Mold can get on wood furniture both indoors and outdoors. All it takes is warm conditions and moisture, and mold will begin to grow. It can be frustrating to see some of your favorite wooden pieces sprinkled with the substance. Fortunately, it’s possible to get it cleaned up and have your furniture looking nice again. Here are four tips that will help you remove mold from wood furniture.
1. Prep
It’s important to remember that mold spores can be harmful to our health. You need to properly prep by putting on safety goggles, rubber gloves, and an air mask before you attempt to remove mold from wood furniture. Make sure the safety goggles don’t have any air vents.
An N95 mask is ideal and can be found at a hardware store. Additionally, if you’re mold-sensitive or allergic to mold, make sure you have as much of your skin covered as possible. Wear coveralls and a long-sleeved shirt.
2. Vacuum to Remove Mold From Wood Furniture
If you’re going to be cleaning indoor and outdoor furniture, all of it should be cleaned outside. Removing mold from wood furniture outside will prevent the substance from spreading around in your home.
With your items outside, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and an arm attachment to suck up loose spores along with dirt and dust. Slowly pass your vacuum over the moldy areas of the furniture several times.
When you empty the canister or bag of your vacuum, empty it in a plastic bag outside. Once you’ve fully emptied it, seal the plastic bag tightly, and throw it away.
3. Sunlight
Musty smells and light mold can often be taken care of by airing furniture out in the sunlight. Early in the morning, place your furniture outside after the dew has evaporated. When the sun begins to set, store your furniture away for the day. You can repeat this process for one or two more days. Continue to make sure you wear your mask, gloves, and goggles. Even the lightest mold can still be harmful.
To get the maximum effect from the sunlight, mix water, and white vinegar, and lightly spray your furniture in the morning as you place it outside. If the mold has resisted being removed by the sun, another option you can try is using vodka.
When you use vodka to remove mold from wood furniture, you will need to add vodka to a spray bottle and mist your furniture. Then, let it air-dry in direct sunlight again. In cases where wood is painted or stained, your pieces will likely not have much mold that has penetrated below the surface. In these cases, a mild cleaner can be just as effective as vodka.
If you still see mold after using the combination of vodka and sunlight, try using a mild household detergent. Place dish soap in a bucket of warm water, then gently scrub the moldy areas with a soft bristle brush. When you’ve finished cleaning, wipe the surface of the furniture with a damp towel. Repeat the process if the mold is still there. If it’s no longer there, wipe the wood with a dry rag.
One of the best mold-killing agents to use is distilled vinegar. You can try this option if dish soap hasn’t been helpful in removing mold from wood furniture. Mix the white vinegar with the dish soap, and then spray on the furniture. Wait an hour as the mixture dries in the sun, and then wipe it with a damp cloth. Reapply it again if necessary to fully remove the mold.
4. Bleach Solution
Bleach can also be used to remove mold from wood furniture. Mix a quarter cup of detergent, five cups of water, and two and a half cups of bleach. Use a utensil to stir the solution, so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Keep in mind that bleach alone can’t clean mold that gets in the grains of the wood, which is why it needs to be mixed with detergent and water.
It can, however, be effective for mold that’s on the surface. Be careful when handling bleach, as it can lighten or completely whiten colors of carpet, clothing, and dyed cloth. You might want to wear clothing you don’t mind throwing away.
Next, apply the bleach solution to your furniture. You can dip a scrub sponge in the solution and place moderate pressure on the furniture as you move your sponge in a circular motion. When you finish removing mold from your furniture, let it air-dry in the sun. If you need to, you can repeat this process.
Additionally, you will need to be careful using a stiff bristle brush, as it can potentially damage the finish of your wooden furniture, and you’ll have to refinish it. If the mold isn’t completely removed, it may have sunken too deep into the wood to be removed with cleaning agents.
If bleach does not work to remove mold from wood furniture, you can try sanding off the mold. Lightly sand the moldy areas with a fine-grit sandpaper. Do the sanding while the wood is damp to prevent any spores from spreading. Then, clean the sanded areas with the bleach solution and air-dry the furniture again. Light sanding will likely cause some damage to the finish, so be prepared to refinish your wooden furniture once the mold is gone.
Killing Black Mold
If the mold you’re dealing with is black mold, it’s best to hire professionals trained in mold removal to clean it, as the spores can be dangerous. They can provide you information on what you can do to prevent the black mold from returning.
What Causes Mold on Wood Furniture?
In general, a combination of dampness and high humidity is what causes mold to grow. Some wood can be treated to help it avoid developing any mold or rotting. A waterproof finish can be a useful substance to apply to your wooden furniture so you won’t have to deal with trying to remove mold from your furniture. The finish will help prevent the growth of mold. And if it still grows, it will make any attempts to remove mold from wood furniture easier.
Final Thoughts
Mold can be tricky to deal with when it grows on your furniture – especially wood furniture. These tips on how to remove mold from wood furniture are effective ways to completely eliminate the mold and have your furniture looking nice again. If you consider adding more outdoor furniture pieces to your space, you might be interested in learning about memorial benches.