Watering Axe Targets

Cleaning Mold with Bleach

According to conventional wisdom, bleach kills mold growth.  However, this is somewhat of a myth as bleach only kills the mold on the surface without affecting the membrane underneath.  You need to kill and remove this underlying membrane to effectively remove the mold growth and prevent it from returning.  Bleach cleaners cannot kill this membrane because its chemical structure prevents it from penetrating porous surfaces.  This causes the mold membranes to move deeper into the affected surface to hide from the bleach.  You should only use bleach to remove small amounts of mold that have formed on non-porous surfaces.

Another problem with using bleach is that it can actually multiply the mold growth.  When bleach is introduced to mold colonies, the mold recognizes the bleach as a threat and reacts.  Mold can actually use bleach as a food source once it has been exposed which will cause the mold to grow back faster and stronger.  Even the EPA advises against using bleach for removing mold.  Fortunately, there is another household item that can kill mold.

Cleaning Mold with Vinegar

White distilled vinegar is effective for killing small amounts of mold.  It can kill over 80 percent of mold species commonly found in your home and as a mild acid, it can help prevent mold as well as remove it.  After each day of play we take a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and give the boards a light coating.