How To Remove Mold From Wood
Wood is a prime substance for mildew and mold to form and grow. If wood gets wet or moist enough, mold can begin to grow on it and eventually spread throughout it. Mold can cause health issues and wreak havoc on allergies. Once the mold has spread too far, it may be impossible to handle the problem independently. If mold is spotted quickly and acted upon, there are a few simple steps to remove mold from wood that you can do at home.
Safety
Since mold is dangerous, it is important to protect yourself when dealing with it. When removing the mold, particles will be sent into the air and must be kept from getting into the eyes, nose, and mouth. The most critical safety gear to wear is an air mask that will keep the air from getting into the lungs. Rubber gloves and protective goggles will help keep the eyes safe and clear and prevent spreading the mold anywhere else.
Remove Outside Mold
Using a vacuum with a HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filter, clean the entire wood area. Vacuuming will grab the loose mold that may or may now be visible from the wood and seal it in the vacuum. Then go outside and remove the contents of the vacuum canister and the vacuum bag into a tightly sealed plastic bag. Place the sealed plastic bag into the trash outside.
Wash
Depending on the finish on the wood, cleaning may help solve the mold problem. Use dishwasher detergent and a soft brush to scrub the wood. Once rinsed and dried, this may remove some or all of the mold. Vinegar is the next step up if the mold is more severe and cannot be removed using detergent. Spray the mold with vinegar and let it sit for an hour before cleaning it off with a wet towel. Once clean, use a fresh towel to dry the wood and remove any remaining mold.
Deeper Clean
If the mold is farther into the surface of the wood, then a deeper penetrating solution must be used. Make a mixture using twenty parts warm water, ten parts bleach, and one part detergent. Scrub the wood thoroughly with a sponge or brush using this mixture and let it sit. This solution should be allowed to dry and hopefully eliminate the mold beneath the surface of the wood.
Last Resort
There is one final option if the mold is too deep and cleaning does not remedy it. Sandpaper can be used to work down into the wood and remove the mold there. Carefully clear the affected wood and mold until it is no longer visible on the furniture. Refinishing the sanded wood is required once all the mold is gone.
Reach Out To The Boston Mold Professionals
It is important to discard all the rags, brushes, and sponges that came into contact with the mold or wood. To help prevent mold, keep wood furniture away from damp areas or remove the source of moisture. Roy’s Restoration has the experience and access to experts that can provide mold detection and removal services. Contact us today for all your mold removal needs! 617-607-3399
