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What are the Best Tips for Removing Mold from Wood?
The best tips for removing mold from wood typically depend on what type of wood the mold is growing on. Wood that has been painted or stained may require different removal methods than bare wood. In general, removing mold from wood is usually as simple as scrubbing it clean with a mold removal product or other type of disinfectant, rinsing it, and then allowing it to dry. Mold occasionally grows underneath layers of paint or stain on wood, in which case the piece of wood might need to be sanded down before the process of mold removal can begin. Sometimes sanding alone is enough to remove thick layers of mold from any type of wood without the need for disinfecting.
People who want to remove mold from wood may want to look for a product specifically designed for mold removal. These products are available under many different brand names and can typically be found at most hardware or janitor supply stores. Some people do not use these products and instead opt to remove mold using either homemade cleaners or other disinfectants they already have on hand. Some things that people use for mold removal are chlorine bleach or washing soda diluted with water. The effectiveness of these different mold removal methods may vary, and people tend to disagree on which method is best to use for removing mold from wood.
The instructions for using mold removal products may vary, but in most cases anything used for removing mold should be scrubbed onto the moldy area and then rinsed off. This process should be repeated until all signs of mold are gone, but it is important to keep in mind that, no matter how much scrubbing is done, stains might still remain. These stains do not necessarily mean that mold is still present. After scrubbing and rinsing, the formerly moldy area should be allowed to dry. If the mold was on furniture, placing it outside in the sun for several hours may kill off any leftover mold spores.
Removing mold from wood tends to be a bit trickier when the wood is painted or stained. Mold is capable of growing underneath paint and stain, so simply scrubbing the mold off might be ineffective. The moldy wood might have to be sanded down in order for a person to get to the molded areas. Many people keep sanding when they reach the mold under the paint, because this can also remove the mold. It is very important for a person who is removing mold using this or any other method to wear protective face gear as he or she does so, because mold is incredibly dangerous to breathe in, and severe allergic reactions or infections may result.
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![A bleach and water solution is one home remedy used to get rid of mold.]()
By: design56A bleach and water solution is one home remedy used to get rid of mold. -
![Wearing a respirator mask while removing mold can prevent health issues.]()
By: kostrezWearing a respirator mask while removing mold can prevent health issues. -
![Toxic mold can proliferate on any porous material, including wood and textiles.]()
By: johny87Toxic mold can proliferate on any porous material, including wood and textiles. -
![Sometimes sanding alone is enough to remove thick layers of mold from many types of wood.]()
By: Altin OsmanajSometimes sanding alone is enough to remove thick layers of mold from many types of wood. -
![Janitors may have special cleaners specifically designed for removing mold.]()
By: Vladislav GajicJanitors may have special cleaners specifically designed for removing mold. -
![A weep screed may be installed as a preventative measure against mold.]()
By: man_kukukuA weep screed may be installed as a preventative measure against mold. -
![Mold may grow underneath wood paint and stains.]()
By: Deviant FtMold may grow underneath wood paint and stains.
Discussion Comments
For wood, especially wood with groves and depressions, I sprinkle baking soda on the molded area and then scrub the wood with a wet tooth brush or a larger brush (also damp), depending on the the surface and the amount of mold present.
One of my favorite mold removers is vinegar. I use the white vinegar. You can apply the vinegar any way you like, but I prefer using a spray bottle because this is more convenient. I leave the vinegar on the wood surface where the mold is growing for an hour or longer and then come back and wipe the area.
Mold is common in a house, and as long as the mold is on a surface and has not advanced inside the wood there shouldn't be a problem. I use a household detergent and a sponge to wipe away mold from wood surfaces.
If you clean the mold away and a stain remains then you might want to use bleach to lighten the stain. However, the bleach sometimes fades the wood, so be careful.
When you smell mildew, there is a good chance that mold has begun to grow. When you catch mold early, common laundry bleach is usually enough to clear up the problem. I generally use a solution of bleach and water and spray or wipe the mixture on the wood with the growing mold.
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