How To Get Rid Of Mold On Wood

Mold on wood is harmful to your home and health. Removing mold from wood will protect you and your family.

There are a few DIY mold removal methods that will help you save time and money. If you can clean mold on a wood surface, you won’t have to hire a professional when you know how to remove it.

First, you need to be aware of the different types of molds. Whether white mold, black mold, or mold spores, all of it is harmful. There are preventative measures you can take to safeguard the wood in your living environment from fungi. 

Before you begin, learn how to identify the mold. Next, figure out how to kill the mold. With mold, wood surfaces are different from concrete or fabrics. Here, you will learn the essentials to prevent problems caused by moldy wood. 

Removing Mold From Wood 

Wood is different than concrete or fabrics. Learn what you need to know here to prevent problems caused by moldy wood. 

Mold can be removed with natural remedies like apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Again, mold can cause respiratory issues. Hiring a pro is recommended to help eliminate mold. A spray bottle, rubber gloves, and safety goggles are all you need to take care of mold problems.

Clean Mold On Wood

Mold growth isn’t hard to prevent. Cleaning mold is even easier as it requires fresh air and a cleaning solution to remove mold infestation and mold spores.

The following methods rely on over-the-counter products to kill mold.

Protective Gear: Air Mask, Rubber Gloves, Safety Goggles

The first step is wear protective clothing. When removing mold from wood, rubber gloves, a face mask, old clothes, and safety goggles provide the best protection. 

HEPA Filter

You can use a vacuum to remove mold from wood. A strong hose can clean the space. A HEPA filter purifies the area. This will protect you against allergens and while removing the surface mold. 

Soap And Water

Dishwashing soap and warm water is a great combination and the safest mold killer you can use. If it works, you’ll be avoiding harmful chemicals and products that can damage wood. For heavy mold, create a stronger solution.

With a spray bottle, spray the affected wood with a mixture, and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean. Let it dry and try another method if this method didn’t get rid of the mold. 

White Vinegar

Vinegar is a safe option that can be sprayed onto the mold. Let it sit for an hour before cleaning the area with soap and water. Then, let it dry before checking to see if you need something stronger to remove mold from wood.

Borax or Baking Soda

With borax or baking soda, another step is included. You mix a cup to one gallon of water. Then, to clean mold off wood, spray it on the surface and scrub gently with soft bristled brush. The texture of the substance will help remove the stain. 

Mold Cleaner

If all else fails, a chemical mold remover can help. You can buy a spray bottle of mold remover that can work wonders for mold on wood. Try to avoid cleaners with bleach or ammonia, sticking to more organic options. 

Sand

With stubborn mold stains, you may need to sand the affected area after cleaning it. If you do this on finished wood, you’ll have to refinish it. Try to find matching varnish or paint before you start sanding. You can also sand and refinish the entire area if you can’t find a good match to your old finish. 

Laundry Detergent

If you have a laundry room and other damp places with wood surfaces, you’ll need to keep an eye on potential mold growth. A detergent solution will help remove mold.

Hydrogen Peroxide

All you need is a plastic bottle, warm water, and one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Spray the solution on the affected area and porous surfaces and wipe gently.

Liquid Dishwashing Detergent

This would be the same as laundry detergent. One tablespoon or two, plus warm water and your cleaning solution will remove mold from wooden furniture and mold stains.

Distilled White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar might be the safest and easiest way to clean mold from wood surfaces. A spray bottle filled with warm water and vinegar will be enough to kill any type of mold.

What Removes Green Mold Off Wood?

Green mold is a blanket term but it’s the most common type of mold that is self-identified by the person living in the home. Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium are  green molds.

Green mold on wood is moist and slimy. Baking soda and water will remove mold from wood. It can also prove useful for harder mold that is solid and stubborn. Mix it with water as instructed above to remove it. 

Can You Kill Mold On Wood?

White mold is new mold. It can change colors later, even on a wood floor. It often goes unnoticed because of the color that blends in with the color of wear and tear.

White mold spores are tiny, and invisible to the naked eye. While white mold isn’t quite as dangerous as other molds, it should be removed. A wood surface is the first place white mold will grow. 

One of the best methods to remove white mold or other mold stains from wood is to use vinegar. After you apply a vinegar and water solution, completely dry the surface. Let it sit for an hour before cleaning the vinegar off as the mold may be deep in the wood. 

How To Remove Black Mold From Wood Surface

You won’t miss black mold on wood as it’s the easiest to detect on wooden surfaces. Light mold and black mold are attracted to wood and non porous surfaces if the wood isn’t kept dry or clean. 

