Natural Mold &; Mildew Cleaner vs. Bleach

Natural Mold & Mildew Cleaner vs. Bleach

When cleaning mold and mildew stains, many people immediately think of bleach. However, bleach isn't the only option for cleaning mold and mildew from household surfaces. Bleach-based products and natural mold and mildew cleaners can differ significantly in their ingredients, odor and approach to cleaning.

Natural Armor All-Natural Mold & Mildew Cleaner provides a ready-to-use, bleach-free alternative for cleaning mold and mildew stains on compatible surfaces.

How Does Bleach Clean Mold and Mildew?

Household bleach typically contains sodium hypochlorite, a strong oxidizing chemical commonly used for cleaning and disinfecting.

Bleach can lighten staining and is an ingredient in many conventional mold and mildew cleaning products. However, it also has a strong chlorine odor and requires careful handling.

Importantly, the EPA does not recommend using chlorine bleach or other biocides as a routine practice during mold cleanup. For hard surfaces, the primary goal is to clean the mold from the surface and dry the area completely.

How Is a Natural Mold & Mildew Cleaner Different?

A natural mold and mildew cleaner provides another approach for people who want to clean mold and mildew staining without using bleach.

Natural Armor All-Natural Mold & Mildew Cleaner contains no bleach.

Its ready-to-use formula is designed to help clean mold and mildew stains from compatible surfaces and features a lemon scent instead of the characteristic chlorine odor associated with bleach.

Natural Mold & Mildew Cleaner vs. Bleach

There are several important differences to consider.

Bleach:

• Contains strong chemical ingredients such as sodium hypochlorite

• Has a distinctive chlorine odor

• Can discolor certain materials

• Requires careful handling

• Should never be mixed with ammonia, acids or other incompatible cleaners

Natural Armor Mold & Mildew Cleaner:

• All-natural formula

• Contains no bleach

• Ready to use

• Lemon scented

• Designed to help remove mold and mildew stains

• Can be used on a variety of compatible indoor and outdoor surfaces

Do You Need Bleach to Clean Mold and Mildew?

Not necessarily.

For mold growing on hard surfaces, the EPA recommends cleaning the mold from the surface and drying the area completely. It specifically notes that using bleach or another biocide isn't recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup.

This means homeowners looking to avoid bleach can choose an appropriate mold and mildew cleaner while still focusing on the two important goals: removing the surface contamination and correcting the moisture conditions that allowed it to develop.

Where Can You Use a Bleach-Free Mold & Mildew Cleaner?

Natural Armor Mold & Mildew Cleaner can be used on a variety of compatible surfaces, including:

• Tile

• Grout

• Ceramic

• Porcelain

• Stone

• Concrete

• Glass

• Fiberglass

• Stainless steel

Potential applications include bathrooms, showers, bathtubs, kitchens, basements and appropriate outdoor areas.

Always follow the product directions and test an inconspicuous area first when cleaning a delicate or unfamiliar material.

Never Mix Bleach With Other Cleaners

If bleach has already been used on a surface, do not immediately combine it with another cleaning product.

Bleach can react dangerously with certain chemicals, particularly acids and ammonia, potentially producing hazardous gases.

Follow product-label instructions and rinse surfaces as directed before switching between cleaning products.

Preventing Mold and Mildew From Returning

Whether you use bleach or a bleach-free cleaner, cleaning alone won't correct the underlying cause of recurring mold or mildew.

Look for sources of excess moisture such as:

• Plumbing leaks

• Poor ventilation

• High humidity

• Condensation

• Water intrusion

• Surfaces that remain wet

Keeping surfaces clean and dry and correcting moisture problems can help reduce recurring mold and mildew.