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Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores drift through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Of all the questions asked about mold and the treatment of mold, the one most often asked is: Does bleach kill mold? Bleach does NOT kill mold. It doesn't even disinfect mold spores. The only thing that bleach does is change the color of the mold by damaging the roots of it. Bleach is not an effective way to kill mold and provides only a temporary solution by slowing its growth.
What Does Bleach Do?
Like all types of plants, the only way you can really kill mold is to destroy the roots. When you use bleach, the only thing you're doing is saturating the roots with a chemical that doesn't destroy them, but only damages them enough to slow growth. To effectively get rid of mold, it's necessary to disinfect the materials the mold grew on. Chlorine bleach does not do this since it doesn't kill the spores.
Some may find this surprising since bleach has been known to work well in killing viruses and bacteria. One of the reason's why chlorine bleach doesn't kill mold spores is that bleach is made mostly out of water. Water is a main requirement for mold growth and trying to get rid of it with a product that is 99% mold (ie. bleach) isn't very effective.
To recap: Never use bleach to kill mold. If you try to use bleach to kill mold, you may be unwittingly putting your health at risk because you'll think you've destroyed the mold even though it continues to thrive.
Effective Mold-Destroying Methods
For your health and safety, it is essential that you act quickly as soon as you realize that you have a black mold problem. First you'll want to dry out the area the best you can. Next you will need to use a detergent or soap (preferably a non-ammonia type) and thoroughly scrub the infested area. If you discovered the mold growth on wood, you'll probably need to sand the area to guarantee that you've completely removed it.
Once you know for sure the mold has been removed, then you can use a bleach and water solution to disinfect the area. Remember that bleach doesn't kill mold, so only use it once the mold has been completely removed.
Finally, you need to take steps to make sure the mold doesn't grow back. To prevent further mold growth, make sure you keep the area very dry. Keep your eyes open and always be on the lookout for mold growth, especially on organic materials like soap scum, paper, dirt and wood.
Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
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There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
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If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
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Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
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Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
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Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
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Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
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Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
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In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
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Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
  
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