But simply wiping the wood can release spores into the surrounding air. A better approach is to gently spray or wet down the mold prior to removal. There are a number of products on the market, ranging from common bleach to commercial mildewcides, which are promoted for cleaning mold from wood.
On almost all wood surfaces, distilled white vinegar is a very efficient method to kill mold effectively. It will go through the wood and kill the fungus at its source.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Use 3% hydrogen peroxide on a cloth or spray directly onto the mold. This is a more potent option for stubborn mold but is still safe for unfinished wood.
A. Yes, but we do not recommend that you use the spray on wood because it has a bleaching effect. For wood, we recommend our other Mould Remover (with the white label). This other spray can also be used to remove mould stains and prevent mould regrowth on delicate materials such as leather and fabric.
2. Use a mild detergent like Dawn (not Murphy's Oil Soap!), get a cloth barely damp, and scrub at the mildew. Use another damp cloth to wipe down the area (work in small sections), and then dry with another soft cloth or towel, being careful not to snag on any splintered edges if there are any.
Pour enough undiluted white vinegar into the empty spray bottle to cover the area of mold growth. Spray the mold directly, fully saturating it with the vinegar, and allow the vinegar to sit for at least an hour. Don't be tempted to scrub or rinse; the mold needs time to completely absorb the vinegar.
Vinegar is better at killing mold because it can work on both porous and nonporous surfaces. It also terminates molds at their roots so the mold won't return and is also safer than bleach. You can even combine it with baking soda to make it more effective.
How do you prevent mold on wood? The safest way is to ensure you have a dry environment as molds thrive in damp places. You can do this by opening windows for air circulation and using dehumidifiers or fans. Keep the moisture content in the wood to the lowest level.
For large amounts of mold, the only method that kills mold 100%, every time, is removing all of the mold-infested materials entirely, and replacing them with new materials.
The spray will likely work to kill off the mold on the surface, and you will feel like you have made some progress on this matter. To be sure, this is better than doing nothing at all. So, you've sprayed the area and the mold that was on the surface has died off.
As a mold professional we use a 2-step process. We use our enzyme treatment and then apply our mold inhibitor. We also take a look and find the moisture source to help alleviate more mold from growing. As a DIY homeowner removing mold from your furniture, we would recommend using Concrobium.
A solution of white vinegar and water sprayed directly on the affected area can be effective in killing up to 82% of mould species. However, vinegar may not be effective for all types of mould or on all surfaces, so it's often best to do a patch test first.
Yes, you can leave vinegar on mould overnight, though this isn't necessary as it usually takes effect after an hour. However, you can't use any type of vinegar, for mould removal you must use distilled white vinegar.
For a fast-acting cleaner with quick results, we recommend the RMR-86 Instant Mold Stain and Mildew Stain Remover. Our favorite aspect is how versatile it is, since it can work on most non-porous and semi-porous surfaces including wood, vinyl, drywall, brick, kitchen counters, concrete floors, and more.
Deciding when to clean mold
In some cases, wood can simply be treated for mold growth with a bleach solution, then dried and sealed. The process of removing mold from enclosed spaces could increase exposure to mold spores in the short term.
Treat White Rot Mold on Wood
Once all visible growth is removed, use water with a mild bleach solution (one-part bleach to 20 parts water) to treat any area where white-rot fungus might have penetrated the wood's surface.
Bleach is one of the most reliable cleaners that pros use to remove mold stains and mildew stains. This professional level concentration of bleach is ideal for cleaning bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor surfaces. MOLD ARMOR Rapid Clean Remediation represents a leap forward in mold removal.
On almost all wood surfaces, distilled white vinegar is a very efficient method to kill mold effectively. It will go through the wood and kill the fungus at its source. Painted or stained wood can be cleaned with a cleaning solution of warm water and dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent.
Dried mold will become temporarily inactive like a colony in hibernation. They can remain dormant for years and won't easily go away.
Combine one tablespoon borax with one cup water. Apply to the affected area with a soft-bristled brush. Scrub away the mold, but leave the borax solution on the wood. Aim a fan at the treated surface to help it dry more quickly.
Tung Oil. Tung oil provides a waterproof wood finish that will not mold or go rancid over time. It's also free of distillates and additives, meaning it's safe to use on a variety of surfaces and wood grain (it's even FDA approved for food contact).
If you don't have hydrogen peroxide, use distilled white or cleaning vinegar. Distilled white vinegar's acidity slowly breaks down and kills mold but does so much slower than cleaning vinegar.
Vinegar typically performs best on mold when it is used undiluted in full strength. Simply transfer the white vinegar into a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar directly onto the mold. Do not rinse or scrub.
Mildew has a gray, white or light brown color and generally rests flat on the surface of a moist area. It has a powdery appearance that may have a distinct, foul odor. Mold has a fuzzy, raised appearance and in unaired areas has a strong, musty smell. It often appears in darker shades of black, green and red.