Comments on: Neutralize bleach?

Question: Neutralize bleach?

theora55 — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 21:01:06 -0800

Does bleach need to be neutralized after the mildew is cleaned, and before painting? Bad mildew in the tenant's bathroom. Scrubbed with 1:2 bleach:water to great success. After it is rinsed, then dries thoroughly, can it be primed and painted, or does it have to be neutralized, or ??

By: nanojath

nanojath — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 21:10:05 -0800

With rinsing and exposure to light and air chlorine bleach at the levels you were using should not need further neutralization. If it were me I would just go ahead and paint.

By: lee

lee — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 21:23:17 -0800

It should be fine. You should use a paint designed for bathrooms (against mold). Doesn't cost much more and the mold will probably return if all conditions are the same as before; high moisture, low venting.

By: unrepentanthippie

unrepentanthippie — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 04:25:24 -0800

If I remember, the chlorine that's left just outgases like nanojath says, with exposure to light and air. As long as it doesn't smell like bleach any more, it should be all gone.
IANAC, is there a chemist in the house?

By: theora55

theora55 — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 04:29:57 -0800

9 minutes to the 1st correct answer. Each additional answer provides a bit of new information. Ask.me is a terrific resource. Thank you.

By: kc0dxh

kc0dxh — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 06:35:31 -0800

If it were my bathroom, I'd take the extra precaution of rinsing the bleach off with vinegar. That will remove any residual bleach and is sure to rinse cleanly and easily. I'm just lazy enough to make sure I'm not duplicating any work.

By: Thorzdad

Thorzdad — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 14:00:12 -0800

For an extra bit of prevention, prime the walls with Kilz before painting.