How to Remove Mold from Wood

We have all seen it – off white, green or black, powder like spots, giving of a musty odor, on various household surfaces, whether it is leather or upholstery or wood. Having mold grow in your house can not only be an unpleasant sight, but can also be a cause of hazard for you and your children, ranging from migraines to allergic reactions and to asthma.

Do not hide the mold on the wooden plank by covering it up with a sofa, or hanging a wall painting in front of it. This way it will continue to grow, seep deeper into the wood, and spread to other areas. If mold occupies only a small area of the wooden plank, it can be easily removed by household products. Just follow the instructions given below, and you will be able to get rid of mold for good.

Before you go on to treating mold on wood, do the following:

·      Wear rubber gloves, eye protection and a dust mask or a pollen mask to avoid any kind of contact with the mold. Touching the mold or breathing mold spores can cause strong allergic reactions.

·      Clean the mold from the wood in a well ventilated area, preferably outside. If it is wooden furniture, leave it in the sun for a few hours. Sunlight is the best medication for mold, killing it immediately. Cleaning it outside also prevents the mold spores from spreading to other areas in the house. If the object is not portable, open the doors and windows of the room. Turn the fan or the heater on. If a family member has a respiratory problem or is allergic to mold, tell them to leave the room.

·      Wear old clothes that you can throw away or launder after cleaning the mold.

·      Remember that simply scraping of the mold from the wood, and not cleaning it properly will only release mold spores in the air, causing them to settle on other surfaces of the house. This is not a solution to your mold problem.

·      To get rid of loose mold spores on the wood, and to prevent mold spores from spreading in the air, vacuum the affected wood. If your vacuum cleaner has a brush attachment, use that. Once done, tie a tight knot of the vacuum bag and dispose it off outside immediately.

After that, proceed in one of the following ways.

Method One (Using Bleach)

Things that you will require:

·      Bowl

·      Bleach

·      Water

·      Soft, white cloths or cotton swabs

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   To make the cleaning solution for the removal of mold from wood, you will first require a bowl. Add 1 part common household bleach and 10 parts water to the bowl.

2.   Take a soft, white cloth or a cotton swab, and dip it in the solution.

3.   Apply the cloth or the swab on to the affected area, and rub gently.

4.   Take another cloth or swab, soak it in clear water, wring it, and clean the solution from the wood with it.

5.   Dry the wood using a third dry cloth. Let the wood dry completely if it still remains damp.

6.   Repeat the above steps if there is some mold still visible on the wood.

Tips:

Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other detergent that contains ammonia.

Method Two (Using Vinegar)

Things that you will require:

·      Fermented vinegar

·      Water

·      Bowl

·      Soft, clean cloths

·      Soft, bristle brush

·      Sponge

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   To make your cleaning solution, add 4 parts fermented vinegar to 1 part water in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.

2.   Grab a soft, clean cloth, dip it in the solution, and apply it to the affected area.

3.   Leave the solution in place for at least 20 minutes.

4.   Scrub the mold on the wood with a soft, bristle brush.

5.   Soak a sponge in plain water, and wipe the wooden surface clean.

6.   Use a clean, dry cloth to dry the wood. Let it dry completely in the sun or under the fan.

7.   If you can still see mold on the wooden furniture or plank, repeat the above steps.

Method Three (Using Dishwashing Liquid)

Things that you will require:

· Dishwashing Liquid

· Bucket

· Water

· Clean, soft cloths

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Pour a few squirts of dishwashing liquid into a bucket, and add 1 gallon of water to it. Mix it.

2.   Dip a clean, soft cloth in the solution, and wring it.

3.   Apply the solution on the moldy wood with the cloth, and scrub it gently. Do not saturate the wood too much.

4.   Now, take another clean, soft cloth, and dip it in plain water. Clean the surface with the damp cloth.

5.   Lastly, you need to make sure that the wood dries out completely. Use a dry cloth to wipe it dry, and then leave it in the sun or under the fan for a while.

6.   Repeat the above instructions if the mold is still visible on the wood.

Method Four (Using Tea Tree Oil and Grape Seed Extract)

Things that you will require:

·      Tea tree oil

·      Distilled water

·      Grape seed extract

·      Spray bottle

·      Soft, clean cloths

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Experts have proven tea tree oil to be an effective cleaner when it comes to getting rid of mold or other nasty substances. To make your cleaning solution, you will require the following three things: distilled water, tea tree oil and grape seed extract.

2.   Pour 1 liter (pint) of distilled water in a bucket. Add 40 drops of tea tree oil in this bucket along with 35 to 45 drops of grape seed extract.

3.   Either pour this solution in a spray bottle, and spray it on to the affected area, or apply this solution on the moldy wood with the help of a soft, clean cloth.

4.   Let the solution remain in place for 4 minutes.

5.   Dip another cloth in clear water, and wipe the affected area with it.

6.   Wipe it dry with a dry cloth.

7.   Now, repeat the above instructions again. However, let the solution sit in place for 15 minutes this time.

8.   If mold is still visible, apply the solution again, and let it sit for 45 to 55 minutes. The mold should have disappeared by now!

Tips:

Tea Tree Oil has a strong smell, but it goes away with time.

Method Five (Using Baking Soda)

Things that you will require:

·      Spray bottle or bowl

·      Baking soda

·      Water

·      Soft, bristle brush

·      Soft, clean cloths

Steps that you will need to take:

1.   Unlike other household cleaners, baking soda is mild, and deodorizes the surface as well. To make your baking soda cleaning solution, fill a spray bottle with clear water. Add ¼ tablespoon of baking soda to it. Shake the bottle well so that both the ingredients mix.

2.   Spray the solution on the moldy wood. If a spray bottle is not available, you can also make the solution in a bowl, and apply it with a clean, soft cloth.

3.   Scrub the surface gently with a soft, bristle brush.

4.   Wipe the surface clean with a cloth soaked in clear water. Do not saturate the wood too much.

5.   Now, spray the solution on the wood again.

6.   Let the surface dry.

Tip:

1.   You can also add white vinegar in the same quantity as the baking soda to the solution for mold that acts stubborn.

2.   You may have to apply wood polish or finish after you finish cleaning the moldy wood. Apply it if necessary.

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·      How to remove Mold from Wood