General Overview
Wood, which commonly absorbs and maintains water, makes a perfect condition for mold as well as mildew. If in case you are concerned with baseboards, trim, or furniture that has been impacted, then here you will get to know how to remove mold from wood. First, you should keep in mind that speed is the key to effective restoration. Taking action quickly not only reduces the opportunity of your cleaning process but also makes sure that mold does not compromise the health of your family. As long as the spores are not spread over an area more than ten square feet, you can tackle the situation without taking assistance from a professional.
Is Bleach Or Vinegar Better To Kill Mold?
Yes, both bleach, as well as vinegar, are effective in killing the mold, however, vinegar is considered much more productive when it comes to getting rid of mold from porous materials. This is due to the reason that bleach only kills mold spores on the affected surface. If in case you are using bleach in order to eliminate the development of mold, there is a greater chance that the mold will come back again.
What Kills Black Mold On Wood?
While there are some products that can be used in killing the mold, they are not always ideal options for getting used on wood. They are successful as well as productive mold killing solutions but it is highly possible that the wood can get damaged in the process. Some of the options that can be used in order to kill the black mold are mentioned below & they are very much effective to eliminate the surface mold:
- Diluted Bleach.
- Dishwashing Detergent.
- Distilled White Vinegar.
Step By Step Process Of Removing Black Mold From Wood
In order to remove black mold from wood, you first need to gather the required items & then go through the step by step process carefully & achieve the desired result of your work:
Items Needed
- Respirator Mask & Safety Goggles
- Soft-Bristled Scrub Brush
- Bleach & Sandpaper
- Rubber Gloves
- HEPA-Filtered Vacuum
- Dishwashing Detergent
- Sponge & Distilled Vinegar
Step By Step Process
- Wear Protective Gear: The first & foremost steps is to take precautions by wear rubber gloves and safety goggles and more significantly, use an air mask in order to protect mold spores from entering into your lungs. If in case you want to use a cleaning solution having bleach, then at that time it is very important to wear protective outerwear so that you can protect your clothing against stains.
- Vacuum The Area: The next step is to use a HEPA-filtered machine, in order to vacuum the affected surface of the wood & eliminate any loose mold spores, dirt, and debris. As soon as you are done with the vacuuming, clear the vacuum bag, or cylinder into a plastic bag outside the house. Then seal the bag strongly and throw it away.
- Use Soap & Water: If in case the wood you are working with is either painted or stained, meaning the mold has not pierced. You can, as a result, continue with a mild cleaning solution, a simple combination of dishwashing detergent and warm water. Soak a soft-bristled scrub brush into the prepared soapy water, then smoothly move over the affected area. If you do not get desired results, then you should go for vinegar, a successful mold killer. With the help of a spray bottle filled with vinegar, sprinkle the mold and then allow the vinegar to sit for nearly an hour in order to get the desired result. After that, move forward & cleanse the wood with the help of a clean, damp towel. Then examine the wood to check whether any mold is still present and if in case you don’t find any, cleanse the wood with a rag.
- Use Diluted Bleach: If in case the mold has penetrated, then a stronger solution is the need of the hour, that will be able to kill the spores underneath the surface as well. To that end, blend detergent(1 part), bleach(10 parts), and warm water(20 parts). Spread the solution to the affected surface with the help of a scrub sponge or a stiff-bristled brush, then make the solution air-dry on the wood.
- Sand The Area: If in case mold still remains present even after scrubbing, then you have to use the sandpaper. Sanding is the only way that you can reach the mold deep within the wood. Use the sandpaper steadily around the affected surface unless & until mold disappears entirely. After the sanding process, it is the best option to refinish the wood, not only for its look but also to avoid a future outbreak. Finally, eliminate all the rags that came in close contact with the mold, and then work in the process of minimizing the amount of moisture present in the area where you’ve been working.