How To Clean Mold Off Wood

How To Clean Mold Off Wood

How To Clean Mold Off Wood

Like dust, mold spores are everywhere.

There are plenty of spores in the air that are waiting for the right conditions and substrate to establish their roots in.

Mold likes dark corners, warm temperatures, and humidity.

Given that these conditions are available in your home, mold can grow pervasively inside your house.

In particular, mold can grow on any wooden surface of your house.

Because wood can absorb moisture, mold thrives well on wooden surfaces.

If you don’t keep your wood furniture, shelves, and cabinet clean and dry, mold and mildew will occur.

How To Prevent Mold On Wood

Harmless black mold on wood is not at all pleasing.

It looks icky and disgusting. It can also smell musty.

Furthermore, mold can weaken your furniture’s structural integrity.

They can eat away your wooden household items, causing them to rot.

Also, mold can lead to serious health issues.

Continuous ingestion or inhalation of mold spores can affect sensitive people.

People with asthma and allergies are especially at higher risk from molds.

Thus, you should prevent mold spores from setting their roots on wooden parts of your house.

Here are some ways on how you can prevent harmless black mold on wood.

  • Keep your home dry. You can use a dehumidifier to minimize the moisture and humidity inside your house.
  • If water spills or leaks on your wood furniture, dry them immediately. Use a towel to soak up the liquid and a fan to dry the area completely.
  • Fix leaky water pipes, windows, and roofs. Prevent leaks from these damaged components from providing moisture for mold to grow.
  • Apply mold spray on wooden surfaces to prevent the growth of mold. You can also apply a mold-resistant primer or paint.

How To Clean Mold Off Wood Furniture

Sometimes, mold can grow unnoticed.

Since they grow in dark spaces, you may not be able to see them unless you carefully inspect your house.

If mold is already growing on your wood furniture, you need to take action before it’s too late.

If you’re wondering how to clean mold off wood, below is our step-by-step guide in removing mold effectively.

  1. Wear a protective mask, goggles, and gloves. Dealing with mold is dangerous for your health. That’s why you need to ensure your safety by wearing protective equipment.
  2. Take your wood furniture outdoor. If that’s impossible, allow proper ventilation by opening your windows and doors.
  3. Vacuum loose dust, debris, and mold spores. Include vacuuming the surrounding area to ensure that you collect as many spores as possible.
  4. If you’re dealing with light mold, place your furniture under direct sunlight. Do this for a few days to kill light mold effectively.
  5. Spray undiluted vodka or white vinegar on the moldy surface. Place the furniture back in the sun.
  6. If there is still mold left, use soapy water to clean your wood furniture. Simply mix a dishwashing liquid with warm water.
  7. Scrub the affected area. Use a soft-bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge to avoid damaging the surface.
  8. Rinse your wood furniture using a clean, damp cloth.
  9. Repeat the cleaning process if there is still stubborn mold left.

How To Remove Mold From Wood Cabinets

If mold grows on your large wood furniture and cabinets, you won’t be able to take them out for cleaning.

Thus, you cannot place light mold under direct sunlight.

Instead, here’s what you need to do to remove mold from wood cabinets.

  1. Wear proper protective gear to avoid inhaling or ingesting mold.
  2. Vacuum the moldy surface and the surrounding area. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to collect the loose spores and dust on your wood cabinets.
  3. Create soapy water with dish soap and water. You can put the solution in a spray bottle for easy cleaning.
  4. Spritz the dishwashing soap solution on the moldy cabinet surface.
  5. Brush the area with a soft-bristled brush or sponge to dislodge the mold.
  6. Wipe the surface with a damp towel.
  7. Dry the area with a clean, dry cloth.

Removing Mold From Wood With Vinegar

Another method you can try to remove mold on wooden surfaces is to use vinegar.

White vinegar has both antifungal and antibacterial properties.

Because of this, it can effectively kill more than 80% of mold species and prevent their regrowth.

Also, unlike bleach, vinegar can penetrate deep into the pores of your wood furniture.

It can therefore kill the mold roots and membrane underneath the surface.

  1. Wear protective clothing before going near your work area.
  2. Suck up the loose spores in the area using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
  3. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray container.
  4. Spritz the vinegar solution on the mold on your wood furniture.
  5. Let the solution sit for about 10-20 minutes.
  6. Wipe the area using a clean, damp towel.
  7. Use a new dry towel to dry the surface completely.

If you notice mold growth on wooden surfaces, hope that the damage is not deep.

If it is, you might need to repair or replace the affected wood.

But if the mold is only on the surface, you can still remedy it.

Clean the mold right away to prevent further damage.

Find more useful guides and how to’s on MaidFeed.com, your everyday cleaning guide.

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