How to Remove Mold from Wood Furniture Effectively

Most Common Causes of Mold on Wood Furniture

With the right environment, mold can easily infest your furniture and home.

Mold grows in dark, moist environments and on absorbent, porous surfaces.

Unfortunately, wood has an incredibly porous surface, which makes it the perfect place for mold to grow.

Take a look at the most common causes of mold on wood furniture:

1. Water Damage

Whenever there is high moisture content in wood, mold will thrive. When water damage strikes, mold is likely to grow in your home and on your wood furniture.

Unfortunately, water damage is very common. Here are just a few examples:

• Backed-up sewers
• Leaky roof
• Flooding
• Dampness in basement and crawl spaces
• Leaky plumbing
• Overflowing bathtubs or faucets

2. Excessive Humidity

An excess of moisture in the air can be caused by poor insulation, inadequate ventilation, poor humidity control, or extreme climates.

This, in turn, contributes to mold and mildew growth.

3. Inconsistent Temperature & Poor Airflow in your House

When hot and cold air meet, water particles can condense on surfaces such as furniture around your home.

This happens when temperatures continually fluctuate.

If you have very limited airflow in your house, this will exacerbate the speed of mold formation on your wood furniture.

Can You Remove Mold from Wood Furniture?

Removing mold from wood furniture is absolutely possible, with the right tools and knowledge.

Mold on wood furniture can be not only stubborn but also harmful, which means it is important to identify the mold and act quickly in removing it.

What Can Be Used to Kill & Remove Mold from Wood Furniture?

When deciding which cleaning solution to use to get rid of mold, the most important thing to consider is tackling the problem at the root.

Your cleaning method should largely depend on what type of wood furniture you are cleaning.

You will need different strengths of cleaning solutions depending on whether the wood is untouched or if it has been painted or stained.

Unpainted, unstained wood furniture retains its porous material, making it easier for the roots of the mold to grow deeper.

Supplies for Removing Mold

When inhaled, mold has serious health implications. Similarly, harsh cleaning solutions can be damaging to your skin or eyes.

It is vital to have good personal protection equipment to protect yourself from potentially harmful molds and chemicals.

Depending on your type of wood that your furniture is made from, the following tools will be needed  for cleaning and killing mold from wood furniture:

To Kill the Mold itself, one or more of these:

• Distilled Vinegar
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Bleach solution
• IPA Alcohol or Vodka
• Dishwashing Soap

For Cleaning mold from the wooden furniture & Applying the Mold busting liquid:

• Water
• A filtered vacuum
• A rag, towel, or cleaning brush
• A spray bottle

For personal protection:

• Mask or respirator
• Gloves
• Safety goggles
• Long sleeve shirt
• Long pants

How To Remove Mold from Wood Furniture

1. Put on Your Protective Gear

As previously mentioned, it is vital that you wear personal protective gear to minimize the damaging effects of mold and other harsh chemicals.

Mold travels through the air and can be damaging when inhaled.

Many professionals recommend wearing an N95 mask to fully protect yourself while cleaning mold from wood furniture.

2. Take the Furniture Outdoors for Cleaning

This is another step to help ensure your health and safety.

Mold spores spread during the cleaning process, and you do not want to further infect your home or other items of furniture.

What if I can’t Move My Furniture Outside?

If you are unable to move your furniture outside, consider opening your windows for improved airflow while cleaning.  

Additionally, cover any other furniture, flooring, or walls surrounding the wooden furniture.

Another option is taking apart the piece of furniture and cleaning the pieces separately outside.

While transporting your furniture, consider covering it with garbage bags to further prevent the spread of spores during transportation.

3.Vacuum

Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter, suck up any visible, loose mold on the furniture.

Slowly pass the vacuum over the affected areas several times to ensure all surface-level mold from the piece of furniture is gone.

4.Clean the Mold

As previously mentioned, your cleaning method should depend on your type of wooden furniture.

We’ve outlined the best methods to kill and remove mold from wood furniture, starting with the lightest mold removal and ending with the most stubborn.

Option 1: Sunlight

Items needed:

• Outdoor area in direct sunlight

If the mold on your wood furniture is superficial or not as serious, this option may be for you.

On a Sunny day the UV Rays of Sun will start killing any surface mold on your wood furniture in a matter of minutes.

