Mold on Concrete Lawn Ornaments

Conditions

• Molds grow in warm, moist environments where organic materials like leaves are present. There are thousands of mold species that live in soil and break down leaf and organic debris in gardens, so inspect your ornaments regularly for signs of a green, brown, gray, white or black powdery or cottony mass.

  Keep ornaments in dry, sunny areas and free of organic debris.

Removers

• Remove mold from concrete with chlorine bleach and a scrub brush. Mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of bleach and scrub until the mold is gone. Bleach the area around the mold as well, to stop it from spreading. Dispose of everything you used that contacted the mold.

  Chlorine bleach forms hypochlorous acid (HOCl) when diluted in water. HOC1 irritates lungs, eyes and skin. Wear a mask, gloves, eye protection and coveralls and keep pets away when removing mold.

Penetration

• Unfinished concrete has a rough surface that can harbor moisture and attract mold. Use commercial mold cleaners that can penetrate porous concrete to remove mold and spores. Look especially in areas like the bottom of the base and inside planters. Apply cleaners that completely kill all mold and leave a residue to inhibit future growth.

Sealer

• Cracks in concrete are breeding grounds for mold. Use a concrete crack sealer to plug them before mold can get started. Before applying the sealer, make sure the concrete is completely dry. Test by taping plastic over the ornament. If there is any moisture on the underside of the plastic or if the concrete is darkened in 18 hours, it is too wet to seal. Let it dry completely and apply the sealer. Check the entire piece, including the bottom of the base, to make sure all holes and cracks are sealed. Reseal if necessary.

Caution

• Molds release spores when disturbed, contributing to allergic reactions or asthmatic attacks in humans and pets. Some molds produce toxic mycotoxins that can trigger flu-like symptoms and more serious conditions. Wear a respirator or face mask when removing mold, and wash clothes and shower with soap when done.