Green Mold Cleaning

Green Cleaning

Mold can cause serious effects in household environments in very little time. There are many disinfectants which have been proven effective against the surface growth of mold, as well as other viruses directly related to respiratory infections. While much research has been done on the efficiency of cleaning products in general, antimicrobial “Green” products have yet to be established. Green products claim a number of advantages over traditional surface disinfectants (TSDs) which include the reduced emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the reduction of worker injuries, lowered toxicity to aquatic life, and improved biodegradability (Green Seal, 2006).

Yet there is still concern among professionals about mold damage. While routine cleaning involved the application of a surfactant solution and physically removes some of the surface virus, an application of (TSDs) is required in order to control the spread of the virus or mold. Because TSDs are sprayed or wiped on hard surfaces, the area—especially if it is a food contact surface—must be rinsed following the application.

Keep in mind that the removal of visible mold hardly ever means that the spores are completely gone. In order to contain mold in small areas, continue to clean using TSDs on a regular basis.

Green cleaning products are certified by the organization Green Seal. The need to sanitize during general surface cleaning is subject to various opinions. This advice, however, is based solely on the control of the flu virus and mold spores and does not consider cold viruses or mold growth as a factor. In schools where GCPs are required, some custodians and teachers continue to apply TSDs to general use surfaces as a precaution.

Light, Ed. “Efficacy of ‘green’ cleaning products with respect to common respiratory viruses and mold growth.” Journal of Environmental Health 71.9 (2009): 24+. Gale Science In Context. Web. 15 Feb. 2011.