How to Kill Wood Fungus

Wood is a porous substance, making it prone to fungus.

Wood fungus, or mold, is a common household problem that many homeowners must deal with every year. That's because wood is a porous substance that absorbs moisture. As a result, it's much more susceptible to mold and mildew than other surfaces. Wood fungus can appear in a variety of ways, including basic decay and wood decomposition, brown or white rot and green mold. Killing and removing wood fungus immediately is essential to the wood's long term integrity.

Things You'll Need

• Wood cleaner
• Bristle brush
• Tooth brush
• Rag

Instructions

1. Apply a layer of wood cleaning solution on top of the affected area. Avoid using non-wood cleaning products, as these can stain or further damage your wood. There are a variety of wood-cleaning products available at supermarkets and hardware stores.

2. Scrub the affected area of the wood with a bristle brush or rough sponge, massaging the cleaner into the surface. Scrub at least a foot around the fungus to make sure the mold is thoroughly eliminated.

3. Continue scrubbing for five to seven minutes. If necessary, use a toothbrush to reach small cracks or crevices.

4. Wipe the cleaning solution away with a clean, dry rag. Do not use a wet rag.

5. Repeat the process if the fungus returns. If the problem continues to persist after a second attempt, consider removing the wood from your home entirely and replacing it with fresh, clean wood.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear a protective mask and gloves when working with cleaning solutions.

References

• NDSU: Remove Mold for a Healthy Home
• Pest Products: Wood Decay Fungi