How To Get Rid Of Black Mold On Wood

Wood is made up of cellulose from plants, which is a good food source for fungi. When there is moisture, organic and porous materials can support mold growth. Black mold can be developed in structures that are constantly exposed to high humidity and leaking water. These are the steps to eliminate mildew and black mold from wood. This will prevent property damage, unnecessary health risks, and other potential problems.

How To Clean Mold From Wood

Both professionals and amateurs should use the same PPE when trying to find or clean wood mold. You should always wear the appropriate safety equipment, regardless of whether wood mold is toxic, allergenic, or inert.

• Goggles
• Mask for the fac
• Rubber gloves

Depending on the severity and toxigenicity of the infestation, additional PPE and containment materials may be required. For cleaning fungus from more than 10 feet of a structure, or an infestation of toxic species or strains of mold, a half- or full-face respirator and plastic sheeting are recommended. If you suspect toxic black mold growth on wood, ensure that your respiratory equipment is designed to protect you from mold spores and microbial volatile organic compound (MVOC) and mycotoxins. A P100 or N95 mask can provide adequate protection for mold removal from wood.

View The Wood Condition

It may be necessary to remove or restore wood furniture, fixtures, flooring, or paneling depending on how much mold has grown. Both property owners and mold inspectors need to wear the appropriate PPE to identify if moisture and mold have infiltrated wood. Remove rotten wood, seal it and then replace any affected materials. It is possible to clean and restore solid wood that has not been affected by mold growth. All wood is porous, and can absorb enough moisture to support the growth of mold colonies. Wood that has not yet developed mold, or wood on which there is no visible mold growth, can be cleaned, scrubbed, or sanded to remove the multicellular roots or filaments called hyphae.

Use Vinegar Instead Of Bleach

Vinegar is the best natural treatment for mold. It can be used to kill mold on the surface and sub-layers of porous materials like wood. You should be aware that diluted or full-strength vinegar can damage delicate finishes or waxed wood. A mold restoration expert can help you decide whether or not to remove mold from wood articles. After applying vinegar cleaning solution to any materials that can withstand it, wait for at least an hour for the substance in the soil to settle before you scrub and wipe the surface. Apply diluted or full strength vinegar as necessary before wiping off the wood. You can speed up drying by using fans or a humidifier to speed up drying. Vinegar penetrates wood grain deeper than bleach to remove any trace of mold. The disinfection of surfaces is limited to chlorine bleach.

However, the cleaning solution can absorb water into wood which could lead to fungal growth. The bleach can also cause wood to become discolored and damaged, while still being susceptible to mold growth. Vinegar may not be a good option for certain wood types or may not be available. However, baking soda, dish soap, or the alkaline mineral salt Borax can all be used to kill wood mold. It may be necessary to remove the wood’s surface layer with 100-grit sandpaper depending on the extent of the infestation. It may be beneficial to apply vinegar or another cleaning agent after sanding the wood. These substances will penetrate the wood, and can remove any roots that could easily renew the growth of mold. Before you apply an anti-fungal primer or finish, let the wood dry completely.

Vacuum And Scrub Visible Colonies

The best and most efficient cleaning methods depend on whether the article can be taken outdoors or must be cleaned in the place where it is located. It is possible to reduce the risk of being exposed by vacuuming out moldy materials and sealing off the area where they have been removed. A HEPA-rated vacuum can be used to reduce indoor levels of spores, mycotoxins, and mVOCs if the species of mold being removed is not toxic. For infestations that exceed 10 square feet, professional equipment is required. This can help increase the effectiveness of your subsequent scrubbing or wiping. Use a mild wet cleaning solution, such as dish detergent mixed in water or full-strength white vinegar. Wait at least 60 minutes before applying vinegar. Scrub the wood with a scouring pad or brush. Then seal the area and dispose of any other cleaning equipment that may be difficult to clean.

Treat Wood To Prevent Re-infestation

As long as the environment is favorable for fungus growth, a wood mold infestation can recur in a structure. High relative humidity or water damage can cause mold growth. Wood contains cellulose which is a rich source for nutriment. It is important to prevent water leakage or excessive moisture levels from dropping, but wood can be treated to help prevent problems from recurring. If vinegar is not effective in eliminating mold from the area, you may need to apply it again at a higher concentration of 5% or 66%. Borax, an alkaline mineral salt cleaner may be a better option in some cases. This substance is absorbed below the wood’s surface. After wood treated with Borax and vinegar has dried completely, furniture and building materials can be painted or primed with a mold-resistant coating.

When To Seek Professional Assistance

Contact mold remediation professionals if you have a mold problem in your building that has spread to more than 10 feet. If necessary, trained experts can apply partial or complete containment to prevent mold spores spreading or intensifying the problem. Limited containment may be required for mold infestations that have affected a large portion of a structure. To prevent the mold from entering and exiting a structure, you can seal it off with one layer of plastic sheeting. To fully contain toxic mold infestations or large infestations, you will need to use double layers of plastic sheeting with an airlock or chamber.

911 Restoration of Las Vegas has the tools, PPE, and materials to remove wood mold from residential and commercial properties. The expert application of cleaning products and commercial-grade equipment can be especially beneficial for valuable wood furniture and building materials. This is especially true for rare or expensive items or materials, as well as wood with delicate finishes or waxed. Major infestations of mold that reach deep beneath the wood’s surface can cause rot and destruction. Wood mold can be eliminated if you follow the proper cleaning and restoration procedures for wood furniture and other building materials.