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Whether you need to get rid of mold on wood because you're bringing an old piece of furniture to life again, or if your home is particularly damp and this is a repeat occurrence, rest assured, it can be done pretty painlessly. When learning how to remove mold from wood, however, it is key to approach the task with the right method and cleaning agents.
I had my head set on getting a new bed for a while, and eventually bought an Edwardian-style second-hand bed off Facebook Marketplace – for obvious reasons, Edwardian-anything=above my budget – only to pick it up and realize (once I had arrived home) that I would be removing mold before I put this bed anywhere near my sleeping space.
It wasn't out of control but there was a bit of black mold on the ends of the wooden slats and mold is never welcome in a home, especially not on your bed frame. So before I was going to even start putting my new bed back together, I wanted to tackle those slats.
You usually find mold in the bathroom, which I have dealt with a number of times, as it's a super humid environment and often hard to aerate and you can't keep your best dehumidifier in there. When mold grows on wood, similarly, it's usually the result of a damp home, and unfinished wood is often more susceptible because it's untreated and basically less protected.
What I was starting with...
(Image credit: Camille Dubuis-Welch)
Mold outdoors, on a fence or decking for example, is fairly normal. It's not pretty and will damage the wood over time but it's not that harmful in the grand scheme of things. However, mold indoors should be removed asap as the spores are toxic to humans, especially anyone susceptible to allergies.
Speaking with Edward Jones, Founder of HomeCareHow (opens in new tab) he noted: 'Mold can be harmful to your wood. It lives on living organisms and slowly damages your wood surfaces. Mold can be transported through water, air, and surfaces it touches. It causes health problems, especially for people with allergies.'
With that in mind, I grabbed a few of my go-to cleaning tools...
How to remove mold from wood
- Washing up gloves, I use natural latex rubber gloves you can find on Amazon (opens in new tab)
- A mask
- A toothbrush (medium bristled)
- Dish soap
- Glass jug
- Soft sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- Bleach
- White vinegar
- Sugar soap
The tools you use will depend on what type of wood/wooden piece of furniture you're cleaning and on how bad the mold is. Of course, you could reach for one of the best mold sprays but half the time, you'll have what you need under the kitchen sink or in your pantry... You will however always want to wear a mask, rubber gloves, a long-sleeved top and pants, goggles/your glasses to stay protected against any spores and cleaning agents you're using.
I took this outside as it was a dry day, and it's better to remove mold in an aerated space anyhow.
1. Hoover excess black mold
Especially in cases where you have quite a lot, take your best vacuum or handheld and hoover up what you can to remove the spores. Lots of models now have HEPA filters which is a feature you should look out for if you have allergies. Be sure to clean your vacuum filter out after doing this.
2. Treat the area with dish soap and warm water
Depending on how much you have to clean, mix about 1tps dish soap to 1 cup warm water. I had about 20 slat ends to treat so I tripled those quantities and refreshed the mix every 4-5 slats to ensure I wasn't scrubbing super dirty water back onto the wood.
Use the toothbrush, and a fair amount of elbow grease, and start scrubbing away at the affected areas.
Repeat the rounds and honestly, this lifted off a lot of the mold for me. It's super effective.
Renee Kraus, founder of Renee's Cleaning Services (opens in new tab) recommends using Dawn dish soap which you can bulk buy on Amazon (opens in new tab). 'If the mold has not penetrated the wood, use a teaspoon of Dawn in a spray bottle filled with warm water. Spray the affected area,rub with soft-bristled brush. Wipe dry with a towel.'
(Image credit: Camille Dubuis-Welch)
3. Lift remaining stains
If there are lingering stains, it could be a sign that the mold penetrated the wood quite deeply. This usually isn't the case with treated wood. If it's still not looking pristine, you can repeat the dish soap method a couple more times and then try lifting the last of the mold with white distilled vinegar or bleach.
(Image credit: Camille Dubuis-Welch)
I would use vinegar to lift light mold stains remaining on the wood or, if you're removing mold from treated wood. I tend to stock up on Heinz basic white vinegar from Amazon (opens in new tab)(cheap and cheerful). You'll want to mix equal parts vinegar and water, then add this to a spray bottle and spritz it evenly over the affected area to remove the final spores. Let it air dry for an hour or so, in the sun if you can as this will help sanitize the area and clear those spores furthermore, before wiping it down with a clean dish/microfiber cloth. I like to use Seep's eco-friendly dish cloths (opens in new tab)as you can wash them afterward.