In the morning, simply transport your furniture outside and let it air out in direct sunlight throughout the day.

When the sun sets, bring your furniture back inside. Repeat this for another day or two, if needed.

Direct sunlight will remove the excess moisture in your furniture, drying it out and killing the mold in the process.

Option 2: Lightly Spray with IPA Alcohol or Vodka

Items needed:

• Cheap high Proof vodka or IPA Rubbing Alcohol
• Spray bottle

This is another great option for mold that has only penetrated the surface of your furniture, or with mold that didn’t go away after leaving it in direct sunlight.

Pour your Alcohol into a spray bottle then lightly spray it over the surface of your furniture. Let it air dry in direct sunlight.

Alcohol is a great mold cleaner and disinfectant on painted or stained wood.

Option 3: Dishwashing Soap Solution

Items needed:

• Dishwashing soap
• Warm water
• Spray bottle
• Soft-bristled brush

The next option for removing mold on wood furniture is creating a cleaning solution by combining dishwashing soap and warm water.

Fill a spray bottle with warm water, then add a teaspoon of soap. Gently shake the solution.

Next, lightly spray the affected furniture.

Finally, using a soft-bristled brush, gently scrub away the mold. As you clean, make sure to sponge up any excess liquid.

Option 4: Distilled Vinegar

Items Needed:

• Distilled vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Damp cloth

If you’re questioning, “Is it safe to use vinegar on wood furniture?” then you’ve come to the right place.

Vinegar is an excellent mold-killing agent, and it is safe to use on wood furniture.

Simply fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar and thoroughly spray the moldy furniture. Wait approximately one hour, then wipe the surface with a slightly wet cloth.

If needed, repeat this process until the mold is gone.

Finally, make sure to wipe the wood with a dry rag, removing all excess moisture.

Option 5: Hydrogen Peroxide

Items Needed:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Spray bottle
• Rag or soft-bristled brush

If the mold on your wooden furniture seems stubborn, this cleaning option is for you.

Hydrogen peroxide is an antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial solution. It is known to work extremely well at killing mold on porous wood.

First, pour the hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Next, completely spray the wooden surface covered with mold.

Let the hydrogen peroxide sit for approximately 10 minutes, or until it stops bubbling.

Lastly, using a rag or soft-bristled brush, scrub away the mold and hydrogen peroxide. As always, make sure to use a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.

Option 6: Bleach Solution

Items needed:

• Bleach
• Household detergent (for example, dish soap)
• Water
• Bucket
• Stirring utensil
• Soft-bristled brush or scrubbing sponge

This cleaning option is for the most stubborn mold that has withstood all other cleaning methods.

First, you need to mix the following to create your bleach solution:

• ¼ cup household detergent
• 2 ½ cups bleach
• 5 cups water

Make sure to thoroughly mix the solution to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Remember, bleach will stain and lighten fabrics so be sure to protect your clothing and other fabrics.

Next, dip your cleaning brush or sponge into the bleach solution. Using a circular motion, along with a moderate amount of pressure, thoroughly clean the areas with mold.

You will need to allow the furniture to air dry, preferably in direct sunlight. If necessary, repeat this process until the mold has been killed.

5. Sand the Wood

Is the mold on your furniture still not gone?

If this is the case, the wood may need to be sanded down to fully remove any lingering mold.

Since mold travels through the air and is highly contagious, it is best to call a professional to sand away the mold from your wooden furniture.

Additionally, it is extremely easy to damage the finish of your furniture while sanding.

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The Dangers of Mold on Wood Furniture

Mold presents a significant danger not only to your furniture but also to your home and family.

Mold and mildew are known to travel and grow quickly, damaging your belongings and health every minute it expands.

As you probably already know, mold can discolor and harm wood surfaces, as well as affect the structural integrity of the furniture itself.

Some of the more dangerous, toxic molds present lasting threats to your health and well-being.

Some of these symptoms include:

• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Frequent coughing
• Worsening allergies
• Rashes
• Irritated eyes
• Asthma attacks

Can Furniture with Mold Make You Sick?

As previously mentioned, there are serious health risks to inhaling various molds.

Some individuals are more prone to experience the damaging effects of mold.

The following is a list of people who are most susceptible to negative health effects of mold:

• Individuals with respiratory problems
• Individuals with allergies
• Individuals with compromised immune systems
• Seniors
• Young children
• Infants

What Do You Do If You Have Been Exposed to Moldy Furniture?

