1 of 3 top questions asked about toxic mold clean up - again using the EPA as a resource

[Tamara R Pearlman]

Question
Should I use bleach to clean up mold?

Answer

The key to mold control is moisture control.
Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry
completely.
Fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as possible. Dry
all items completely.
Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may
have to be thrown away if they become moldy. Mold can grow on or fill
in the empty spaces and crevices of porous materials, so the mold may
be difficult or impossible to remove completely.

Avoid exposing yourself or others to mold (see discussions: What to
Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas and Hidden Mold).

Do not paint or caulk moldy surfaces. Clean up the mold and dry the
surfaces before painting. Paint applied over moldy surfaces is likely
to peel.

If you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is
expensive or of sentimental value, you may wish to consult a
specialist. Specialists in furniture repair, restoration, painting,
art restoration and conservation, carpet and rug cleaning, water
damage, and fire or water restoration are commonly listed in phone
books. Be sure to ask for and check references. Look for specialists
who are affiliated with professional organizations.
Should I use bleach?

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of
a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine
bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during
mold cleanup. There may be instances, however, when professional
judgment may indicate its use (for example, when immune-compromised
individuals are present). In most cases, it is not possible or
desirable to sterilize an area; a background level of mold spores will
remain - these spores will not grow if the moisture problem has been
resolved. If you choose to use disinfectants or biocides, always
ventilate the area and exhaust the air to the outdoors. Never mix
chlorine bleach solution with other cleaning solutions or detergents
that contain ammonia because toxic fumes could be produced.

Please note: Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some
people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold, it must also be
removed.

For more information on mold, see our website at www.epa.gov/mold

Read the publication, "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home"
at www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html [EPA 402-K-02-003]

Una Breve Guía para el Moho, la Humedad y su Hogar está disponible en
el formato PDF www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldguide_sp.pdf Documento de
la agencia EPA número 402-K-03-008.

Read the publication, "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial
Buildings" at www.epa.gov/mold/mold_remediation.html [EPA 402-
K-01-001, March 2001]

Mold Resources are available at www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html