Popular Mold-Fighting Cleaners
When trying to win a war against mold, having the right weapon is necessary. Many people, if asked which disinfectant they would use to kill or fight mold, would instantly reply with the answer of ‘chlorine bleach’. However, studies have shown that not only is chlorine bleach a weak substance to fight mold, but it also is highly ineffective on porous surfaces, which is where mold is most likely to grow. If you’re battling a mold problem, here are some cleaning solutions recommended by others who have waged war on mold.
- Lysol: Lysol is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a product recommended for spray disinfecting of mold mildew. You can find Lysol spray cleansers that claim to kill bacteria, as well as spray disinfectants that can be applied to surfaces before the mold or mildew has a chance to develop.
- X-14 and Tilex: Products like X-14, Tilex, and Clorox cleansers are very similar to bleach, and often the main ingredient is chlorine bleach. They are inexpensive, and while they may not completely remove the mold roots, they are affective at removing the unsightliness of the mold. Keep in mind, however, that on porous surfaces, a stronger mold killer will need to be used. Even Clorox concedes that bleach is a somewhat effective tool in the removal of mold on hard surfaces.
- H2Orange2®: This is a popular new “green” product on the market used for eliminating mold problems. It is user-friendly and environmentally safe, having the lowest level of toxicity of any mold killer on the market. It contains citrus oil (from orange peels) to cut through the dirt, surfactants which clean the dirt, and hydrogen peroxide, which oxides the mold and mildew and brightens the surface by bleaching out the stains.
- AntiGrowth®: This is actually a mold, mildew, and algae preventative solution, and therefore regular use of this can actually prevent and control mold problems just as easily as cleaning up an established stain. The good thing about this product is that it works on almost all surfaces, porous and non-porous alike. It is also safe for all surfaces, made for outdoor and indoor use, and is relatively affordable.
- Air Ionizers: While an air ionizer is not a liquid cleaner, it does in fact clean the air. Ionizers are powerful air purifiers that remove dust, allergens, and mold spores from the air. These spores land inside the house, using moisture in the environment to grow into troublesome patches. Regular use of an air ionizer may prevent future mold outbreaks by removing the source of the colony.
Having a great cleaner is essential removing mold both effectively and completely from the affected surface. While you may be tempted by ease, and money, to try bleach first, you will quickly discover that spending a little more money will save a lot more time in the long term. Not only do those who try to disinfect and remove mold with chlorine bleach spend more time trying to remove the mold, but they soon find that their efforts were for not when the roots begin to grow back and require a second attempt at removal.
