The Common Cleaning Product You Should Never Use, According To A Mold Expert

1.

"Killing" mold is not enough.

2.

Bleach leaves spores and mycotoxins behind.

In an effort to reproduce, mold colonies will create and release microscopic particles called spores into the surrounding environment. If these spores land on a surface with moisture and organic material, they’ll transition into a living colony. Some species of mold also create microscopic toxins called mycotoxins. These particles are toxic to the human body3 and can cause a long list of adverse health reactions, which is why they are tightly regulated in our food products.

These mold byproducts are particularly resilient and in my experience, bleach does not remove them. In order to properly remediate mold in a home, all particles must be eliminated, including dead mold, fragments, mycotoxins, and spores.

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3.

Bleach is ineffective on semi-porous and porous surfaces.

Semi-porous and porous surfaces have small pockets that allow particles to burrow deep within the surface. To effectively deal with any contamination present, these particles have to be dealt with. Bleach cannot effectively handle this situation. 

Mold is a great example of why bleach fails to accomplish its task. This fungus grows roots, similar to a weed. Like a weed, in order to remove it from a surface, you’ve got to pull it up, roots and all. Otherwise, it will just grow right back.

While bleach will kill the surface level of mold, it will not penetrate porous and semi-porous surfaces far enough to deal with the roots. In fact, bleach can actually help the mold continue to grow since it's made from over 90% water and a splash of chlorine. When you toss bleach on a surface, the chlorine burns out quickly, leaving only water behind. The roots of mold left behind can use this source of moisture to grow, allowing the colony to come right back.

4.

Harsh chemicals are bad for our air—and the environment.

Sodium hypochlorite is the main component that gives bleach its cleaning oomph. Many bleach-containing products have chlorine-containing compounds, such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and chlorine gas (Cl2). The fumes have been shown4 to negatively affect indoor air quality, irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and cause symptoms such as coughing, headaches, and watery eyes. Additionally, when bleach is mixed with certain other household cleaning products, it can create chlorine gas, which is toxic if inhaled.

The environment is another consideration. When chlorine is released into the outdoor environment, it can form dioxins5, known carcinogens that harm both aquatic life and wildlife. The major culprits for this form of contamination are the manufacturing of bleach itself and the large-scale use of the product.

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If not bleach, what should you use at home? When looking for a cleaning product to get rid of and prevent mold, homeowners need something that will eliminate mold spores, kill mold, and remove it from the roots. All of the contamination should be eliminated so that there’s no exposure to harmful particles. That’s where natural cleaning products shine. Instead of harmful components, botanical products use ingredients like essential oils to effectively clean and remove toxic particles that can cause adverse health reactions.

These non-toxic ingredients also do not decrease indoor air quality with harmful chemicals and reduce the risk of exposure-related reactions.

A few great options to add to your cleaning arsenal include:

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