Will Bleach Kill Mold in a Crawl Space?

Mold in crawl spaces is a common issue, and for many homeowners, it’s their biggest nightmare. Often, the first solution that comes to mind is bleach—a seemingly effective mold killer.

But will bleach actually kill mold, or is it just a temporary fix? This guide answers that question and more!

• Moisture: Crawl spaces often have high moisture levels because they are close to the ground. Things like rainwater and groundwater can easily seep in, especially if there’s not good drainage.
• Humidity: Most crawl spaces have open vents along their walls which actually allow humid outside air to get inside and cause mold to grow.
• Food Sources: Mold feeds on organic materials like wood, cardboard, and other building materials found in crawl spaces. With plenty of food and moisture, mold can grow unchecked.

Soda blasting is a cleaning method used to remove mold from crawl spaces. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) particles are blasted at high pressure onto surfaces. This technique is gentle yet effective, making it safe for removing mold on wood and other materials in the crawl space without causing damage.

The process not only cleans the mold but also deodorizes the area, leaving it fresh and clean. After soda blasting, mold residue is vacuumed up, leaving the treated surfaces ready for further mold prevention treatments.

Once mold is removed with soda blasting, crawl space encapsulation is the most effective way to prevent it from coming back. Encapsulation serves as a comprehensive water management system below your home, turning a crawl space into a dry and clean area, making it virtually impossible for mold to grow.

What is Encapsulation?

Encapsulation means sealing off the crawl space. It involves covering the floors, walls, and sometimes even the ceiling with a thick vapor barrier. Then, other waterproofing tools are installed to further protect the crawl space from moisture, such as groundwater and humidity.

• Vapor Barrier: A thick plastic sheet that covers the crawl space floor and walls to block moisture from the ground.
• Sump Pump: Installed in the lowest part of the crawl space to pump out any accumulated water, preventing moisture buildup.
• Crawl Space Drain: Moves water away from the crawl space to prevent pooling and potential water damage.
• Drainage Matting: Placed under the vapor barrier, it helps water flow towards the sump pump and prevents standing water.

• Dehumidifier: Controls humidity levels in the crawl space, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
• Foam Board Insulation: Applied to the walls to regulate temperature and prevent the transfer of external heat and cold into the home.
• Sealed Crawl Space Door: Keeps the crawl space airtight, stopping humid outside air from entering and disrupting the environment inside.

While bleach might seem like a quick fix for mold in your crawl space, it won’t solve the real problem—moisture. Instead, you its better to invest in crawl space encapsulation, a process proven to make crawl spaces drier and mold-free.

If you need a professional team to help with the process, consider working with AFS. We’ve been encapsulating crawl spaces in the Southeast United States since 2000. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and put moisture back in its place.