fbpx ...
How To Clean Mold on Wood Furniture in 5 Easy Steps

How To Clean Mold on Wood Furniture in 5 Easy Steps

Mold and mildew on wood are more common in homes than many realize, affecting everything from furniture to flooring and walls. These fungi discolor and damage wooden surfaces and can, in severe cases, compromise structural integrity. Besides the high repair costs, certain molds pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. To protect your home and health, keeping wood surfaces mold-free is crucial. Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to clean mold on wood.

Step 1: Choose the Right Cleaning Solution for the Job

You will want to select a cleaning solution that effectively kills or removes the mold on the wood. To do that, you need a mold killer that will penetrate the surface of the wood. Luckily, there are lots of options.

Frequently, our customers ask us, “Does vinegar kill mold?” or “Does bleach kill mold?” The answer is yes; these are both useful household items.

Mold-killing solutions can include:

  • Bleach
  • Distilled vinegar
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Regular cleaning detergent
  • Commercial fungi removal products

The appropriate method for removing mold from wood depends on the extent of the mold damage and the type of mold present. For minor surface mold, distilled vinegar is often sufficient. However, a commercial mold killer may be necessary for more extensive damage or aggressive mold types, such as black mold.

Important Safety Warning: Never mix bleach with any product containing ammonia. This combination creates a dangerous chemical reaction, potentially leading to an explosion and releasing toxic fumes that can cause severe infections or be fatal. Always exercise caution and check product labels to ensure safety. If you doubt a product’s contents, avoid using bleach with it altogether.

Step 2: Put on the Necessary Protective Gear

It’s important to remember that mildew and mold can be harmful if inhaled. Also, if you use a powerful cleaning solution, you don’t want it to touch your skin. For these reasons, you’ll want to wear the right protective gear when cleaning and removing mold. 

Necessary protective equipment includes:

  • Air masks/respirators to prevent mold from getting in air passageways
  • Rubber gloves to protect hands from the solution and the mold
  • Safety goggles to protect eyes against any splashes or sprays
  • Coveralls to protect clothes
  • Spray bottle to direct targeted spray

Get all your protective gear together before you move on to the next step.

Step 3: Clean the Affected Wood 

  1. Prepare for Cleaning: Ensure you have your chosen cleaning solution ready, along with protective gear. Select a clean brush or scrub pad, opting for a low-abrasive type to avoid damaging the wood. This is especially important for furniture made of sensitive wood types.
  2. Apply Cleaning Solution: Use a spray bottle to apply the cleaning solution evenly to the mold-affected area.
  3. Gentle Scrubbing: Begin scrubbing the area with your brush or pad in a circular motion. Start with gentle strokes to avoid harming the wood surface. If the mold doesn’t come off easily, gradually increase the pressure.
  4. Monitor Pressure and Effectiveness: Be cautious to apply only as much force as needed. Excessive pressure can damage the wood, so it’s better to start gently and increase force only if necessary.
  5. Repeat as Needed: Continue this process in all mold-affected areas. Reapply the cleaning solution and scrub until the mold discoloration is completely removed from the wood’s surface.

Remember, patience and gentle handling are key to effectively removing mold without damaging the wood.

Step 4: Deeper Mold Cleaning

Sand Mold Off Wood Surface
It is essential to understand that mold growth can vary in severity and type. Early detection often means the mold is just on the surface. However, prolonged growth may result in the mold’s roots penetrating deeper into the wood.

Deeper Mold Removal Process

  1. Prepare: If the mold deeply infiltrates the wood, more than surface cleaning will be required. In such cases, sanding- similar to the process used for removing mold from drywall- is necessary.
  2. Safety First: Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from wood particles.
  3. Sanding the Affected Area: After the initial cleaning (as outlined in Step 3), use a low-abrasive setting on an electric sander or sand by hand. Lightly sand the cleaned area to reach deeper layers of the wood.
  4. Apply Cleaning Solution and Scrub: Reapply your cleaning solution with the spray bottle and scrub the area again.
  5. Repeat as Necessary: Continue the process of sanding and scrubbing until all signs of mold are removed.

Tips for Effective Sanding:

  • Gradual Grit Increase: Start with a lower grit sandpaper, like #100-grit, and if needed, progress to a higher grit, such as #220-grit, for deeper penetration and removal.
  • Consider Wood Type: Some woods are more susceptible to damage from sanding. It’s important to know the type of wood you’re dealing with. When unsure, especially with furniture, consult a professional to avoid unintended damage.

These steps and tips can help effectively remove deeper-seated mold from wood without causing additional damage.

Step 5: Clean Up and Dry the Affected Area 

Once you have completed the scrubbing and sanding to remove mold, you want to finish cleaning up the area where you worked.

Start by collecting and throwing out any residue and other items that have come into contact with the fungi. The residue on these items can grow into new mold growths, so you want to be sure not to leave any around.

Next, take a final pass at the area you worked with new cleaning items such as rags or paper towels. This extra step will help prevent mold from spreading again.

Finally, make sure the area you worked on dries fully. Place furniture in a well-ventilated and dry area. If you’re working on walls or floors in an area with minimal ventilation, you may need fans to dry the surface. In either case, take all the time it needs to ensure the surface is dry.

Test the cleaned surface both by sight and touch. Once you are sure the surface has dried thoroughly, be sure it does not get wet again.

Preventing Mold on Wood Furniture

Keeping wood furniture mold-free involves a few simple but crucial practices:

  • Maintain Low Humidity: Mold thrives in moist environments. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep indoor humidity levels below 60%. Aim for a range of 30-50% in naturally humid climates.
  • Ensure Proper Ventilation: Good airflow is key. Keep furniture away from walls and ensure adequate space for air circulation. Use fans or open windows to enhance airflow, especially in damp areas like basements.
  • Regular Cleaning: Dust and clean wooden furniture regularly. Use a dry cloth for dusting and, if necessary, a slightly damp cloth for cleaning. Avoid using excessive water or cleaning solutions.
  • Immediate Spill Response: If spills occur on wood furniture, wipe them up immediately. Allowing liquids to sit can encourage mold growth.
  • Use Protective Coatings: To protect against moisture, apply a sealant or varnish to wood furniture. 
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Excessive heat and direct sunlight can increase the risk of mold by creating warm, damp conditions. Keep furniture away from direct sunlight and heating vents.

Professionals Are Standing By!

Mold On Wood Furniture
The step-by-step instructions above show how to remove mold from wood surfaces in your home. Often, this is a minor job you can take care of using household cleaning solutions. Even larger tasks with more severe types of mold growth can be manageable on your own.

That said, some jobs require a professional. If mold growth is particularly deep, you may need to replace floors and walls in your home. Also, it may be smart to hire professional help if you suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.

When in doubt, call the experts. Call All Dry USA for a mold restoration company that will safely and professionally handle the job.

CALL US NOW!

Before You Go

We know that you'll love our service!

Schedule an inspection with All Dry USA today.

 

Schedule Inspection