Microbiologist reveals the shocking truth about this popular cleaning product: it doesn't kill mould!
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Sometimes, life throws us a curveball, like when that mould starts appearing in places around the house.
It creeps up on us so quickly that it can be hard to keep up with it, leaving us feeling panicky and desperate to get rid of it. So much so that, failing to come to our senses, we often turn to the closest cleaning product we can get our hands on – bleach.
When faced with mould outbreaks in our homes, many of us instinctively turn to bleach as the go-to weapon against unwelcome fungi. However, according to a microbiologist who recently shared his expert tips on social media, using bleach to try and kill mould is a big mistake.
Wes, the microbiologist, posted a video on a social platform in response to another homeowner who revealed they had been using bleach to clean mould in their shower, only to find it came back in just two days. If you've ever faced the same frustrating experience, it's time to pay attention!
'The reason the mould didn't go away when you treated it with bleach is because mould doesn't get killed by bleach very well. Bleach is not a good way to disinfect things that are contaminated with mould,' Wes explained in his video.
Now, you might be wondering what the alternative is if bleach doesn't do the job. Wes recommends using undiluted white distilled vinegar instead.
'Spray it on the surface, or soak the dish in vinegar for about an hour, rinse it off with some water, and you're good to go,' he advised. Simple, right?
Wes' vinegar revelation has resonated with millions of people online, with his video amassing 6.5 million views and generating a flurry of questions and comments.
One viewer inquired about using a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to kill mould, but Wes responded with a stern warning: 'No. Don't do that. As someone already pointed out, it makes a much more dangerous/corrosive acid.'
Due to the overwhelming reaction to his video, the microbiologist even filmed a follow-up segment providing an alternative mould cleaner for those who dislike the smell of vinegar.
'An alternative you can use is tea tree oil, actually. I've read a few studies that show that it's very effective at killing mould and disinfecting porous surfaces, just like vinegar. So put a few drops of that into a spray bottle, fill it with water, and spray it on the surfaces,' he recommended.
According to Wes, both vinegar and tea tree oil are superior to bleach for fighting mould because they penetrate the mould's structure, killing it from the root. This is in stark contrast to bleach, which only removes the top layer of fungi without tackling the deeper problem.
Another viewer vouched for the effectiveness of tea tree oil, sharing their success story: 'I 100 per cent suggest the tea tree oil. I had mould in a closet that was on the outer corner of my house. Kept coming back. Used tea tree oil once, and it was gone.'
But a word of warning, oils such as tea tree oil can be harmful to your pets. Be sure to do your research before use to see if it is right for you.
Next time you're battling mould in your home, arm yourselves with vinegar or tea tree oil instead of bleach for a fresh, clean, and mould-free space.
Now, we bet some of you seasoned home cleaners out there have a treasure trove of tips and tricks up your sleeves when it comes to maintaining a spick-and-span living space.
Well, don't hold back! We'd love to hear all about your cleaning secrets in the comments section below. Share your wisdom and let us in on the magic that keeps your home cleaner and safer. We're all ears!
It creeps up on us so quickly that it can be hard to keep up with it, leaving us feeling panicky and desperate to get rid of it. So much so that, failing to come to our senses, we often turn to the closest cleaning product we can get our hands on – bleach.
When faced with mould outbreaks in our homes, many of us instinctively turn to bleach as the go-to weapon against unwelcome fungi. However, according to a microbiologist who recently shared his expert tips on social media, using bleach to try and kill mould is a big mistake.
Wes, the microbiologist, posted a video on a social platform in response to another homeowner who revealed they had been using bleach to clean mould in their shower, only to find it came back in just two days. If you've ever faced the same frustrating experience, it's time to pay attention!
'The reason the mould didn't go away when you treated it with bleach is because mould doesn't get killed by bleach very well. Bleach is not a good way to disinfect things that are contaminated with mould,' Wes explained in his video.
Now, you might be wondering what the alternative is if bleach doesn't do the job. Wes recommends using undiluted white distilled vinegar instead.
'Spray it on the surface, or soak the dish in vinegar for about an hour, rinse it off with some water, and you're good to go,' he advised. Simple, right?
Wes' vinegar revelation has resonated with millions of people online, with his video amassing 6.5 million views and generating a flurry of questions and comments.
One viewer inquired about using a mixture of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide to kill mould, but Wes responded with a stern warning: 'No. Don't do that. As someone already pointed out, it makes a much more dangerous/corrosive acid.'
Due to the overwhelming reaction to his video, the microbiologist even filmed a follow-up segment providing an alternative mould cleaner for those who dislike the smell of vinegar.
'An alternative you can use is tea tree oil, actually. I've read a few studies that show that it's very effective at killing mould and disinfecting porous surfaces, just like vinegar. So put a few drops of that into a spray bottle, fill it with water, and spray it on the surfaces,' he recommended.
According to Wes, both vinegar and tea tree oil are superior to bleach for fighting mould because they penetrate the mould's structure, killing it from the root. This is in stark contrast to bleach, which only removes the top layer of fungi without tackling the deeper problem.
A microbiologist explains why bleach doesn't kill mould. Credit: Shutterstock.
Another viewer vouched for the effectiveness of tea tree oil, sharing their success story: 'I 100 per cent suggest the tea tree oil. I had mould in a closet that was on the outer corner of my house. Kept coming back. Used tea tree oil once, and it was gone.'
But a word of warning, oils such as tea tree oil can be harmful to your pets. Be sure to do your research before use to see if it is right for you.
Next time you're battling mould in your home, arm yourselves with vinegar or tea tree oil instead of bleach for a fresh, clean, and mould-free space.
Now, we bet some of you seasoned home cleaners out there have a treasure trove of tips and tricks up your sleeves when it comes to maintaining a spick-and-span living space.
Well, don't hold back! We'd love to hear all about your cleaning secrets in the comments section below. Share your wisdom and let us in on the magic that keeps your home cleaner and safer. We're all ears!
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