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Will Bleach Kill Mold? The Truth for Reno-Tahoe Homeowners
January 19, 2026
Mold growth is a common problem for homeowners in Reno and Tahoe especially in areas with high moisture, snowmelt, and older home construction. When mold appears, many people reach for household bleach as their first solution. But will bleach actually kill mold, or is it just a temporary fix?
Let’s break down what bleach can and can’t do, and when it’s time to call a professional mold remediation company.
Does Bleach Kill Mold?
Short answer: Bleach kills surface mold, but does not remove mold at its roots.
Bleach only works on non-porous surfaces, such as:
- Tile
- Glass
- Metal
- Finished countertops
However, most household mold grows on porous materials, such as:
- Drywall
- Wood framing
- Carpet
- Furniture
- Insulation
Bleach cannot penetrate these materials deeply enough. It kills only the visible mold on the surface while leaving the mold colony underneath alive.
This means the mold will return, often spreading even worse than before.
Why Bleach Can Make Mold Worse
When bleach is applied to porous surfaces:
- Water from the bleach soaks into the material
- The chlorine evaporates quickly
- The leftover moisture feeds mold spores, causing them to grow and spread
So while bleach may make mold look gone, the mold roots remain active.
Signs Bleach Isn’t Enough
If you notice any of the following, bleach will not solve the problem:
Musty or earthy smell: Mold is active behind walls or under flooring
Mold keeps returning after cleaning: Root structure was never removed
Water stains or discoloration: Moisture source still exists
You see mold on drywall or wood: Bleach cannot penetrate deep enough
If mold is growing in these materials, professional mold remediation is the safest solution.
Professional Mold Remediation at Restoration 1 of Reno Tahoe: What We Do
At Restoration 1 of Reno-Tahoe, we follow IICRC-certified mold remediation protocols, including:
- Moisture inspection and mold testing if needed
- Containment to prevent spreading
- Air filtration (HEPA negative air machines)
- Removal of affected materials (not just surface cleaning)
- Antimicrobial treatment
- Drying and moisture correction to stop mold from returning
This ensures the mold is removed at the source, not just temporarily hidden.
Need Help Removing Mold in Your Reno-Tahoe Home?
If you’ve tried cleaning mold and it keeps coming back or if you notice a musty smell you may be dealing with hidden mold growth and need help from a mold remediation company near you.
Restoration 1 of Reno-Tahoe provides:
- Certified Mold Remediation
- Water Damage Restoration
- Moisture + Leak Source Inspection
- Emergency 24/7 Response
We service:
Reno • Sparks • Carson City • South Lake Tahoe • Truckee • Incline Village and surrounding areas.
Get a Free On-Site Mold Assessment
📞 Call: (775) 546-0029
🌐 Visit: https://restoration1.com/reno-tahoe
📍 Local. Certified. Trusted.
Stop mold at the source not just the surface.
If you’ve tried cleaning mold and it keeps coming back or if you notice a musty smell you may be dealing with hidden mold growth and need help from a mold remediation company near you.
Restoration 1 of Reno-Tahoe provides:
- Certified Mold Remediation
- Water Damage Restoration
- Moisture + Leak Source Inspection
- Emergency 24/7 Response