What happens if you treat mold with bleach instead of proper remediation

8/27/2024 (Permalink)

A picture of mold that grew on a cabinet after not being treated due to water loss.

Here at SERVPRO of El Cajon we know that treating mold with bleach instead of proper remediation can lead to several problems:

1. Ineffectiveness on Porous Surfaces:
• Bleach can kill surface mold, but it doesn't penetrate porous materials like drywall, wood, or carpet. The water content in bleach can actually seep into these materials, providing moisture that allows mold to thrive deeper within.
2. Temporary Solution:
• While bleach may remove visible mold, it doesn't address the root cause of the mold problem, such as moisture or humidity issues. As a result, mold can quickly return after treatment.
3. Health Risks:
• Bleach is a harsh chemical that can release toxic fumes, especially in poorly ventilated areas. 
4. Potential for Spreading Mold:
• Using bleach can disturb mold colonies, causing them to release spores into the air. These airborne spores can spread to other areas of the home, leading to more widespread contamination.
5. Damage to Materials:
• Bleach can weaken and damage certain materials, including fabrics and wood, leading to discoloration and degradation without effectively solving the mold problem.
6. False Sense of Security:
• Treating mold with bleach might make it seem like the problem is solved, but it often masks the underlying issue. This can delay proper remediation and lead to more extensive damage over time.

In summary, using bleach to treat mold is not a long-term solution and can lead to further complications. Proper mold remediation, like the services provided by SERVPRO of El Cajon, involves identifying and addressing the root cause of mold growth, safely removing it, and ensuring it doesn't return.

Preventiong Potential Mold Problem

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is every where in our environment and can enter homes easily. Mold grows if there is a water source, organic food source and temperatures between 40 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

When mold begins to grow indoors. it may cause some people to become ill, especially children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. all agree, growing mold on interior surfaces needs to be removed.

Control Moisture and Reduce Mold

The following steps your insureds can take to help alleviate potential mold problems in their homes or businesses.

1. Correct any water leaks or standing water.
2. Remove standing water under cooling coils or air handling units.
3. Properly maintain humidifiers, if used.
4. Steam cleaning and other methods involving moisture should not be used on any kind of duct work.
5. Replace washing machine hoses with steel mesh lines.
6. Move large objects away from the walls to provide good air circulation.
7. Use exhaust fans in bath rooms. kitchens and laundry rooms.
8. Ventilate attics and crawl spaces.
9. Clean and dry water-damaged carpets, clothing and bedding within 48 hours.

Mold

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

mold growing up from the floor

Sam had a mold problem in his mother in law home.  Mold was growing under the home from poor air flow which was causing mold to grow up through the walls and floors. Sam called his insurance and they referred him to SERVPRO of El Cajon. Will our technician was dispatched out.

Will arrived and immediately called for his team. They got to work right away removing mold affected materials. Once materials were removed we called air quality testing. All results came back passing and the customer was thrilled. 

 Sam stated " The employees of SERVPRO are very knowledgeable and helpful. They did not mind me asking many questions all the way through the project, they explained everything in great detail!"

Will came in and took action and made it look "Like it never even happened."