Dealing with a mold outbreak?
Not all mold treatments are created equal. Let’s take a deep dive into two popular solutions: RMR-86 and bleach. We’ll explore their effectiveness, applications, and potential drawbacks to help you decide the best solution for your mold problems.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | RMR-86 | Bleach |
| Formulation | Proprietary blend designed for mold and mildew stain removal | General-purpose disinfectant, cleaner, and whitener |
| Mechanism of Action | Breaks down the pigmentation of the mold stains instantly | Whitens the visible mold and kills some surface-level spores |
| Application & Versatility | Can be used on various surfaces; ready to use out of the box | Works best on hard, non-porous surfaces; requires dilution before use |
| Cost & Availability | More expensive and not as widely available as bleach; can be ordered online | Cheaper and widely available in most supermarkets or convenience stores |
| Safety | Requires precautions like gloves and good ventilation; generally safe for materials | Can produce harmful fumes; can cause discoloration or damage to certain materials |
| Long-Term Efficacy | Excellent at removing mold stains; does not necessarily kill the mold or prevent re-growth | Can kill surface-level mold and some types of spores; effectiveness limited on porous materials where mold can be deep-seated |
RMR-86: Pros and Cons
RMR-86, a product with a cult following, is primarily designed to obliterate mold and mildew stains, with a strong focus on efficiency.
Pros of RMR-86
- Instant results: You can witness the disappearance of mold and mildew stains within 15 seconds of application. No heavy scrubbing needed!
- Versatility: It is an all-surfaces champion, including wood, concrete, vinyl, and more.
- Convenient usage: It’s ready to use straight out of the box, which saves preparation time.
Cons of RMR-86
- Cost: As a specialized product, RMR-86 is more expensive than standard mold treatments such as bleach.
- Safety concerns: While it doesn’t contain bleach, it’s not a harmless product. Avoiding skin contact and ensuring good ventilation during use are necessary.
- Limited prevention: Though excellent at stain removal, RMR-86 doesn’t provide long-term prevention against mold re-growth.
Bleach: Pros and Cons
Next, let’s consider the humble bleach – a household staple, commonly used for mold eradication.
Pros of Bleach
- Affordability: Bleach is notably cheaper than most specialized mold treatments.
- Availability: It’s readily available in most supermarkets or convenience stores.
- Disinfecting properties: Beyond mold, bleach also acts as a potent disinfectant against many household germs.
Cons of Bleach
- Surface limitations: Bleach works best on non-porous surfaces. It struggles to penetrate porous materials, making it less effective against mold buried deep in these surfaces.
- Safety risks: Inhalation and skin contact risks associated with bleach are well-documented.
- Potential for damage: Bleach can discolor or damage certain materials. Always do a spot test first!
Key Differences Between RMR-86 And Bleach
When choosing between RMR-86 and bleach for mold treatment, their differences become crucial. Let’s break it down to help you make the best decision.
- Formulation
RMR-86 and bleach are composed of entirely different active ingredients. RMR-86 is a proprietary blend specifically designed for instant mold and mildew stain removal, while bleach is a general-purpose disinfectant, cleaner, and whitener.
- Mechanism of Action
The difference in formulation also leads to a different mechanism of action.
RMR-86 works by breaking down the pigmentation of the mold stains almost instantly upon contact, leading to visible results within seconds.
On the other hand, bleach works by whitening the visible mold and killing some surface-level spores but may not be as effective against deep-rooted mold, especially on porous surfaces.
- Application and Versatility
RMR-86 is designed for various surfaces, including wood, concrete, vinyl, and more. It’s ready to use out of the box, with no mixing required, and can be directly sprayed onto the stained area.
Bleach, however, works best on hard, non-porous surfaces like tile or glass. It often requires dilution before application, and isn’t recommended for materials such as wood or fabric that can be discolored or damaged.
- Cost and Availability
Bleach is widely available and typically much cheaper than RMR-86, which is a specialized product. RMR-86 may not be found in every local store but can be easily ordered online.
- Safety
Both products require precautions during use, like wearing gloves and ensuring good ventilation, but bleach is generally associated with more risks.
It can produce harmful fumes, particularly if accidentally mixed with other chemicals, and can cause discoloration or damage to certain materials.
- Long-Term Efficacy
While RMR-86 is excellent at removing mold stains, it doesn’t necessarily kill the mold or prevent it from coming back. Bleach can kill surface-level mold and some types of mold spores, but its effectiveness is limited on porous materials where mold can be deep-seated.
Neither product provides a long-term solution for mold prevention – for that, addressing the source of moisture causing the mold is crucial.
Analyzing RMR-86 And Bleach: Head to Head
When faced with a mold problem, should you reach for RMR-86 or bleach?
The answer lies in the specifics of your situation. For instance, RMR-86 excels in removing tough, deep-seated mold stains across a range of materials, but it comes at a higher cost.
Bleach, on the other hand, is a cost-effective, readily available solution for surface-level mold, particularly on non-porous materials. However, its effectiveness can be limited on porous surfaces, and it has the potential to damage certain materials.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
RMR-86 Pro has a new, more potent formula designed to remove mold and mildew stains faster and more effectively than standard RMR-86. The “Pro” version is also designed for more substantial mold problems and commercial use.
No, RMR-86 is not the same as bleach. It is a specialized mold and mildew stain remover, which doesn’t contain bleach but uses other powerful chemicals.
The strongest mold killer is considered to be a professional-grade fungicide like Foster 40-80, which is used in hospitals and other commercial settings. However, for household use, both RMR-86 and bleach can be highly effective, depending on the situation.
Yes, RMR-86 does work and quite efficiently too. It’s particularly effective at removing mold and mildew stains almost instantly upon application.
RMR-86 is effective at removing stains left by black mold, but it’s not a mold remediation product. For severe black mold infestations, professional help is recommended to ensure complete and safe eradication.
In Conclusion
Whether you choose RMR-86 or bleach, the key lies in understanding the nature of your mold problem and the most effective way to tackle it.
Remember, safety first – always wear appropriate protective gear, regardless of the product you choose!
