Is It Hard to Clean Black Mold That Grows on Wood Surfaces?
Mold frequently thrives on wooden surfaces because wood absorbs a lot of water. On top of that, moisture, warm temperatures, and mold spores naturally present in the environment present ideal conditions for mold infestation.
The best thing about this is that if the region in question is less than ten square feet and you are certain the mold is not the toxic type, removing it on your own will not be a problem. You will require a few household cleaning agents that do not contain water. However, if you have to use these cleaning agents, it must be done immediately because putting off the project will allow the mold colony to expand, and this will cause health complications for you and your family.
The big question is what happens if the mold on the wood is the toxic type. Will it be possible to remove toxic black mold from wood like it is with other species? Due to the toxicity of black mold, it is always good to let professionals handle it. Toxic black mold is hazardous when breathed, so avoid touching it.
Treating Mold that Grows on Wood
Mold on wood is so ugly that it can never go unnoticed, and this might wreak havoc in your home. Therefore, finding a way to deal with the mold might be the best way to keep your furniture in perfect condition. If you are sure you can handle the situation without putting your health at risk, use the following steps to remove mold from your wooden surfaces.
Put on Protective Gear
Toxic black mold can cause serious health complications such as wheezing and difficulty breathing if inhaled and exposed for an extended period. This is why you must protect your respiratory system from toxic substances. Additionally, skin contact with the substance can cause irritation, hence the need to keep your body protected as well.
Vacuum the Affected Area
Since mold spores easily spread through the air, using a HEPA-based vacuum will help suck the spores to prevent further transfer. Before vacuuming the wooden surface, ensure everything is tightly fixed, then dispose of the contents outside after completion.
Clean the Mold
Assess the extent of damage on the wood, and if it is merely on the surface, you can kill all the mold. Using products like bleach is highly discouraged because it will only result in a bigger mess. The best way to kill mold on porous surfaces is using non-water-based remedies like treating with baking soda, essential oils, applying hydrogen peroxide solution or white vinegar. If all these are not effective in removing the mold, use a borax solution, the most effective, though expensive means.
Sand the Wood
To be sure, you can sand the wood using 100-grit sandpaper. This will help get rid of any hidden mold. Afterward, repeat everything from step 2.
If all these don’t work for you, find a professional company that deals with mold removal. Furthermore, it is best to let experts handle what they do best.