Tony Adams, from DIYgeeks.com (opens in new tab) adds 'Once you get rid of the mold, you will have to get rid of the mold stains. Vinegar is a great option forporous materials such as wood. Vinegar will penetrate deeply into the wood and get rid of the mold. I recommend usingpickling vinegar (opens in new tab) because it's more acidic than normal vinegar.'
If you are using raw untreated wood as I was with these slats, use bleach to be on the safe side. Simply mix about 1bsp neat bleach with one cup of warm water and use a clean toothbrush to rub the solution into the affected areas. Leave this for a good hour and then wipe down as above with a clean microfiber cloth.
(Image credit: Camille Dubuis-Welch)
David Mason, founder of Knobs.co (opens in new tab)is an advocate for the bleach method: 'The best way to clean mold off of wood is to use a mixture of bleach and water. You'll want to make sure that you're using a ratio of one part bleach to ten parts water, and then use a sponge or cloth to scrub the mold off of the surface of the wood. Make sure that you're wearing gloves and a mask when you do this, as bleach can be harmful to your skin and lungs.'
Adams actually recommends using aConcrobium Mold Stain Remover which you can find at Home Depot. (opens in new tab) and says that Zinnser stain remover (opens in new tab) is also a great product.
Kraus recommends trying Borax as a last resort: 'If the mold is still there, try 1 tablespoon of borax in 1 cup of water to dissolve the borax, scrub away the mold leaving the borax on the wood. Use a fan to dry the wood.'
4. Sand down when needed
If you are removing mold or a small amount of black mold from untreated wood and the above methods aren't really scratching the surface or if it's clear that the mold has penetrated the wood deeply, you'll want to sand down the area.
It takes a little longer but it's worth it for longevity. You'll then want to protect that wood seeing as it's likely more vulnerable to mold and to avoid future recurrences.I was working with a small amount of mold per slat and the dish soap + bleach combo worked really well but I still tidied up a few edges with 120 grit sandpaper.
(Image credit: Camille Dubuis-Welch)
Jones adds 'To make sure that there’s no mold left on your wood, sand it. Use 100-grit sandpaper. Do not blow away the dust off to avoid spreading any spore. You should slowly swipe off using wet wipes to help gather all the dust.'
(Image credit: Camille Dubuis-Welch)
5. Protect the wood
Once dry and clean, nourishing the wood is a good idea, especially if your wood furniture is on show and in a humid spot. As my bed slats will be hidden and now at home in a room that isn't damp, I'm pretty confident that this won't reoccur so it's not 100% necessary in my case.
To protect wood, a varnish or product like Old English Furniture Polish spray (opens in new tab) is simple to use, while Emma Barton, Founder of Steam Clean Queen (opens in new tab) shares a super budget-friendly alternative: 'Old engine oil is an all-mighty mold-preventing coat that you could "paint" your wood with. Not only does it stop mold, but also gets rid of termites and other wood pests.'
Adams adds that once the stains are removed, you can refinish the wood with polyurethane (opens in new tab).
The results
(Image credit: Camille Dubuis-Welch)
How can you prevent mold from growing on wood in the first place?
Keeping the humidity low in rooms where you have wooden furniture will prevent future recurrences. Ensure you clean off any excess water or dampness regularly then
'The best to prevent mold from growing on your wood is to keep them as dry as possible. Mold thrives in a damp environment. You can keep your surfaces dry by letting in some sun and let air circulate.' Adds Jones.
Zoey Dromgoole, Wood Flooring & Carpentry (opens in new tab) Expert says 'If you’re trying to prevent mold growth, you need to keep the surroundings quite dry. Mold naturally cannot survive in quite dry areas, so if your wood is located in a well ventilated, dry area you should have no problems. There are other chemical treatments available depending on the type of wood you’re actually trying to treat.'
