Shockwave Mold Killer: What Pros Need to Know Before Using It

 

What Is Shockwave Mold Killer and How Does It Work?

 

A dual-purpose solution trusted by remediation pros

The aftermath of a flood or sewage backup often smells worse than it looks—but it’s the unseen microbes that pose the bigger threat. Professionals who specialize in these situations reach for one product more than most: Shockwave Mold Killer.

Shockwave Mold Killer is an EPA-registered disinfectant and fungicide developed by Fiberlock. Its dual-action formula handles both disinfection and mold remediation, making it one of the few products that can clean up after black water and stop mold in its tracks.

The key is its quaternary ammonium chloride base. This allows Shockwave to kill over 130 organisms, including Aspergillus niger, Salmonella, and even HIV. The contact time is short—10 minutes or less—and it works on both porous and non-porous surfaces. Professionals can use it to treat framing, subfloors, carpet, drywall, and more.

 

Compared to other disinfectants, Shockwave stands out:

 

Feature

Shockwave

Typical Disinfectants

EPA-Registered for Mold Cleanup

Yes

Not always

Disinfectant & Fungicide

Dual-purpose

Often single-function

Surface Compatibility

Porous and non-porous

Usually non-porous

Organism Kill Claims

130+

Typically fewer

Soil/Hard Water Efficacy

98% soil, 781 ppm hardness

Often fails under tough conditions

Yield from Concentrate

Up to 64 gallons per gallon

Varies

 

 

Its power, flexibility, and professional-grade formulation make it a staple on jobsites that demand both cleanup and safety.

 

 

Who Can Use It—and Where?

Approved uses, restricted areas, and compliance flags to watch

Shockwave is EPA-approved for water damage restoration, sewage cleanup, mold remediation, and even hospital disinfection. It’s effective across a wide range of surfaces and scenarios. But being EPA-approved doesn’t mean you can use it freely everywhere.

Some states—New York in particular—require additional registration through state agencies like the NYSDEC. In New York, even if a product has EPA approval, it must also be on the state-approved list for mold remediation. That includes Shockwave.

If you're a contractor working in a state with stricter pesticide regulations, you'll need to check whether your version of Shockwave is registered for your specific use case.

 

Use Case

EPA Approved

NY State Use Allowed?

Mold Remediation

Yes

 

Check NYSDEC

Water Damage Restoration

Yes

Check NYSDEC

Sewage/Black Water Cleanup

Yes

Check NYSDEC

Carpet Sanitization

Yes

Check NYSDEC

Hospital Disinfection

Yes

Check NYSDEC

Biohazard Control

Yes

Check NYSDEC

 

 

The safest bet is to keep a printed copy of both the product label and your local regulations with you—especially if your job could be audited. It’s one thing to have the right product; it’s another to prove you used it the right way.

 

 

Safety Protocols Pros Can’t Skip

PPE, ventilation, and label warnings—decoded

Some mistakes don’t show up until hours later—like the itch in your eyes or the burn on your arm after applying Shockwave without gloves. The product is powerful, and that comes with serious handling responsibilities.

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) lists Shockwave as causing severe eye and skin burns. PPE isn’t a suggestion—it’s a requirement.

 

You’ll need:

  • Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or rubber)

  • Protective eyewear (goggles or face shield)

  • Long-sleeved clothing

In confined areas or during fogging, use local exhaust ventilation and, if needed, a NIOSH-approved respirator. Ventilate the area well during and after application. Let treated surfaces dry before reentry.

Another critical point: Shockwave won’t work properly if you skip surface cleaning. Remove dirt, debris, and visible mold before applying. Allow full contact time—10 minutes minimum.

 

Here are common missteps that can cost you:

  • Applying without PPE

  • Poor ventilation

  • Rushing dwell time

  • Ignoring surface prep

  • Dumping rinse water into storm drains

That last one? It’s a fast track to EPA and local fines. The product is toxic to aquatic life.

 

 

Why Training Still Matters—Even If You’ve Used It Before

Avoid fines, protect your crew, and stay ahead of evolving regulations

You may have used Shockwave 100 times. But has the label changed since then? Have state laws? What about the dilution instructions?

The product itself doesn’t require certification to purchase. But mold remediation often does.

States like New York, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana require mold remediation licenses, which come with training requirements. You can’t just show up with a sprayer and start treating drywall—you need to be certified.

Even in states that don’t require licensing, OSHA expects workers to be trained under the Hazard Communication Standard. That means knowing how to:

  • Read and understand the product label

  • Interpret the SDS

  • Use PPE properly

  • Handle and dispose of the product safely

Training programs from providers like Environmental Education Associates (EEA) walk you through everything from dilution math to label warnings. That training isn’t fluff—it keeps your crew out of the ER and your company off the violation list.

In one case, a crew used Shockwave in a sealed room without ventilation. Three workers experienced dizziness and shortness of breath within an hour. None of them had been trained. The company faced OSHA citations, a $7,500 fine, and the loss of a municipal contract.

If you think the cost of training is high, try skipping it.

Want to stay legal and keep your team safe? Register for EEA training and make sure you’re not cutting corners where it matters most.