How to Remove Mold from Wood Furniture

Mold or mildew is a type of fungus that thrives and multiplies in warm, moist environments, especially on organic materials such as paper, leather, wood, natural fibers or surfaces coated with the slightest amount of organic matter such as food or soil. Furniture made from natural wood is especially prone to mildew if proper care is not taken to prevent its growth. The best recourse is obviously preventive measures such as eliminating dampness and routinely cleaning your furniture. But in case your wooden furniture is afflicted with mold, follow these steps to remove it:

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Chlorine bleach
• Water
• Wood cleaner
• Washcloths

1. Begin as soon as you notice mold or experience moist, musty odor associated with mold.

2. Soak a clean, soft washcloth in a solution made of 3 parts water and 1 part mild detergent. Wring the solution till the cloth is almost dry. Wipe the surface of the furniture to remove mold from it.

3. Wipe only a small area at a time. Follow up with another washcloth dipped in plain water. Use a clean, dry cloth to thoroughly dry the surface.

4. Ensure that each area is completely dry before proceeding to another area.

5. Use any furniture cleaner to wipe your furniture if you notice white, greasy film on it. This is wax buildup, and needs to be cleaned, else the mold will reappear. Follow up with a thin layer of paste wax as you have stripped your furniture of its protective wax cover.

6. Clean the mold that has grown into the wood under the finish (not on finished area) by gently scrubbing the affected area with a solution made of 5 parts water and 1 part chlorine bleach. Rinse the surface thoroughly with plain water. Dry thoroughly. Do not use bleach on finished surfaces.

7. Leave out the cleaned furniture in the sunlight for a couple of hours if you can. Sunlight aids in oxidation and will help eliminate the source of mold/mildew. Ensure that the day is clear, with very little humidity in the air. Check the weather before proceeding. You want to eliminate mold, not encourage it.

8. Consult professional refinishers when excessive mildew has occurred on valuable antique furniture.

Tips & Warnings

• Most wood furniture is made with kiln-dried lumber and is coated with sealants. Hence, they are not as susceptible to mold. However, if they are allowed to be in close contact with organic material such as soil, plants and food or are placed in badly ventilated and damp areas, chances of mold development are increased. Avoid this situation by taking good care of your furniture and ensuring that your furniture is given final finishing touches in the form of wax coat or sealant.

• When using chlorine bleach, wear rubber gloves. Also avoid prolonged contact with skin and eyes and do not inhale the fumes.