Chances are that you have been exposed to moldy furniture at one point in your life. But, when is it time to worry?

First, it is important to understand the different types of molds, along with their inherent health risks.

Allergenic Molds:

These molds trigger asthma and allergies, which can cause health concerns. They are not inherently toxic or dangerous.

Pathogenic Molds:

These types of molds are slightly more concerning than allergenic molds.

Pathogenic molds are known to cause infections, even in healthy individuals. Further, they can slow down recovery time from illnesses and worsen other symptoms.

Toxicity Molds:

Toxicity molds produce mycotoxins, which have dangerous health effects. This can include difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, and even mental health issues.

Should You Throw Away Furniture with Mold?

When in doubt, or if you’re questioning whether to throw away furniture with mold, the safest answer is yes.

Mold exposure should be taken seriously, even if you are not allergic to molds or if there are no toxic molds on your furniture.

The best thing to do is quickly remove or clean any molded furniture and take preventative measures to limit future mold growth.

Identifying Mold on Wood Furniture

There are over 100,000 species of mold in the world. Some are harmless while some are extremely toxic.

We’ve identified the top seven to watch out for that are known to grow on wood furniture.

1. Stachybotrys

This type of mold is more commonly known as black mold. Black mold is one of the most toxic molds in the world, causing serious health problems.

Black mold on furniture can be identified by its slimy texture and black color.

It needs more moisture than other types of molds and is likely to be found in regularly damp areas or following significant water damage.

Usually, it takes days or weeks to fully grow and infest wooden furniture.

2. Aspergillus

This mold has toxic capabilities and is commonly found in American homes.

There are over 185 species of Aspergillus, each with unique coloring.

On Furniture, it is most easily identified by thick layers of long flask-shaped spores.

3. Alternaria

This type of mold prefers plants and wood for growth and can be found all over the world.

Alternaria is identified by club-shaped spores that develop into long, chain-like structures.

Eventually, it spreads and turns a thick black, green, or gray substance on your wooden furniture.

4. Aureobasidium

This wood-staining fungus is most commonly found on wooden surfaces. Wooden Furniture is the perfect place for Aureobasidium mold to start grow & Spread.

It appears pink, brown, or black. Sometimes, however, it can darken in color as it ages.

Take care if you suspect this type of mold on your wood furniture, as it is known to lead to eye, skin, or nail infections if you touch it.

5. Chaetomium

This type of mold is seen most on extremely severe water damaged wood furniture.

White mold on wood furniture might be Chaetomium if it has a texture like cotton, along with a musty odor.

While it starts off as white or grey, it turns black as it gets older.

6. Fusarium

Fusarium is a toxic species of mold, which spreads quickly and grows on food,however can also grow on wood furniture.

It can even lead to serious health risks, such as damage to the nervous system.

It appears pink, white, or red.

7. Penicillium

This allergenic mold is known to grow near water damage, commonly on mattresses or wallpapers.

If you have wooden furniture nearby ,Penicillium mold can start growing on your wooden furniture as well.

You can identify this mold by its blue-green color and velvety texture.

Preventing Future Mold Growth on Wood Furniture

If you do not take preventative measures to limit future mold growth, then the mold you clean now will eventually grow back on your wood furniture!

Consider taking the following steps to prevent future mold growth:

1.Keep your wooden furniture and surfaces dry.

This means drying any wet furniture as soon as it occurs and moving furniture away from wet, damp, or humid areas.

2.Control the moisture and humidity levels within your home.

You will need to keep humidity levels under 60%.

Investing in a dehumidifier is a great choice, as well as opening windows as often as possible for further ventilation.

3.Watch out for growth

Now that you’ve experienced removing mold or mildew from wood furniture, you know the signs to look out for.

Keep a close eye on your furniture, especially after experiencing water damage, and regularly clean the wooden surfaces.

When to Call a Professional

If the mold on your furniture has grown more than 10 square feet, then the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends calling a professional.

Additionally, if you have tried the above cleaning methods and mold is still present on your furniture, it is best to let a professional try additional tactics.

Lastly, if you or your family members are experiencing the damaging symptoms of mold growth, it is important to immediately call a professional to inspect and clean your home and furniture.

 

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