Vacuuming moldy contents outdoors and then sealing and disposing of the spores that have been removed is one of the best ways to minimize the risk of personal exposure while dislodging colonies. The most effective and least damaging cleanup methods available depends on whether an article can be taken outside for cleaning or must be treated in the indoor location where a fixture is installed. Allow treated wood to dry out completely prior to applying an anti-fungal finish or primer and paint that contain Mildewcide. These substances will sink into the unfinished wood and can clear out any residual roots that could readily renew the growth of mold by remaining intact. Depending on how deep an infestation goes, it may be necessary to remove the surface layer of wood with 100-grit sandpaper to completely eradicate the hyphae or roots.Īfter sanding wood, it may be helpful to reapply vinegar or any cleaning solution other than bleach. If vinegar is not a good choice for a particular type of wood or is not available, diluted baking soda, dish soap or the alkaline mineral salt Borax may be good alternatives for killing wood mold. Wood treated with bleach may also become damaged and discolored while remaining susceptible to mold regrowth. Chlorine bleach is only effective for disinfecting surfaces, and the water in this cleaning solution could be absorbed into wood and sustain fungal growth. Unlike bleach, vinegar penetrates deep into wood grain to eliminate every trace of mold. Lucy’s Family Owned – Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) – 5% Acidity Reapply diluted or full-strength vinegar as needed before toweling off wood and speeding up drying by running fans or a dehumidifier. If you are not sure whether to clean mold off of any article made of wood or wooden surface, consult with a mold restoration expert.Īpply a vinegar cleaning solution to materials that tolerate this treatment and then wait a full hour for the substance to sink in before scrubbing and wiping the surface. Most mold remediation experts recommend diluting distilled white vinegar in a 5% to 6% cleaning vinegar solution in water or spraying onto moldy wood at full strength.īe aware that full-strength or diluted vinegar may have the potential to damage waxed wood or other delicate finishes. Vinegar is the best natural mold killing treatment for the surface and sublayers of porous materials such as wood. An N95 or P100 mask is an adequate base level of protection to wear while cleaning mold off of wood. If you suspect that toxic black mold is growing on wood, make sure that any respiratory equipment you use is rated to protect the wearer from exposure to mold spores, microbial volatile organic compounds and mycotoxins. A half- or full-face respirator, plastic sheeting and fans for creating a containment environment with negative air pressure may be advisable for cleaning fungus out of more than 10 square feet of a structure or an infestation involving a toxic species and strain of mold. Whether wood mold is inert, allergenic or toxigenic, be sure to wear all of the following safety equipment:Īdditional PPE and containment supplies may be needed depending on the severity of an infestation and whether the mold is toxigenic. When attempting to locate or clean mold on wood, amateurs and professionals should both use appropriate PPE.
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