Which Option Is Best?
Let’s look at your options for mold remediation products and understand how each works. There are 4 basic categories of mold remediation products available today. They are as follows:
Remediation Options:
Cleaners
A cleaner loosens the surface material and thus makes it easier to wipe off or clean. Cleaners do not kill the bacteria or mold.
Biocides
A biocide refers to an agent that kills bacteria, viruses, or mold. There are many kinds of biocides available because no biocide is 100% effective against all bacteria, molds or viruses. Biocides are not cleaning agents. The dead mold, bacteria or viruses still remain on the treated surface and may cause various problems.
The last 4 letters of the word mean kill / death. Therefore, it means the death of a biological organism.
Sanitizers
A sanitizer also kills mold or bacteria, without being harmful to people and animals. Smart Health Homes Environmental’s sanitizer is called Cal-Brite. Cal-Brite is a sanitizer and cleaner in one. It kills and removes the mold! When these two actions are combined, mold is effectively remediated and it’s future growth is actually inhibited!
Encapsulants
An encapsulant covers the surface preventing any particles or items from escaping underneath the sealed surface. This does not kill the bacteria or mold. They are typically painted on and when they dry, the surface is sealed and hard to the touch. However, one must remember that the core cause of the moisture problem must be fixed (e.g. structural repairs) or it will recur. Encapsulants should never be used in place of a mold remediation.
An encapsulant such as DryLock should never be placed over mold / fungus.
* Encapsulants (e.g. DryLock) are not permanent solutions, but many companies use this as a way to treat mold because they have no way to kill and remove the mold. Over time, encapsulants fail and more permanent steps are needed. This may involve structural repairs. Therefore, encapsulant coated surfaces require regular inspection and maintenance. Some encapsulants create hazardous wastes, which require proper disposal.
…What about Bleach?
“So What about using Bleach?” you may be asking. “It seems to kill things fairly quickly and it’s something that I may already own. It’s ok to use that, right”?
Well, not exactly. Bleach actually does not retard the growth of mold. Bleach is a Biocide. It is hazardous to people and harmful to many surfaces. Bleach leaves the surface wet or damp and slightly slimy to the touch because it does not actually remove the mold; it only kills it. Since bleach does NOT retard the growth of mold like Cal-Brite does, the mold can re-grow again leading to a vicious cycle of bleaching and mold growing.
Eventually, the homeowner may become frustrated and ask if there is anything that does NOT act as a fertilizer, but actually retards the re-growth of mold? Biocides are not recommended because the mold parts can still cause allergic reactions after they are dead. This is especially applicable to sensitive individuals.
And finally, Cal-Brite!
“I think I’m beginning to understand. So tell me more about Cal-Brite.”
Cal-Brite is a Sanitizer. When used, it will kill as much mold as a more chemically potent or harmful biocide. Cal-Brite will kill the mold or bacteria AND retard its re-growth. Smart Health HomesServices uses Cal-Brite and follows all EPA mold remediation project guidelines and cleaning steps to ensure that the mold and bacteria are killed and that the dead mold parts are vacuumed, scrubbed, and removed to prevent allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Cal-Brite is also odorless, so you will not be exposed to harmful and offensive fumes. Cal-Brite is an environmentally friendly, USDA approved, green product. You will NEVER have to worry about the safety of your home, family, pets, or plants with Cal-Brite.