When you first notice mould growth, the natural instinct is to tackle it yourself, often using readily available household products like bleach or vinegar.
These are commonly recommended solutions when figuring out how to remove mould, but the question remains:
Are they truly effective in eliminating mould, or could they simply be offering a temporary fix?
While DIY methods can handle minor surface-level mould problems, they may not address the root causes of mould growth or eliminate all spores, leading to re-infestation.
Professional mould removal services may be required to ensure thorough removal and long-term safety for more extensive or stubborn mould issues.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using household products for mould removal and whether seeking expert help might be the better option for protecting your home and health.
How to Remove Mould: Bleach vs. Vinegar
Two of the most commonly recommended solutions for mould in your home are bleach and vinegar. Both have advantages, but they also have limitations.
Understanding how each works can help you decide the best method for your situation.
Bleach
Bleach is often the go-to choice for many homeowners because of its strong disinfecting properties. It can kill surface mould and bacteria on non-porous materials like tiles, glass, or countertops.
However, its effectiveness is limited when it comes to more porous surfaces like wood, drywall, or fabric. This is because bleach doesn’t penetrate deeper into these materials, where mould spores can thrive.
In fact, in some cases, bleach may only mask the problem by making the mould appear to be gone, while the spores continue to live beneath the surface. This can lead to re-growth of the mould, particularly in areas where moisture is still an issue.
Pros
- Effective for killing surface mould on non-porous materials.
- Acts as a strong disinfectant, killing bacteria and viruses as well.
Cons
- Doesn’t reach the mould’s roots in porous materials, allowing regrowth.
- Produces harsh fumes that can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.
- May cause discolouration or damage to certain surfaces, especially fabrics.
One critical point to remember is that you should never mix bleach and vinegar. When combined, these two substances create toxic chlorine gas, which can be extremely harmful if inhaled.
Vinegar
Vinegar is often seen as a natural and safer alternative to bleach. It’s environmentally friendly and non-toxic, making it a good option for households with children, pets, or individuals sensitive to strong chemicals.
Vinegar can effectively kill small mould colonies, especially on porous surfaces like wood or drywall, where it can penetrate more deeply than bleach.
However, while it works well for small, surface-level issues, vinegar does not address airborne spores that may be circulating in your home.
Vinegar alone may not be enough for larger infestations or persistent mould problems. Additionally, vinegar’s acidic nature means it can take longer to show results compared to stronger chemical options.
Pros
- Natural, non-toxic, and safe to use around children and pets.
- Effective at penetrating porous surfaces and killing mould at its roots.
- Environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
Cons
- Takes longer to work compared to bleach.
- Only works on surface mould and doesn’t target airborne spores.
- The smell, although mild, may still be unpleasant to some people.
How to Get Mould Out of Fabric: Challenges
Removing mould from fabric presents unique challenges. While DIY methods like washing clothes with vinegar can help with surface stains, they often don’t entirely eliminate mould spores.
Here’s what you need to know:
- DIY Solutions: Washing fabrics with vinegar or baking soda may remove visible mould stains, but often fails to completely eradicate mould spores embedded in the fabric.
- Health Risks: Leftover spores can lead to recurring issues, especially for those with allergies or asthma.
- Professional Treatment: Professionals use specialised treatments that ensure deep cleaning and the complete removal of mould spores, providing a longer-lasting solution that DIY methods often miss.
The Risks of DIY Mould Removal
When dealing with mould in your home, it may be tempting to take matters into your own hands with DIY solutions.
However, there are several dangers of DIY mould removal, which you should be aware of:
Health Concerns
DIY mould removal exposes you to mould spores that can irritate the respiratory system and worsen conditions like asthma and allergies. Mould growth also produces mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds that can lead to severe and long-term health complications if not properly treated.
Even with protective gear, improper handling of mould can increase your risk of inhaling these harmful spores.
Surface vs. Airborne Mould
One of the main drawbacks of DIY mould removal is that it often focuses solely on the visible mould. Many overlook the fact that mould releases airborne spores that can spread throughout your home.
These spores can settle in new areas, causing re-infestation and posing ongoing health risks, even if the initial mould patch seems to have been dealt with.
Risk of Re-infestation
The root cause of mould growth, such as excess moisture or poor ventilation, must be addressed to prevent future outbreaks. DIY methods rarely resolve these underlying issues, which means the mould often returns.
In fact, in some cases, the problem can come back worse than before, leading to more extensive damage to your home and higher health risks for your family.
When To Call The Experts
While DIY methods can handle small mould patches, there are times when professional cleaning services are essential.
Here’s when to call in the mould remediation experts:
- Large Areas of Mould: If the mould covers more than 10 square feet, it indicates a deeper issue that requires professional intervention.
- Recurring Mould: If the mould keeps coming back despite cleaning, there may be hidden moisture or ventilation issues that need fixing.
- Black Mould: Professionals should handle suspected black mould, especially in sensitive areas like bedrooms, to avoid exposure to harmful mycotoxins.
- Health Concerns: Professional mould removal ensures safety if someone in the household has respiratory issues.
- Hidden Mould: Mould can grow behind walls or under floors, making it hard to detect and remove without professional tools.
- Water Damage: Mould is likely to develop after flooding or leaks. Professionals can effectively address both water damage and mould growth.
Why Professional Mould Removal is More Effective
- Specialist Tools and Methods: Professionals use equipment like HEPA filters and antimicrobial agents that penetrate porous surfaces, removing both visible mould and hidden spores.
- Mould Spores in the Air: Professional services include addressing airborne mould spores, which are often missed during DIY cleanups.
- Long-term Solutions: Professionals tackle the root cause of mould growth, such as fixing leaks or improving ventilation, ensuring long-term protection against mould re-infestation.
DIY vs. Professional: The Cost Comparison
While DIY mould removal may seem like a cost-effective solution initially, it often fails to address the root causes of mould, leading to recurrent infestations. This means more frequent treatments, which can add up over time.
On the other hand, professional mould remediation tackles both surface mould and airborne spores, as well as underlying issues like leaks or poor ventilation. Though the upfront cost is higher, professional services help prevent further property damage and health risks, making it a more cost-effective and long-term solution.
At Ultima, our expert team of specialist cleaners offers comprehensive mould removal and remediation services to ensure your home is safe and healthy.
Don’t take chances with your well-being—contact us today for a thorough inspection and effective mould treatment.