Andrew Porwol, Owner of Garden Centre Shopping (opens in new tab) adds: 'Looking after your wood furniture from the moment you buy it is the best option. Applying a protective finish, preventing it from becoming too moist or damp, and cleaning your garden furniture on a regular basis are all vital. When you are not using the furniture make sure to store it indoors or under a cover for protection. If you are storing inside, and the space is damp or humid, a dehumidifier is a wise investment.'
(Image credit: Camille Dubuis-Welch)
Is mold on wood harmful?
Barton echoes 'Mold is nature's way of processing dead organisms outdoors. But, indoors it leads to breathing problems, coughing, and worse - hidden sinus infection. If you can get rid of it - do it ASAP.Don't let the mold spread even further in the wood. The more it spreads, the more difficult it gets to clean.'
Porwol notes how it's key to identify what kind of mold is on your wood, 'Some can be quite toxic, whereas others are relatively harmless. First off, you’ve got mildew, which is often mixed up with mold itself. Mildew is anatomically different and is found in nearly 99% of homes at one point or another, it’s quite dusty or powdery and can be easily removed. On the other hand, you’ve got black mold. This can indeed be hazardous to humans and also are quite difficult to remove.'
Industry tips for dealing with mold on wood
- Act fast: Once spotted, tend to mold on wood quickly to avoid a bigger job or worse, having to ditch the piece altogether. Porwol says 'If you find your wood furniture has succumbed to mold, act fast. Place the furniture in direct sunlight, and clean it with either a store-bought antifungal treatment designed specifically for wood (opens in new tab), or a homemade alternative. I use a gallon of hot water mixed with a cup of vinegar, baking soda, ammonia, and a generous squirt of washing liquid. Scrub the wood with a hard-bristled brush to remove the mold and then dry with a soft cloth. It's important to leave the furniture in direct sunlight to fully dry before applying a wood protection treatment.'
- Know what wood you're working with: Has it been treated or not? This will determine how strong a method you need to employ. Some woods also contain natural oils so you might not need to add a protective coat like you would to bare timber or oak for example, teak is one of them. 'Teak although a wood, is very different from your standard wooden furniture. It produces its own oil, is more dense and requires significantly less maintenance. To avoid mold and mildew avoid teak oil and opt instead for a sealer. The sealer will prevent mildew and mold, and should be applied yearly. As long as you store your teak furniture in a dry environment and covers are well ventilated, you should not ever have an issue with mold.' Comments Porwol.
- Treat remaining mold stains on wood: Porwol actually recommends trying baking soda as an alternative to vinegar, before resorting to bleach, 'Baking soda is a fantastic, household option to get rid of mold. The baking soda actually absorbs moisture whilst being strong enough to kill mold but isn’t as harsh as things like bleach or even particularly strong vinegars. You can mix up some baking soda and warm water in a spray bottle, with around 1 tablespoon of baking soda being more than enough. Spray the moldy area and allow it to stand for a minute or two, then scrub well. This will remove all of the mold from the surface.' He continues, 'In rather extreme cases you may need to use bleach, however it is a risky business. If the mold has penetrated deep into the wood itself (this usually happens on untreated wood) you’ll need to enlist the help of something stronger. Usually around 20 parts water, 10 parts chlorine based bleach and 1 part detergent should do the trick. Apply the mixture to the food, scrub and allow to air dry for around three days. If there’s still mold present after this time, clean again and just repeat until there are no traces left. Then you’ll need to seal the wood. If this hasn’t worked, you’ll need to sand down the wood to get rid of the mold that has located itself inside.'
- Keep wood furnishings away from humidity: This is easier said than done but Barton advises to keep wood away from humid areas. 'Mold flourishes in wet, warm conditions, like your bathroom or basement.If you can't save the wood from those areas, threat it with mold protection coats. Wood or wax coats that prevent the mold from developing and spreading.'
What kills mold on wood instantly?
Bleach and vinegar kills spores, Barton adds, 'A powerful alternative to the baking-soda-vinegar mix is dish-soap and water or isopropyl alcohol which you can find Amazon (opens in new tab).Mold doesn't like acidic substances (like vinegar) or alcohol. It gets destroyed by them on first contact.'
