Mould growth is one of the most common issues in households, as it can grow well in several environmental conditions. Unfortunately, your wood furniture is also not safe from this problem.
This guide helps you learn about the causes and the types of mould that grow on wooden furniture and how to remove it. It also includes details related to cleaning products and types of cleaning solutions used to remove mould from the furniture. Moreover, you can also get information regarding the required things and procedures for mould removal and aftercare to prevent the growth of mould on wooden furniture items.
Mould Growth on Wood Furniture – Causes & Removal
Wood is porous in nature, which makes it more prone to mould growth. The mould spores find an ideal environment to settle and flourish in tiny openings or pores present in the wood structure. On the other hand, cellulose is present in wood, which is one of the major food sources for mould. If your household wood furniture is exposed to high humidity levels or moisture, it can be a perfect medium for mould growth.
The process of removing mould from wood furniture is different as it penetrates deep into the wood and cannot be eliminated with surface cleaning. Therefore, it is required that the cleaning solution penetrates the wood furniture deeply to kill the mould and remove it permanently.
Types of Mould That Grows on Wood Furniture
It is important to know which kind of mould is growing on your wood furniture to find the best cleaning technique for getting rid of this problem:
Black Mould
Black mould is dark green or black in colour and is also known as toxic black mould because it can produce mycotoxins, which pose toxic health problems for animals and humans. It thrives in damp, moisturised, and poorly ventilated conditions or in water-damaged wood. Exposure to this type of mould can cause different health issues, which can become severe based on an individual's duration of exposure and sensitivity.
Therefore, it is important to get rid of black mould by undertaking necessary precautions to avoid potential health problems. You should keep your property adequately ventilated to prevent the growth of black mould on wood furniture.
Green Mould
Green mould has a green colour and is capable of growing in both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions. Highly humid areas, poor ventilation, and the presence of organic material are the ideal conditions for it to grow rapidly on various surfaces, such as wood. It is also potentially harmful to human health.
White Mould
White mould grows fuzzy or powdery on wooden and other surfaces and can be problematic for human health. Continuous exposure to white mould spores can result in allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues, especially in people with weak immune systems. That's why adequate cleaning methods should be adopted to get rid of this mould from your wood furniture.
Products for Mould Removal from Wood Furniture
There are different products for removing mould from wood furniture efficiently. You need to choose the right one, based on the mould's severity, out of these cleaning products:
Distilled White Vinegar
It is one of the most effective and natural products used to kill mould spores and prevent further growth. It is useful for removing light mould infestations from wood surfaces.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to kill mould from wood furniture so that it cannot penetrate inside it. Mould removal products that contain hydrogen peroxide can also be used for this purpose.
Vodka
Vodka is an efficient mould killing product that is suitable for use on painted or stained wood furniture. It removes the mould and disinfects the area efficiently.
Washing up Liquid
Washing up liquid can be effectively used for removing surface mould from painted or stained wood surfaces. Light mould infestations can be easily removed by using this cleaning product.
Different Types of Cleaning Solutions Based on Job Severity
There are different types of homemade and commercial cleaning solutions that can be used for mould removal from wood furniture based on the extent and severity of its growth, such as:
Warm Water & Distilled White Vinegar Solution: This solution can be made at home to remove and get rid of small mould growth if it has not penetrated the wooden furniture.
Vodka, Vinegar, and Washing-up Liquid: These cleaning solutions can effectively remove green or white mould from wood.
Commercial Mould Cleaners: Commercial mould cleaning solutions are useful for removing black mould from wooden furniture.
Mould Removal from Wood Furniture
Required Things
To remove mould from your wood furniture, you need to have these things at hand:
- Overalls
- Scrub Pad
- Face Mask
- Hot Water
- Plastic Bag
- Damp Cloth
- Spray Bottle
- Rubber Gloves
- Safety Goggles
- Sanding Paper
- Soft Bristled Brush
Procedure
The following is a step-by-step procedure for removing mould from your wood furniture:
- Determine the extent and severity of mould growth to assess the type of cleaning product that will work best for its removal.
- Wear gloves, protective gear, and safety goggles to cover yourself and your clothes fully.
- Ensure the room in which you are removing mould from your wooden furniture is properly ventilated.
- Scrub the affected area.
- Spray the cleaning solution on the area where mould is growing.
- Leave the area for almost 30 seconds so that the cleaning solution can penetrate the furniture.
- Take a soft-bristled brush to scrub the area gently in circular motions.
- Scrub the wooden surface till the mould colour disappears.
- Wipe down the area to remove the residue with the help of a damp cloth.
- Leave the area to become dry.
- Take a sanding paper to sand the mould affected area gently.
- Scrub the area again with the cleaning solution to remove mould that has penetrated deep into the wood.
- Clean up the entire area to ensure mould is completely removed.
- Dispose of everything carefully that came into contact with mould, such as microfiber cloth, sanding paper, wood chips, etc.
Aftercare for Preventing Mould Growth on Wood Furniture
Once you have cleaned mould from your wooden furniture, you should take the necessary steps to prevent the regrowth of mould. For this purpose, you should ensure the room in which your wood furniture is placed is properly ventilated to reduce the issues of humidity and moisture in the room. You can maintain an optimal humidity level in the room by using a dehumidifier. It would help if you cleaned any water incident or spill immediately to keep the area dry and avoid moisture build-up.
You should inspect wood furniture regularly to identify any signs of mould reappearance, including discoloured surfaces or musty odours, and keep the furniture clean and dry by wiping it properly. Moreover, you should not place wooden furniture in damp areas, including the basement or bathroom, and prefer to use mould-resistant coating or paint on wooden furniture for protection against mould growth.
