How to get rid of mould from wood: simple, effective steps

Why does mould appear on wood

Mould appears on wood due to different factors such as humidity, leaks, condensation caused by poor ventilation, or even by using unsuitable products that cause excessive moisture in the wood. This can entail hazards that we need to be aware of in order to avoid and prevent them.

Hazards of mould on wood in the home

The dangers of mould in the home, which can damage the floorboards or furniture, can also damage the major wooden structures of a building, and the kitchen. It is important to identify the source as soon as possible, because the damage caused by mould is gradual. The biggest hazard caused by mould though is for people. It can affect our respiratory health.

Necessary materials and products to get rid of mould

There are a lot of products that can help us get rid of mould, and you are sure to have at least some of them in your cleaning cupboard. If not, they can be easily found in the home cleaning and care section.

• White vinegar or cleaning vinegar which is more concentrated. We apply it directly to the affected area and leave it to work for an hour. Finally, we wipe or gently brush it off and then dry it.
• Baking powder diluted in water, using the same procedure but without completely drying it. This prevents it from reappearing.
• Alcohol is ideal for mild cases.
• Neutral soap diluted in warm water. We clean the mould with a sponge, then rinse the area and dry it quickly.
• Anti-mould cleaners, specific products with their own directions for use.
• A soft bristle scrubbing brush is ideal for applying different products. Remember to wash it with hot water and some disinfectant such as alcohol to get rid of any remains that could be left on it afterwards.
• Gloves and face mask to protect your respiratory tract against the product vapours and mould.

Effective steps to remove mould from wood

1. The first step is to identify the area of mould and decide if it has spread further.
2. Superficially clean the affected surface.
3. Any of the products mentioned earlier can be used. Apply the product and leave it to work for a few minutes.
4. Dry the product you have used.
5. Check and repeat if necessary.

How to prevent mould appearing on wood

Sometimes prevention is the best way to fight off mould, and to do so the best thing is to keep the surface dry, and to check and ensure sufficient ventilation. Depending on the type of wood, we can varnish it to prevent damp from penetrating the surface. Depending on how badly the surface is affected, we should lightly or more vigorously sand the area before varnishing.

Professional alternatives to get rid of mould from wood

If the mould has spread over a large area, a professional should be called in to avoid the mould from spreading further, and deal with any structural damp or internal leaks. 

Frequently asked questions about mould on wood

Some of the most frequently asked question about mould are:

• Is mould on furniture hazardous? It can be hazardous because it can affect our respiratory tract and even spread to major structures.
• Does bleach work? In some cases it does, but it severely damages the surfaces of the wood and does not fully eliminate the source, meaning that mould can reappear.
• What should I do if it reappears? You should try and locate what causes it to appear, which could be damp, leaks, a lot of water, etc.
• Can damaged furniture be restored? You can always sand furniture, either superficially or deeper depending on how badly affected the wood is. If the wood is so badly affected that it has started to rot, it should be replaced or disposed of.