FAQs
How do you remove mold from unfinished wood furniture? ›
Combine a tablespoon of borax with a cup of water, then apply this solution to the mold with a soft-bristled brush. Scrub away the mold, leaving the borax solution in the wood. Don't sponge up the excess liquid. You want as much of the solution in the wood as possible to prevent future growth.
How do you get mold out of unsealed wood? ›Cleaning mold from untreated wood is a little different.
Untreated wood is porous and requires a stronger solution to remove the mold spores. Use water, bleach, and detergent to scrub away the mold. For untreated wood, grab a scrub brush and gently work this mixture into the wooden surface and let it air dry.
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.
Can you salvage moldy wood furniture? ›Moldy furniture can sometimes be cleaned and saved. This article covers cleaning guidelines for wood and upholstered furniture. If mold is observed growing into the surface of the material and cannot be cleaned off, then the item may have to be disposed of. When in doubt, throw it out.
What kills mold instantly on wood? ›Vinegar can be used to kill mold on both nonporous surfaces and porous surfaces. Compared to bleach, it can more easily penetrate porous materials like wood to kill mold growing underneath the surface.
Can mold spores be removed from furniture? ›Spray Concrobium on the affected moldy surface and allow to dry. As it dries, Concrobium crushes the mold spores to eliminate the existing mold. Next, with a Concrobium dampened brush or cloth, wipe away the remaining mold residue, leaving behind a thin layer of the product to prevent from future mold growth.
What kills mold permanently? ›Bleach kills virtually every species of indoor mold that it comes into contact with including mold spores which leaves a sanitized surface making it resistant to future mold growth.
Will vinegar remove mold from wood? ›Distilled white vinegar kills more than 80% of mold. Mix an equal amount of vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Now, spray the content over the mold and let the solution sit for an hour. Next, clean the surface with a wet cloth followed by a dry cloth.
What kills black mold permanently? ›For a natural solution for getting rid of black mold, combine one part baking soda with five parts distilled white vinegar and five parts water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a chemical-based mold and mildew remover, all-purpose cleaners, bleach or dish soap.
Is vinegar better than bleach for mold? ›Is Vinegar More Effective Than Bleach? Vinegar truly is better than cleaning with bleach when it comes to killing mold. The EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill or remove mold, except in special circumstances. In most cases, “a background level of mold spores will remain” after the application of bleach.
What happens if you paint over mold on wood? ›
If you paint over mold, it will cover up the mold for a short up time, but the mold always will reappear if you don't first remediate it.
How can you tell the difference between mold and mildew? ›So how do you know which one you're dealing with? According to BobVila.com, mold generally looks slimy or fuzzy, tends to have a raised texture, and can come in a rainbow of colors, including deep green and black. Mildew is powdery, looks white or gray, always appears flat, and grows on surfaces.
Does Murphy's Oil Soap remove mold? ›A: Yes, this product will clean surface mold from a floor without damaging it. Helpful? A: Hello and thank you for your question. Murphys Oil Soap is a great cleaner of dirt, dust, and scratches.
Can black mold be removed from wood furniture? ›Killing mold on wood furniture. Use diluted dishwashing detergent or diluted bleach and wipe down the furniture. Make sure the room is well ventilated to help the wood dry as quickly as possible. Repeat as necessary.
Can you sandpaper mold off wood? ›An abrasive might not seem like the obvious solution. It may seem counterintuitive. But sanding is the only way to reach the mold deep within the wood. Work the sandpaper slowly around the affected area until you see no more signs of mold.
How does hydrogen peroxide remove mold from wood? ›Pour 3-percent hydrogen peroxide (the standard percentage sold in pharmacies) into a spray bottle. Spray it onto the moldy surface until the area is completely covered. Let it sit for about 10 minutes or until the hydrogen peroxide stops bubbling. Scrub off the mold and hydrogen peroxide with a rag or soft brush.
What is the best homemade mold killer? ›Vinegar. White distilled vinegar is an affordable, natural solution to removing black mold. Its antibacterial acidic characteristics are exactly what you need to get the job done. Pour the undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle to apply to the area, or just go for it and pour that vinegar right onto the mold stains.