Black mold lays thick on a surface, so getting rid of it requires more effort. However, dishwashing detergent and warm water will work. 

Harmful Mold Growth

The most obvious sign of mold is visual. Whether it’s green mold, black mold, or white mold, it’s all bad. Another sign of mold is a musty smell. 

Health Signs

Prolonged exposure to mold will cause health problems. With a compromised immune system, you will be susceptible to serious health issues. Although people with lung issues or low immune systems are more susceptible to health issues when mold is present.

Here are the most common symptoms according to Healthline. 

• runny nose and congestion
• eye irritation
• sneezing
• coughing
• sore throat
• skin rash
• headache
• lung irritation
• wheezing

If you’re experiencing more than two of these symptoms, call your doctor. Never hesitate to reach out to a medical professional for any reason. 

Wood Furniture And Structural Signs

Mold has many forms, and like termites it can break down wood surfaces. If you don’t see mold or are unsure if what you see is mold, then look at these signs that what you see is mold.

• wood warping, cracking, or peeling
• continued growth
• appears in a low light area with high moisture content

You want to always keep your home safe. The money spent on an inspection would be worth it.

How To Remove Mold From Wood Surfaces

When you have a mold problem or mold spores on wood, you’ll need to make the surface mold-free as soon as possible. Here are a few ways to kill mold on different wood surfaces.

Untreated Wood

Untreated wood is a porous surface. What this means is that it requires a stronger cleaning solution when fighting mold spores, for example. Water, bleach, and laundry detergent will also work fine. With untreated wood, use a scrub brush and and scrub gently with the mixture into the wooden surface and let it air dry.

Infested Wood

Removing mold from infested wood is tough. Depending on how deep the mold infestation is, you might have to remove the top layer of wood and then use 100-grit sandpaper and scrub it off.

Painted Wood

With painted wood, wash the wood with liquid dishwashing detergent and a warm water solution. Let the surface completely dry and wait one hour. If the mold persists, use a stronger solution.

Wood Floors

First, take one teaspoon of soap and put it in a plastic bottle and then shake it up. Next, spray the affected area and then gently scrub it with a soft bristled brush. For the last step, allow the surface to dry and wipe with a dry towel. 

Wooden Furniture

The best solution to remove mold from wooden furniture is distilled white vinegar. Put vinegar and water in a bottle and spray the affected furniture. Wait an hour and wipe the surface with a damp cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Is Mold On Wood Dangerous?

Yes, it can be. While despite popular belief, it hasn’t been proven to cause lung cancer, it can cause serious lung problems.  People with mold allergies or with asthma. It’s always a good idea to get rid of it as soon as possible. 

What's The Difference Between Mold And Mildew?

Mildew is a surface fungus that appears as a thin layer on wood. Mold runs deeper and can’t simply be wiped off. Mildew is harmless while prolonged explores to mold can cause health issues. No matter what though, get rid of whatever you’re dealing with. 

What Is Efflorescence? 

Efflorescence is a migration of salt to the wood’s surface. It appears like a textured substance that grows on brick or stone. However, it can be found on wood. Efflorescence is harmless, despite being confused with mold. 

Can I Use Bleach To Kill Mold On Wood?

Not only can bleach color wood, but it can also penetrate the wood and only remove surface mold. It is effective in doing that, but it can cause more mold to grow underneath. Avoid using it,  for thick, porous wood. 

If you feel like bleach is the only thing strong enough to kill the mold on wood, then use it. However, you will need to dilute it to keep it from harming the wood or setting the stage for more mold to grow. 

Dry the wood after you’ve removed the mold. Even if the wood is in the bathroom or kitchen, keeping it dry should be the number one priority. 

How To Get Rid Of Mold On Wood Conclusion

Now that you know how to get rid of the different types of mold on wood when the problem arises, you will be prepared. Air conditioners and laundry rooms often attract mold on wood. You can tell when you have a mold problem if you notice a musty smell, so make sure your living spaces have plenty of fresh air.

Preventative measures, like opening windows to reduce excess moisture, will help prevent future mold growth. The best way to prevent mold spores is with direct sunlight on wood surfaces.

When you begin to remove mold, wear protective gear. For even better results, tools like a soft-bristle brush will help clean mold off wood. You don’t want to damage porous wood or non porous surfaces, so use a soapy solution, moistened cloth, or a damp towel. Hydrogen peroxide is another good DIY solution. If the mold persists, call a professional.

With many types of mold, you could develop respiratory problems and asthmatic conditions. The perfect environment does not have too much moisture, and also has plenty of direct sunlight.

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