Conventional wisdom suggests that bleach is the best way to kill mold. It turns out that is not necessarily the case, and there are alternatives that are less caustic and more effective at controlling it.

Dallas mold remediation professional Marvin Littlepage says that mold typically has deep roots and that any approach to removal should address that source of the problem. He says if one scrubs only surface mold, the problem will return, because the mold's roots are still intact.

Professional cleanup jobs include abrading affected surfaces to address mold roots. For common household mold in places such as shower and tub surrounds, Mr. Littlepage says disinfectant mold cleaners are not as caustic or as dangerous as bleach.

Three products by Moldex offer an easy and long-lasting way to remove mold. The disinfectant contains a quaternary ammonium blend to penetrate surfaces and kill the roots of mold spores. The deep-stain remover and protectant products address aesthetic and maintenance cleaning problems associated with mold. All three products come in trigger-spray bottles.

I am constantly trying to control mold on tile grout, caulk and the bottom of the shower curtain. After one thorough cleaning of those areas with Moldex, they have remained mold free for more than a month, so far. All three have a mild scent.

Moldex Disinfectant is $7.97 for a 32-ounce bottle at homedepot.com; Deep Stain Remover, $8.99 each (32-ounces); and Protectant, $8.99 each (32-ounces). All available currently at True Value, Do It Best and Ace Hardware. Available at Home Depot stores by the end of the summer, or order it via homedepot.com. For more information, visit moldexbrands.com.

A non-chlorine kit by Mold Armor includes two separately packaged liquids to mix and then apply with an included spray bottle. The combination of peroxide, surfactants and other cleaning agents foams on contact, which a company representative says penetrates surfaces to reach mold roots. It is suitable for both indoor and outside uses.

Mold Armor Mold and Mildew Stain Removal System, $15.99 per kit. Available at Home Depot stores in the paint aisle and homedepot.com.

Erin Covert is a Dallas freelance writer.