesn’t. In this blog post, we will debunk some of the most common mold removal myths and provide facts on effective solutions.
Myth #1: Bleach kills and removes mold
While bleach does have antifungal properties, it is not an effective way to remove mold. Bleach only removes surface mold and does nothing to fix the underlying moisture issue that allowed the mold to grow in the first place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends against using bleach to clean up mold.
Fact: To properly remove mold, you need products designed specifically to kill and remove mold from surfaces.
Look for mold removal solutions that contain active ingredients like sodium borate, alkaline salts, or fungicidal surfactants. Removing all mold also requires addressing what’s causing the excess moisture.
Myth #2: Painting over mold fixes the problem
Simply painting over visible mold does nothing to remove the mold roots embedded in porous surfaces like drywall or wood. The mold roots will continue to grow and spread underneath the paint. Painting over mold only temporarily covers up the issue.
Fact: Paint is not a solution for mold removal.
The affected surfaces need to be cleaned and disinfected to fully eliminate mold. Any porous surfaces with mold growth may need to be removed and replaced.
Myth #3: Mold isn’t dangerous to health
Some people mistakenly believe mold is merely a cosmetic issue or just causes allergies. In fact exposure to mold can cause a range of health effects in people that are much more severe than hay fever. High levels of toxic mold spores in the air can lead to respiratory infections, asthma attacks, and long-term lung damage.
Fact: According to the CDC, inhaling or touching mold spores can be harmful, especially to people with asthma, allergies, or compromised immune systems.
Protect yourself by wearing PPE when handling mold removal. Children and pets should be kept away from affected areas.
The key to effective mold removal is using products made to fully eliminate mold along with fixing excess moisture problems. Relying on home remedies like bleach only covers up mold rather than removing it at the roots. When in doubt, call in a professional mold remediation company. Avoid health risks by dealing with any mold issues quickly and completely.