How To Clean Wood With Mold In Easy Steps

Mold can be difficult to clean up, especially if you do not know how to. This article will help you learn how to do so without fear of damaging your property. We’ll cover some common questions on how to clean wood with mold and provide tips for cleaning it in an effective way.

To clean wood with mold, you need to remove the mold spores from the surface of the wood. You can do this by scrubbing the spores off with a brush or by using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. If the mold spores are deep in the wood, you may need to sand the surface of the wood to remove them. Once the spores are removed, you can clean the wood with mild detergent and water. You should then dry the wood completely. Spray undiluted vinegar to prevent the mold from growing back.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungi that thrives in warm, damp environments. The spores spread through the air and can easily grow on organic surfaces such as wood or carpeting if they become moist enough. If you find mold growing anywhere inside your home, it’s best to clean it up immediately before it becomes an even bigger issue.

Types of Wood Molds

There are hundreds of different types of wood molds, each requiring a specific type of cleaning solution. Most need only mild soap and water to remove the stain from the wood, but there are some that can potentially be more difficult. If you aren’t sure what type of mold your home has, it’s best to consult with a professional cleaner before attempting any treatments yourself.

Here are some of them:

1. Acremonium

This mold is most commonly found on plywood, particleboard, and other types of wood composites.

2. Cladosporium

This mold is most commonly found on wood that has been treated with oils or water-based finishes.

3. Penicillium/Aspergillus

These types of molds are likely to be found on wood that has been treated with water. They’re also common in homes with high humidity.

4. Stachybotrys

This is the most dangerous form of mold and should be treated by a professional. It’s commonly found in homes with water damage and high humidity.

5. Alternaria

This is a common mold that can be found on wood or paper surfaces. It’s most commonly caused by excess moisture, so eliminating any sources of water is key.

Molds are a type of fungi that can grow on any organic material, including wood. While there are hundreds of different types of mold out there, the most common one found in homes is black mold. This particular type grows quickly and emits toxic spores into the atmosphere which are harmful to humans. If you think you have an infestation problem at home or your home has been exposed to water damage, it’s best to consult with a professional mold inspector before attempting any treatments yourself.

What Does Mold Need to Grow?

Mold needs three things: a food source, moisture, and warmth in order to grow. If you can eliminate one of these conditions for the mold, it won’t be able to spread or survive. This is why we recommend cleaning up any sources of excess moisture around your home as well as thoroughly drying any damp surfaces.

Prevention Tips

The easiest way to prevent mold growth is to keep your home dry and free of any excess moisture. This includes taking out the trash regularly, not overloading your dishwasher or washing machine, and fixing any leaks or flooding immediately. It’s also important to keep your home cool and well-ventilated, especially during the hot summer months when mold tends to thrive.

Tools and Materials Needed to Clean Mold

Rubber Gloves

Protective Goggles or Safety Glasses
Face Mask (Optional)
Old Rags/Towels and Paper Towels -for drying surfaces.

White Vinegar
Baking Soda (optional)
Spray Bottle (Optional)

How to Clean Wood with Mold In Easy Steps

Here are the steps on how to clean wood from mold with vinegar:

Step1: Put on your protective gloves and goggles, if necessary.

Step 2: Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle or bucket. This mix works as a mold killer and can be used on any surface in your home, including wood.

Step 3: Spray the moldy area with the vinegar solution and let it soak for a few minutes.

Step 4: Use a rag to wipe down all surfaces that have mold on them. Ensure you get into the grooves and cracks if your wood has these as this is where dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate easily.

Step 5: Once an entire surface has been wiped down with the vinegar solution, allow it to sit for about thirty minutes or so.

Step 6: Spray vinegar solution onto the surface one more time, and allow it to dry completely before using your wood furniture again.

Step 7: Once an entire surface has been wiped down with the vinegar solution, allow it to sit for about thirty minutes or so.

Step 8: Use a rag to wipe down the surfaces once more with clear water. Ensure you dry it thoroughly as moisture can be one of mold’s biggest allies in growing on organic materials. Allow the wood to completely dry before using or moving it again. If there are any areas that still have some surface mold, repeat this process until the mold is gone.

RELATED: How to Clean Wood Stairs

How To Care For Wooden Cutting Board Mold

Over time, even the most well-cared-for cutting boards can develop mold. While it’s not necessarily harmful to humans, it can be unsightly, and it can also affect the flavor of food. If you notice mold on your cutting board, don’t panic. There are a few simple ways to remove it.

The cleaning products you’ll need:

Dish soap

Salt
Cloth
Scouring pad

Board oil
Lemon
White vinegar

How To Clean Wooden Cutting Board Mold

Using Dish Soap

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your wooden cutting board with dish soap:

Start by mixing equal parts dish soap and water in a bowl.
Pour the mixture onto the cutting board.

