How To Remove Black Mold From Wood

Wood is composed of cellulose, which comes from plants and is a good food source to fungi. Mold growth can be supported by porous and organic materials that are moistened. Structures that are continually exposed to high humidity or leaking water can develop black mold. These are the steps you need to take to get rid of mildew or black mold from wood. This will help prevent damage to property and other problems.

How To Clean Mold From Wood

Professionals and amateurs alike should use the same PPE to clean or find wood mold. No matter whether wood mold is toxic or allergenic, you should always use the correct safety equipment.

• Goggles
• Facial mask
• Rubber gloves

Additional PPE and containment materials may also be needed depending on the severity of the infestation. A half-face or full-face respirator is recommended for cleaning fungus within 10 feet of structures. You should ensure your equipment protects you against mold spores, microbial volatile organic compound and mycotoxins if you suspect black mold growth on wood. For wood mold removal, a N95 or P100 mask is sufficient protection.

Check Out The Wood Condition

Depending on the extent of mold growth, it may be necessary to restore or remove wood furniture, fixtures and flooring. Mold inspectors and property owners must wear the proper PPE to determine if moisture or mold has infiltrated wood. You can remove rotten wood and seal it. Then, you can replace the affected materials. Solid wood can be cleaned and restored if it hasn’t been damaged by mold growth. Wood is porous and can absorb sufficient moisture to support the growth mold colonies. Wood that is not yet mold-producing or wood with no visible mold growth can be scrubbed or sanded to remove the hyphae, multicellular roots, and filaments.

Use Vinegar Instead Of Bleach

Vinegar is the best natural remedy for mold. Vinegar can be used to kill molds on porous materials such as wood’s surface and sub-layers. It is possible to damage waxed wood or delicate finishes by using full-strength vinegar. An expert in mold restoration will help you decide whether to remove mold from wood articles. Let the vinegar cleaning solution settle for at least one hour before you scrub the surface. Before wiping the wood, use full- or diluted vinegar. Fans or humidifiers can be used to speed up drying. Vinegar penetrates wood grain more deeply than bleach to eliminate any trace of mold. Only chlorine bleach can disinfect surfaces.

The cleaning solution can also absorb water from wood, which could cause fungal growth. While bleach can cause wood to turn discolored or become damaged, it is still susceptible to mold growth. Vinegar might not be an option for some wood types, or it may not even be possible. Baking soda, dish soap and the alkaline mineral salt Borax are all good options for killing wood mold. The extent of infestation may require that the wood’s outer layer be removed with 100-grit Sandpaper. After sanding, vinegar or another cleaning agent may be helpful. These chemicals penetrate the wood and can be used to remove roots that could cause mold growth. Let the wood dry completely before applying an anti-fungal primer/finish.

Cleanse And Vacuum Visible Colonies

The most effective and efficient cleaning methods will depend on whether the article can go outside or must be done in the area where it is. You can reduce the chance of exposure by vacuuming out any moldy materials and sealing the area. If the type of mold being treated is not toxic, a HEPA-rated vacuum can reduce indoor levels of mycotoxins and spores. Professional equipment is needed for infestations exceeding 10 square feet. This will increase the effectiveness of your next scrubbing and wiping. You can use mild cleaning solutions such as dish detergent with water or full-strength vinegar. Before applying vinegar, wait at least 60 minutes. Use a scouring pad and brush to scrub the wood. Seal the area with a scouring pad or brush and get rid of any other cleaning tools that might be problematic.

Prevent Re-Infestation By Treating Wood
A wood mold infestation can occur in any structure as long as it is found in an environment that favors fungus growth. Mold growth can be caused by high relative humidity and water damage. Wood is rich in cellulose, which is an excellent source of nutrients. Wood can be treated to stop water leaking or excessive moisture levels dropping. You may have to use vinegar again, at a higher level of 5% or 66%, if it isn’t effective in eliminating the mold. In some cases, borax or an alkaline mineral salt cleaner might be a better choice. This substance is absorbed beneath the wood’s surface. Once the wood has dried completely, you can paint or prime furniture with a mold-resistant coat.

When To Seek Professional Assistance

If you suspect that your mold problem has reached more than 10 feet, mold remediation specialists can help. Experts can use partial or full containment to stop mold spores from spreading or intensifying the problem. For mold infestations that have impacted large areas of a structure, a limited amount of containment may be necessary. You can seal a structure with one layer plastic sheeting to prevent mold from entering or exiting. You will need two layers of plastic sheeting and an airlock to completely eliminate toxic mold infestations.

911 Restoration of Washington DC has all the necessary tools, PPE and materials to eliminate wood mold from commercial and residential properties. For valuable wood furniture and other building materials, the expert use of commercial-grade cleaning products can prove to be very beneficial. This is especially true for expensive or rare items, and wood that has been waxed or finished with delicate finishes. Major infestations of mold can cause wood to rot and even destruction if they reach the wood’s underside. Wood mold can easily be eradicated if you use the right cleaning and restoration techniques for wood furniture and other materials.