What kills mold on wood?

Author: Prof. Abbigail Kuphal Sr.  |  Last update: Sunday, February 22, 2026

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.

How long does it take vinegar to kill mold on wood?

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.

Is vinegar or bleach better for killing mold?

Bleach kills most mold. White vinegar kills slightly more species of mold. In both cases, mold on a porous surface will likely recover because the chemical doesn't penetrate down to ALL the mold. Physical removal is easiest on things like drywall.

What is the best mold killer spray for wood?

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.

Can wood with mold be saved?

If the wood has been wet or damp for less than 48 hours, it can generally be cleaned and disinfected of mold. But if it's been wet for longer than 48 hours or there's already a significant amount of visible mold growth present, then the wood should be removed and discarded using safe work practices.

Proven Ways To Remove Mold From Wood. How To Remove Mold Inside Walls

What kills mold on wood instantly?

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.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

What do professionals clean mold with?

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.

How to stop mold from growing on wood?

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.

Can I leave vinegar on mold overnight?

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.

Why isn't vinegar killing mold?

Vinegar is good at killing plant matter, that much is true. But it can rarely penetrate deeply enough to kill fungi like mold down to the root. That's why it usually isn't truly effective in cleaning black mold, green mold, and most kinds of common house molds.

How to remove mold from wood?

Vinegar solution

If the dish soap and water technique hasn't fixed the affected area, then consider distilled white vinegar instead. Mix a spray of water and vinegar, roughly equal parts, and apply it directly to the mould on wood. Allow to sit for an hour, before wiping clean with just water.

Is hydrogen peroxide better than vinegar for mold?

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.

What happens if you leave vinegar on 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.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

Does pine sol kill mold?

Pine-Sol can be effective against some mold, in some circumstances, but it is not universally effective against all mold. Why is Pine-Sol effective against some mold? Because it has an extremely acidic and extremely basic pH. pH is mainly what determines whether a cleaning chemical is considered “strong” or not.

What is the best mold killer for wood?

Vinegar is a natural mold killer that is safe for most surfaces, including unfinished wood. Apply the Solution: Dip a soft-bristled brush into the vinegar solution and gently scrub the moldy areas of the wood. For stubborn mold spots, you may need to reapply the solution and scrub multiple times.

How do you make wood mold free?

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.

Is there a spray to stop mold?

Customers say that Concrobium Mold Control is an effective solution for killing and preventing mold growth, particularly in areas affected by water damage. Many users appreciate its non-toxic formula and low odor, making it safe for use around children and pets.

What 100% kills mold?

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.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

What should you not clean mold with?

Biocides are substances that can destroy living organisms. The use of a chemical or biocide that kills organisms such as mold (chlorine bleach, for example) is not recommended as a routine practice during mold cleanup.

Is Clorox or vinegar better for mold?

Is bleach or vinegar better to kill mold? 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.

How to permanently get rid of mold?

Take care to protect yourself by wearing eye protection, gloves, and a facemask, if necessary, and test the product in a small area first before continuing. Mix one part bleach to four parts water. Wipe and gently scrub the mould until it is gone.

What eats away at mold?

Vinegar is natural and safe mild acid that can kill 82% of mold species. Plus it doesn't give off dangerous fumes like bleach. If you want to use vinegar to prevent mold growth on surfaces, spray vinegar on the surface and leave it. Repeat every few days to keep the surface mold-free.

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