Chlorine Bleach for Mold Removal

Sterilizing mold and removing it prevents it from spreading through the home.

Mold problems commonly happen in the home in damp places such as the basement or in the bathroom. Large infestations of mold are dangerous to the health. The airborne spore particles get into the lungs, causing coughing and asthma like symptoms as well as allergy symptoms. Mold cleanup is best done with a sterilizer such as chlorine bleach. If a mold problem continues to occur, look for water leaks and ways to seal the area.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Chlorine bleach
• Water
• Bucket
• Stiff brush

Instructions

1. Mix together 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves to protect your skin.

2. Rub down the area with the mold with a stiff brush dipped in the chlorine bleach solution.

3. Rinse the area with clean water to wash away the bleach.

Tips & Warnings

• Use oxygenated bleach if the mold is on fabric. Regular chlorine bleach will remove the color.

• Call a professional cleaner to your home if the mold problem is less than 10 square feet. A larger infestation may be a sign of a bigger problem, and is a danger to your health.

• Do not mix chlorine bleach with another chemical, such as ammonia, because it becomes toxic.

References

• Ask the Builder: Mold Removal/ Chlorine Bleach
• EPA: Mold, Moisture and Your Home