SCIENCE-BACKED ANSWER
Does Hypochlorous Acid Kill Mold?
Yes. Effectively.
HOCL kills 99.9% of mold spores on contact—including black mold. It's EPA-registered, non-toxic, and 80-100x more effective than bleach.
How it works
Hypochlorous acid kills mold through multiple mechanisms. It penetrates cell membranes, denatures essential proteins, and disrupts DNA replication. Unlike surface cleaners, HOCL can penetrate the biofilm that mold creates to protect itself.
This makes it effective against all common household mold species: Stachybotrys (Black Mold), Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Alternaria, White Mold.
The science is backed by EPA registration, FDA approval for food-contact surfaces, and peer-reviewed hospital disinfection studies.
HOCL vs Bleach
Bleach creates the illusion of cleaning mold. HOCL actually eliminates it.
| Factor | HOCL | Bleach |
|---|---|---|
| Effectiveness | 99.9% kill rate on contact | Surface cleaning only |
| Penetration | Penetrates porous materials | Cannot penetrate surfaces |
| Regrowth Prevention | Helps prevent regrowth | Actually promotes regrowth |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic, no fumes | Toxic fumes, skin burns |
| Surface Damage | Safe on all surfaces | Damages wood, fabric, metal |
| Residue | Breaks down to salt water | Chemical residue remains |
| Re-entry Time | 1 hour | Several hours |
| EPA Registration | EPA-registered antimicrobial | Not registered for mold killing |
Common Questions
Does hypochlorous acid kill mold?
Yes, hypochlorous acid (HOCL) effectively kills mold on contact. It's EPA-registered as an antimicrobial proven effective against all common mold species including black mold (Stachybotrys), Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium. HOCL works by disrupting mold cell membranes, denaturing proteins, and preventing reproduction. Unlike bleach, it penetrates porous surfaces to kill mold at its source.
Is hypochlorous acid better than bleach for mold?
Yes, significantly. HOCL is 80-100x more effective than bleach at killing pathogens while being completely non-toxic. Bleach only cleans surface mold and cannot penetrate porous materials where mold roots grow. Worse, bleach adds moisture that actually promotes mold regrowth on wood and drywall. HOCL penetrates surfaces, leaves no toxic residue, and helps prevent regrowth.
Is hypochlorous acid safe to use on mold in my home?
Yes, HOCL is one of the safest antimicrobials available. It's the same compound your immune system produces naturally to fight infection. HOCL is non-toxic, produces no harmful fumes, and is safe for people, pets, and children. The FDA has approved it for food contact surfaces. You can re-enter treated spaces within 1 hour, unlike traditional mold treatments.
Does hypochlorous acid kill black mold?
Yes, hypochlorous acid effectively kills black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum). HOCL eliminates black mold spores on contact and can help neutralize mycotoxins - the harmful compounds black mold produces. For extensive black mold contamination, professional treatment is recommended, and our HOCL application may be combined with physical remediation depending on severity.
How long does it take for HOCL to kill mold?
HOCL kills mold spores on contact - the action is essentially instantaneous. For professional treatment, we apply HOCL and allow a dwell time of 15-30 minutes for complete coverage and penetration into porous materials. The entire treatment process for most homes takes 2-4 hours, and spaces are safe to re-enter within 1 hour of completion.
Does hypochlorous acid prevent mold from coming back?
HOCL treatment helps prevent mold regrowth, but it's not a permanent barrier. For lasting results, moisture control is essential since mold needs moisture to grow. We recommend combining HOCL treatment with proper ventilation, humidity control, and addressing any water intrusion issues. Maintenance treatments every 3-6 months can provide ongoing protection in high-humidity environments like Georgia.
Can I use hypochlorous acid spray myself to kill mold?
While consumer HOCL products exist, professional treatment is far more effective. Professional-grade HOCL is more potent, and we use specialized fogging equipment that ensures complete coverage and penetration. DIY treatment risks incomplete coverage, inadequate concentration, and failure to identify all mold sources. For significant mold problems, professional treatment is always recommended.
Ready for professional mold treatment?
EPA-registered HOCL technology that actually kills mold. Non-toxic. Family safe.