Scrub the moldy areas with a scouring pad.
Once you’ve removed as much of the mold as possible, rinse the cutting board with warm water.
Dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Using Lemon

After cutting raw meat on your wooden cutting board, clean it with hot water and dish soap. To disinfect, use lemon and salt to help remove any lingering bacteria.

Cut a lemon in half.
Sprinkle salt on the surface of the board.

Rub the lemon half over the board, using circular motions.
Let it sit for 5 minutes before washing.
Wash the board with soapy water.

Rinse well and dry.

Using White Vinegar

Vinegar is a very common household item that can be used for many different purposes, one of which is cleaning mold off of surfaces.

To use vinegar to clean mold off of wood:

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl.
Soak a cloth in the mixture and wring it out so that it is damp.
Spread the cloth over the moldy area.

Let the vinegar solution sit for about 5 minutes.
Scrub the area with a cloth to remove the mold.
Rinse the area with water and dry. Vinegar is acidic and will kill mold spores.

Dry the area with a clean towel. White vinegar is an effective and natural way to clean mold off of wood. It is also inexpensive and easy to find. Vinegar can be used on its own or mixed with water, depending on the size of the area that needs to be cleaned.

Oiling A Wooden Cutting Board

Mineral oil, Beeswax or any other approved food-safe oil can be used to seal and protect the wood. Oil applied once a year is usually all that’s needed to maintain the board.

How to oil a wooden cutting board:

Use soapy water and a scouring pad to remove any dirt or residue from the board.
Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.
Pour a small amount of oil onto the board and spread it around with a clean cloth.

Wipe away any excess oil.
Allow the board to dry completely before using.

How To Clean Mold Off Wood Floor

Over time, wood floors can develop a build-up of dirt, grime, and mold. While regular sweeping and mopping can help to keep the surface clean, you may eventually need to give your floors a more thorough cleaning.

What You’ll Need:

Gloves
Safety glasses

Spray bottle
Breathing mask
Micro-fiber cloth

Washable clothing and shoes
Chlorine bleach solution (10:1 or 8:1)
100, 200, and 250 grit sandpaper

Heavy-duty garbage bag
Polyurethane finish

Here’s how to clean mold from wood floor:

Wear the correct safety gear. Professionals wear gloves, safety glasses, and a breathing mask when working with mold to help avoid contact and inhalation. You should too. Prepare your work area. Cover any nearby surfaces with a heavy-duty garbage bag.
Choose the appropriate mold and mildew cleaner. You’ll need a chlorine bleach solution with a ratio of either 10:1 or 8:1 to water. Read through the instructions to ensure you’re using the cleaner correctly.
Apply the mold and mildew cleaner. Pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and allow the cleaner to sit for the amount of time specified in the instructions. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away mold. Scrub the mold away using a bristle brush in case any mold spores are left behind. Rinse the area with clean water and allow the area to dry completely.

Do not leave the bleach solution on the wood for more than 10 minutes. Doing so can damage the wood finish. Avoid contact with unaffected surfaces as well.

How To Clean Mold Off Wood Deck

Here is how to clean mold off your wooden deck:

Ensure the area is relatively dry.

Wear protective gear, such as gloves and a mask.
Remove any loose mold with a putty knife or stiff brush.
Mix a solution of one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent with 1/4 gallon of warm tap water.

Use a soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the solution to the moldy areas.
Wipe the area with a clean rag and allow it to dry completely.
Fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar and spray on the affected area.

Wait for an hour and dry with a clean rag.

FAQs

1. When Should You Worry About Mold?

If you find mold growing on wood, it’s best to clean it up as soon as possible before the problem gets worse. You may also want to consult a professional mold inspector if you’re not sure how to clean the wooden surfaces.

2. Does Bleach Kill Mold?

Yes, bleach does kill mold. However, it’s only effective on white surfaces. If your wood is colored, using bleach will only discolor the surface.

3. Can You Clean Wood with Bleach?

Yes, you can clean wood with bleach. However, it’s not as effective as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. It’s also a good idea to use gloves and goggles when using bleach, as it can irritate your skin or eyes if you come into direct contact with it.

4. Can You Clean Mold Off of Wood?

Yes, you can clean mold off of wood. Simply identify the type of mold and then follow the appropriate cleaning method. Some molds are easy to remove while others require more work.

Conclusion

To get rid of mold on wood, you must first remove the mold spores from the board’s surface. Scrubbing the specks off with a brush or using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is one way to do this. Sanding the board’s surface may be required if the mold spores are deeply embedded in the wood. After you’ve gotten rid of them, wash the wood with mild detergent and water. To prevent new mold from developing, spray it lightly with undiluted vinegar.

Reference: WikiHow