Why is my wooden furniture going Mouldy? ›In most cases, mold on the furniture is due to a combination of excess humidity and poorly insulated exterior walls. When a dresser is right against an exterior wall, the airflow is restricted and condensation can form. In time, this condensation creates an environment conducive to mold growth.
What kills mold on wood furniture? ›Opt for distilled vinegar when dish soap fails.
Distilled white vinegar is an excellent mold killing agent. Should dish soap be too weak to remove the mold, add vinegar to a spray bottle. Spray the furniture thoroughly with the vinegar. Wait about an hour, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
Mix a bleach solution
Prepare a solution of 8 ounces (1 cup) bleach and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) laundry detergent per gallon of clean water. While it can be tempting to treat stubborn stains with a stronger bleach solution, we prefer repeated washes with this recommended ratio.
What cleaner kills mold on furniture? ›
Use Vinegar: Mix one part vinegar and one part water. Use the solution to sponge down the molded area and kill mildew, mold, and toxic bacteria at 80%. Use Bleach: For white fabrics and non-porous furniture, create a solution with a ratio of 1:10:20 with detergent, bleach, and warm water.
How do you stop mould from coming back? ›The key to mould prevention is keeping air moisture to a minimum. Dry any condensation that may be gathering on your walls, ceiling to windowsills. Dehumidifiers can also help to remove moisture from the air. Try to keep your bathroom and kitchen door shut tightly and ensure your windows are open whilst cooking.
What kills the root of mold? ›To kill mold spores and their roots, pour straight 3 percent peroxide, undiluted, into a spray bottle and saturate the blocks with it. Let the peroxide do its work for 10 to 15 minutes, and scrub the walls to remove all dead mold. You can add vinegar to the peroxide in the spray bottle to make the solution stronger.”
What is a natural mold killer? ›Ward off mold with tea tree oil, cinnamon, clove oil, or thyme oil. Each option will kill mold and prevent spores from coming back. Combine a teaspoon of the oil of your preference with a cup of water in a spray bottle. After spraying, allow one hour for the solution to dry, then wipe away with a clean towel.
Can vinegar damage wood? ›Diluted vinegar can dissolve the finish that protects the wood and leave it looking cloudy, dull, or scratched. (The same goes for wood furniture.) Follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations or pick a cleaner that's made specifically for hardwood flooring.
How long before vinegar kills mold? ›Let the vinegar sit for at least an hour. Using a brush with soft bristles, scrub the moldy surface until the mold comes off. If you're scrubbing a rougher surface you might need a thicker brush. Dry the area completely with a clean rag and throw away the used rag and brush.
What kills mold Besides vinegar? ›Hydrogen peroxide is often used as an antiseptic, oxidizer and bleaching agent. It is also effective in removing various forms of mold. Hydrogen peroxide bubbles when it comes in contact with bacteria.
What's the difference between black mold and mildew? ›Mildew is a surface fungi that can easily be identified as a patch of gray or even white fungus that is lying on the surface of a moist area. Mildew is easily treated with a store bought cleaner and a scrubbing brush. Mold, on the other hand, can be black or green and is often the result of a much larger infestation.
Can you rub off black mold? ›Use soap, water and a scrub brush or sponge to scrub the mold from surfaces. Get rid of any items that have the mold, such as old towels or toiletries.
Does black mold ever go away? ›Mold does not dry out and die but remains inactive for a while if moisture is not available. This means that it can still grow back and multiply when it is exposed to any sources of moisture. Professional mold remediation and moisture control help to keep mold at bay.
Is vinegar or baking soda better for mold? ›
Vinegar is sometimes used along with baking soda when cleaning up a mold problem since vinegar kills different species of mold than baking soda. To kill mold, add 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle containing water.
Can you mix baking soda and white vinegar together? ›These two common household materials can serve as natural cleaners to remove grime and keep your surfaces clean. Because vinegar and baking soda are on opposite ends of the pH scale, they can be combined and used as effective cleaning solutions.
Does mold on wood go away? ›If it is painted, wiping the surface with hot water and any detergent will resolve the issue. This is because the mold cannot penetrate through paint or any treated wood. For untreated wood, clean the surface with water, detergent, and some bleach.
