A Guide To Mold Growth On Wood
Mold growth in the household can be hazardous to you and your family’s health if it’s not dealt with appropriately. It can also destroy wooden items such as furniture, floors, ceilings, and wood decks by causing rot and spreading rapidly.
It’s in your best interest to address any instances of mold growth before it spreads any further, especially if it’s within your home. In order to effectively mitigate its growth on your property, you need to learn about the different types of mold that exist and the steps you can take to remove mold.
In this article, we discuss some of these issues as well as various prevention measures to help keep your home and your family safe!
The Various Types Of Mold Growth
Mold growth on wood manifests itself in different forms. It mostly appears as patches of black colored dots, streaks of a green substance, or white discoloration on the wooden surface. While there are hundreds of mold species, there are three main types that commonly appear in households: black, green, and white mold.
Black Mold
There are certain types of black mold that are thought to be harmless. However, the Stachybotrys chartarum species is considered very dangerous and can be harmful to your health. This species is known to release mycotoxins which can cause respiratory problems and other health complications.
Damp areas are the most conducive to the growth of black mold. This type of mold is a bit harder to get rid of because of its deep roots, especially on porous surfaces.
Green Mold
The molds that fall under this category have a green appearance with a soft texture. They mostly grow on food, but they can also grow on surfaces that have prolonged exposure to moisture.
Green mold can also cause certain health complications. Though it may not be as harmful as black mold, its presence still needs to be addressed.
White Mold
The mold species under this category appear as a white powder on food, fabrics, carpet, and wood surfaces. Unlike the other types, white mold isn’t toxic but it can still cause health complications. It can also cause wood to rot, affecting its structural integrity.
Getting Rid Of Mold In Furniture
There are different measures you can take when you identify mold growth on your wooden furniture. These steps depend on the materials you can get access to. Here are a few methods you can use to mitigate mold growth on your furniture:
Sunlight Treatment
Exposure to sunlight can reverse the effects of mold growth on your furniture. Mold requires moisture, darkness, and humidity for it to grow. By exposing it to direct sunlight, you can effectively eliminate the mold.
Dishwashing Detergent
A mixture of dishwashing detergent and warm water can be effective in removing mold from the furniture surfaces. You can use a soft bristle brush to clean it.
After that, a gentle wipe with a damp cloth can help to further clean the surface. Repeat this process if there is still some mold present on the surface. Once you’re sure it’s clean, wipe the furniture using a dry cloth.
Vinegar
Alternatively, you may spray some white vinegar on the furniture surface and let it settle for about an hour. When the time lapses, wipe it with a damp cloth to get the desired outcome.
Vodka
Spraying some vodka on the furniture surface can effectively get rid of any mold growth. It’s recommended that you let it settle for at least ten minutes and then clean the surface with a sponge. Once you’re done, ventilate the area so the furniture can dry off quickly.
Borax
Take a cup of borax and mix it with a gallon of water. Use this solution to clean the surface of your furniture and then wipe it with a cloth.
Afterward, let the furniture dry until the solution has completely evaporated. You can then apply some linseed oil to a cloth and wipe the furniture for a nice, clean finish.
How To Remove Mold From Wooden Floors And Ceilings
If you’ve discovered mold growth on your ceilings or floors, the first step is to identify the source. This may be caused by a leak or other types of water damage. Following this, clear the area to expose the full extent of the damage.
Using a solution of warm water, vinegar, and dishwashing detergent, spray the damaged surface and leave it for about ten minutes. You can then wipe the surface with a clean damp cloth and allow the surface to dry.
It is recommended that you check again after a few weeks to ensure the mold is gone. If not, you may need to seek professional help.
Removing Mold From Wooden Decks
Wooden decks are at greater risk of mold growth mainly because of exposure to the elements. To remove mold from the decks, mix a third of a cup of laundry detergent with a gallon of water and scrub the surface with a hard brush.
To clean any resulting mold stains, use a deck cleaner containing oxygen bleach. You can then add a protective coat to prevent the possible future occurrence of mold.
Mold Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent mold growth in your home is by minimizing the moisture content. You can achieve this by controlling the levels of humidity using a dehumidifier or alternatively by allowing air to circulate within the rooms.
To prevent mold on wooden surfaces, it’s advisable to keep them as dry as possible. You can also be proactive by identifying and repairing any sources of potential water damage on your property to prevent the occurrence of mold.
Bottom Line
Mold growth can be detrimental to your health and to the health of your loved ones. It can also cause structural damage to your property by causing the wood to rot. Once you identify the signs of mold in your home, it’s best to take immediate action by using the mitigation measures discussed or by contacting mold remediation professionals.
At Markham Services, we conduct mold inspections, mold testing, and post-remediation verification services for residents in Orlando and the greater Florida area. If you suspect you have a mold issue, reach out to us for a professional evaluation!
