We recently got a call from a concerned mom in Tampa. She said she’d found some mold in the corner of her nursery and asked if it could just be cleaned with bleach, or if DIY mold removal would work.
Being parents ourselves, we understand the instinct to protect your family and fix things fast. And we get that sometimes doing it yourself feels like the fastest route.
But when it comes to mold—especially with a newborn at home, because this was 4-6 feet from her future crib—bleach isn’t the answer, and can actually make things far worse.
Bleach has an active ingredient—sodium hypochlorite—that does kill mold, the problem is household bleach is 98% water. Water feeds mold, and the sodium hypochlorite that would kill mold will evaporate long before it gets a chance to. So, bleach basically “waters” mold, like you would water a plant in your garden!
1. Bleach Doesn’t Solve the Real Problem
A lot of people reach for bleach thinking it kills mold on the spot. And yes, it might take care of some surface mold on a non-porous surface like tile. But mold is sneaky. It roots deep into porous materials—drywall, wood, carpet padding—where bleach can’t reach. So while it may look clean at first, the mold will keep growing beneath the surface, spreading quietly.
2. Infants Are Extra Vulnerable to Mold Exposure
Your baby’s immune system is still developing, and their lungs are more sensitive than ours. Mold spores can irritate the respiratory system, potentially triggering allergies, asthma, or more serious complications over time. When you disturb mold without proper containment, you actually release more spores into the air—which means the nursery (or the whole home) could become more dangerous, not less.
3. DIY Cleanup Can Make Things Worse or Obscure a Bigger Problem
Mold removal isn’t just about cleaning—it’s about containment. Professionals use specialized equipment to seal off the affected area, filter the air, and safely remove contaminated materials without cross-contaminating your home. Without those precautions, it’s incredibly easy to spread mold from one room to another—especially through air vents or during cleanup.
4. You Deserve Peace of Mind
As a parent, you have enough to worry about. A professional mold remediation company like Mold Solutions is licensed, insured, and trained to get the job done safely and completely. We don’t guess—we test. We don’t mask mold—we eliminate it at the root. That way, you know your home is safe for your baby, and you can sleep a little easier.
If you’re in the Tampa Bay area and you’re dealing with mold—even if it seems small—give us a call. We’ll inspect it, explain exactly what’s going on, and tell you honestly if you need remediation or not. No scare tactics, just real solutions.
References
- “Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, especially in people with respiratory problems, allergies, or weakened immune systems. Infants and young children may be at increased risk of respiratory illness due to mold exposure.” — Centers for Disease Control, “CDC – Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness”
- “Children are more vulnerable to air pollutants, including mold, due to their developing respiratory systems. Exposure to dampness and mold has been associated with increased risk of respiratory symptoms, infections, and asthma in children.” — World Health Organization, “WHO – Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould (2009)”
- “Children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma are more susceptible to mold-related health problems.” — EPA, “ EPA – Mold and Health”
- Research shows that early mold exposure may contribute to the development of asthma in children. NIH – Mold and Asthma in Children Study
- “Homes with dampness or visible mold can significantly increase the likelihood of childhood asthma and respiratory conditions.” — “Harvard – The Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Children’s Health”