Is there a paint that kills mold on wood? ›Zinsser Mold Killing Primer is a water-based EPA registered fungicidal protective coating that can be used to paint over and kill all existing mold, mildew, moss, fungi, odor causing bacteria and any other fungal organisms.
Can I paint kilz over mold? ›Although it is designed to be applied directly to mold and mildew prone surfaces, any existing mold and/or mildew on the surface should be removed before priming and painting. This will ensure best results. Wash the area with a mildew remover, rinse with water and allow to dry before priming.
Will mold come back after cleaning? ›If you don't eliminate the original source of the moisture, mold will certainly come back, even after using bleach! One of the reasons is that even when you clean a surface with bleach, mold may still be lurking deep within the material in areas your cleaning may have missed.
What color is mold on wood? ›Generally, molds produce spores that are clearly visible as black, white, green, orange, or purple spots on the wood. There are even some molds that are not visible to the naked eye. Mold spores can easily spread to other damp surfaces, including other wood products.
Do mold stains mean there is still mold? ›Even after mold remediation, in some cases, a visible difference in color remains between mold-affected areas and those unaffected by mold. Sometimes dark or even black stains may still be noticeable. The area can be free of mold (due to mold remediation) yet remain visibly stained.
Does vinegar remove mold from wood furniture? ›Distilled white vinegar is an excellent mold killing agent. Should dish soap be too weak to remove the mold, add vinegar to a spray bottle. Spray the furniture thoroughly with the vinegar. Wait about an hour, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
How do you clean unfinished wood furniture? ›Smoke or chemical sponge
Also known as “dry cleaning or soot sponges,” these vulcanized rubber sponge products with a small quantity of added detergent can be effective at picking up dirt from a bare wood surface. The sponge is gently pressed or rolled onto the surface.
What does mold on unfinished wood look like? ›
Generally, molds produce spores that are clearly visible as black, white, green, orange, or purple spots on the wood. There are even some molds that are not visible to the naked eye. Mold spores can easily spread to other damp surfaces, including other wood products.
Can you use vinegar to clean unfinished wood? ›White vinegar comes to the rescue to remove fingerprints, grime and general dirt left on unfinished furniture. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar into a spray bottle containing a few ounces of water, then squirt the solution onto the affected area, wiping away with a damp cloth.
What do you clean unsealed wood with? ›...
How to Clean Unsealed Wood Floors?
- Treat it with natural oils.
- Apply and clean with wax.
- Sweep and vacuum regularly.
- Apply and clean with vinegar.
Cleaning your wooden floors with Lysol®
You can clean polished wood or non-porous hardwood floors with Lysol® . If you're just looking to – you can use Lysol® All-Purpose Cleaner to clean and disinfect your floor surface without causing damage to the wood.
- Sand Lightly. Using something like 120-grit sandpaper make sure there isn't any dirt or loose wood fibers lingering. ...
- Apply Oil. Mix up a 50/50 solution of boiled linseed oil and turpentine. ...
- Prime & Paint. Using a good oil-based primer, cover the bare wood after the oil is cured.
Black mold, as the name implies, is often dark in color. When searching for black mold, look for circular-shaped spots that are black, dark green or dark brown. Some black mold can also take on shades of orange or have flecks of white within it. Most of the time, black mold has a slightly furry appearance.
Can I use Murphy oil soap on unfinished wood? ›Using the incorrect chemicals on your unfinished flooring has a high risk of causing permanent discoloration. It is inadvisable to use chemical-based cleaners on your unfinished hardwood floors. Floor cleaners will harm your flooring irreversibly. Murphy's Oil Soap is a good option for one cleaner you may use.
Can you use hydrogen peroxide on unfinished wood? ›Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic typically used for cuts and scrapes. But this safe, natural cleaner is also a whitener that works well on all kinds of stains, including dark stains on wood. Hydrogen peroxide can discolor some items if it sits too long or if the formula is too strong.
Can you use Clorox wipes on unfinished wood? ›With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many people continue to wonder how best to clean their wooden chairs. Can disinfecting wipes be used on wood furniture? Household disinfecting wipes, such as Clorox or Lysol, are safe to use on most finished wood surfaces.