First off, a big congrats to the cheeky thinkers over at Concrobium Mold Control. They beat me to the punch: the headline that I was going to use for this post is actually already in use as the company’s trademarked slogan,  “A Cure for the Common Mold.”

 

Secondly, I realize that mold control isn’t exactly a sexy topic to end the week with (not that my post on mousetraps was a sexy way to start it) but it’s a quite important one especially for folks in the Atlanta area who are still drying out from the devastating floods that hit the Southeast a couple of weeks back.

 

Mold, as we all know, thrives in damp homes. We also probably know that airborne mold spores can compromise indoor air quality, leading to a slew of ailments (asthma, congestion, skin irritation, the works). Things can get even worse, health wise, if you’re dealing with toxic black mold. Just ask CNN anchor Campbell Brown for the ultimate toxic mold horror story.

 

Unfortunately, the typical, topical way to remedy a mold or mildew infestation is with a chlorine bleach-based fungicide. So basically, you’re combating a potentially dangerous infestation with a potentially dangerous (and only temporarily effective) weapon. That musty stench has been replaced with the eye-watering stench of bleach. 

 

Enter the line of EPA- registered, building professional-trusted Concrobium Mold Control products ... they’re still an effective (they eliminate and prevent) mold-busting weapon but sans the bleach and other toxic chemicals.

 

Concrobium Mold Control products are nontoxic and non-irritating antimicrobial solutions that can be used pretty much anywhere around the house: bathroom, kitchen, attic, living areas, garage, and wood/composite fences and decks. They come in three different varieties for targeted mold remediation: ConcrobiumXT Eco-Wash is for exterior surfaces like decks and patios; dual-action ConcrobiumXT Mold Defense is also for outdoor surfaces; and the signature product, Concrobium Mold Control, can be used all around the house.

 

Concrobium Mold Control can be purchased at several home improvement stores and through an online store. The company also maintains a solid database of mold and mildew resources and was kind enough to pass on its five recommended ways to prevent and eliminate mold problems around the house. Check ‘em out.

 

1. Dry. Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent, using dehumidifiers as required. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer, an inexpensive device found at many hardware stores.

2. Circulate. Ensure ventilation of humid areas such as bathrooms and attics, and of moisture-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers. Encourage air exchange by opening doors and windows when possible; indoor mold spore counts are typically higher than outdoor counts. 

3. Seal. Avoid condensation-related moisture by properly sealing windows and insulating cold water pipes and air conditioning vents.

4. Investigate. Monitor mold hotspots such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and attics for evidence of mold. Look for surface discoloration and ‘follow your nose’ – that musty, earthy smell could be hidden mold.

5. Treat. Throw out inexpensive, water-logged and mold-infested materials. For those that remain, use an EPA-registered solution to fight remaining indoor mold.