Why You Shouldn’t Use Bleach to Treat Mould This Winter

Winter weather habits like running the dryer regularly, keeping windows closed, drying clothes on racks inside and operating humidifiers can create the perfect environment for mould to thrive.

Need to treat it? Think again before reaching for that bottle of bleach.

Even though it’s the key ingredient in Exit Mould and similar products, bleach shouldn’t be used to remove mould. It doesn’t work and could be doing more harm than good. Here is why.

Why doesn’t bleach work?

Consumer website Choice awarded Exit Mould a ‘Shonky’ in 2012 for falsely claiming it can remove mould from your home. Choice holds annual ‘Shonky’ awards, naming products that don’t do what they advertise – Exit Mould made the list.

For generations, bleach has been the go-to product for cleaning mould. While the mould might look like it’s been removed, all you’ve done is take the colour out of the fuzzy stuff on top.

The mould membrane underneath is still alive and strong, spurting out mould spores, but now it can’t be seen. The mould will likely appear on the surface again very quickly!

So, while you think it's doing a great job, your mould problem is very likely to resurface.

The mould needs to be treated properly but you also need to identify its source, that is the reason the mould has occurred in the first place.

Does bleach cause damage?

It can. As a caustic material, bleach can slowly wear down the protective coating of the materials you’re using it on. This is worrying if you’re using it on your grout lines – over time the bleach is breaking the grout down potentially making your grout become more porous, and even more susceptible to mould.

Bleach can also be bad for your health. If you do do decide to use it, you should be wearing personal protective wear as well as opening as many windows as possible.

A strong solution can irritate the mouth lungs and skin, and in strong enough concentrations it can actually burn human tissue (internally and externally). Bleach fumes can also be a serious irritant for asthmatics so make sure you wear a respirator.

How Do I Treat Mould?

If you see visible mould, it is likely there is much more you can’t see. The signature black marks you see on the wall are actually mould waste; the real mould is hidden in your walls and is so small you can’t see it.

If you have a lighter mould contamination, here is a great way to tackle it.

1. Run hot water over the mould affected surface.
2. Fill a spray bottle ¾ of the way with white vinegar and top with warm water. You’ll need to add about 30 drops of tea tree oil for a 500ml spray bottle (15 drops per 250ml).
3. Shake well and spray liberally onto the problem area.
4. Leave for 20 minutes before rinsing. Vinegar works really well because it typically comprises about 5% acidity, making it a great cleaning acid with disinfecting and antibacterial properties.

 

It's a smart idea to get onto mould as soon as you see it occur, as the problem can spread if not tackled early.

What if I have a more severe mould infestation?

Extreme mould may need to be treated with a professional mould treatment service. A professional will use an anti-microbial solution that will trace the source of the moisture, effectively treating hidden mould for long-lasting results.

Your Electrodry expert can also treat airborne mould spores to improve the air quality in your home.

This service is approved by insurers, all of our technicians are qualified in mould remediation and the service itself will take just one day.

Your technician can also provide advice on what may be causing the mould issue (so that it does not eventually return), however we do recommend that you undertake your own research.

How to Prevent Mould Infestations in Winter

Always run an exhaust fan while having a shower or bath.

You should also keep it on for a little longer after you leave the bathroom, as moisture will hang around for a while afterwards. Don’t forget to clean the exhaust fans.

Run an exhaust fan or open windows while cooking as well - as delicious as that roast dinner smells, the moisture created form cooking can contribute to mould growth.

Open windows.

Yes, we know it’s cold but fresh air and a little natural UV light from the sunshine outside (if there is any) will do wonders. Open your windows up daily to keep fresh air circulating.

Natural UV light is also great at killing dust mites, which can be found all over your home and whose excrement may cause minor health issues.

Damp Rid or a dehumidifier for the bedroom or closet.

A dehumidifier will continually take moisture out of the air to bring the relative humidity back to 35%, which is well below the humidity level required for mould growth.

A dehumidifier is also a great way to dry clothes inside without the humidity, particularly if you're trying to avoid using the warm dryer.