How to Kill Mold on Wood

Appearing in shades of green, yellow, black and brown, the fungus called mold -- actually comprised of over 100,000 species -- releases its spores everywhere. These "babies" drift on the wind, brought in with the groceries, carried by shoes or pets -- any means of getting to a food source. Once inside your home, molds and mildew find your wood delicious, and are able to set up camp in moist, humid conditions, especially with dirt or dust for dessert. But there is a simple way to eliminate mold, and keep it away.

Plastic sheeting or other protective covering
Paint scraper, sandpaper, or chemical stripper such as paint thinner (if necessary)
Mild alkali or commercial disinfectant such as washing soda or trisodium phosphate
Chlorine bleach (optional)
Stiff-bristled brush
Clean cotton rags
Shellac, paint or other finish
Oxalic acid (optional)
Old clothes with long-sleeved shirt
Old shoes
Rubber or disposable gloves
Goggles

Instructions

- 1
  Assess the object or area in your home that contains mold or mildew. Identify the source of moisture that contributed to the growth of the fungus; repair any leaks as appropriate to prevent future water sources contacting the wood again.
- 2
  Look for the presence of mold past the area obviously infested; mold can grow "tentacles" extending a dozen or more feet away. Spread plastic, as necessary, to cover floors or surrounding areas to protect them while you clean the moldy area and surrounding area. Carry removable wooden objects outside to clean.
- 3
  Turn on a fan, a dehumidifer if possible, and increase air ventilation if feasible. Consider increasing the heat to speed the evaporation of available moisture. Drying the moisture content of the area will prevent future mold growth along with treating the current growth.
- 4
  Remove any paint or varnish from the wood if the mold is growing underneath the finish. You will see dark splotches under the finish and possibly a very rough, hole-riddled surface. Use a paint scraper, sandpaper, or chemical stripper such as paint thinner to completely strip the finish.
- 5
  Mix a gallon of warm water with 8 to 10 tbsp. of a mild alkali or commercial disinfectant. Don Vandervort writes on HomeTips.com that trisodium phosphate mixed with a cup of chlorine bleach can work on persistent molds that penetrated the now-removed wood finish or bad stains; bleach can, however, be destructive to wood and even bleach the finish, so choose with care.
- 6
  
  Gloves protect your hands from the mold and the chemicals.
  
  Scrub the affected area with a brush, liberally applying your cleaning solution, with or without bleach added. Work vigorously to work the solution down to the "roots" of the mold. Allow the solution to sit up to 5 minutes to soak into the wood, where mold may lurk; soaking delicate woods and antiques may not be advisable.
- 7
  Rinse the wood well with warm water, rubbing with a rag as you work. Finish with a fresh, dry rag to absorb excess moisture.
- 8
  Repeat steps as necessary to remove persistent mold or mildew. Dry the area or object thoroughly between each scrub-down to prevent encouraging the mold.
- 9
  Cover clean, mold-free wood to prevent continued mold problems. Shellac, paint and other finishes may contain mold inhibitors and will protect your wood. Keep the wood dust-free and clean as well; mold gets nutrition from these particles.

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