Honey Bee

It’s common for molds to grow on furniture, especially those made of wood, even in the cleanest of houses. Wooden furniture on patios or porches is always at risk of attracting mold, as well as furniture in damp places like basements, some attics or rooms that are built into hills or near waterways. There are a few tried-and-true ways to remove mold from your wooden furniture–and, even better, a few simple things you can do to prevent mold from latching on to your favorite rocking chair or ottoman. Read on for a few simple tips to keep your wooden furniture clean and mold-free in all seasons.
.Identification
How do you know when your wooden furniture has a mold problem? There are a few things you can look for: a shiny or fuzzy layer on the outside of the furniture, often on arms, legs, and the underside of the chair’s structure; green, white or black “spots,” usually about the size of a pencil eraser, in the grain of the wood or in the joints of the piece; and a slimy “coating” that is often white or gray. Mold–and its twin, mildew–grow in places that are dirty, moist or a combination of both.
Most molds can be removed and treated with the following tips; however, sometimes the mold has penetrated too deep into the body of the furniture and cannot be removed or treated. The piece should, at that point, be thrown out or no longer used, as some molds can cause allergic reactions and other medical illnesses.
Types
There are several solutions you can use to treat mold on wooden furniture.
The first and most used is a bleach or detergent solution. Simply take a spray bottle, fill it three-quarters full of cold water and top the bottle off with bleach or strong detergent. Put the lid on tightly and shake the bottle to mix the bleach into the water. A light spray of bleach water can eliminate many kinds of mold, particularly on the surface of the wood. To apply the bleach solution properly, stand about 3 feet from the furniture in a well-ventilated area and spray a light mist over the wood, paying special attention to the bottom, back and joint areas in each wooden component. Allow the bleach to soak in for about 3 minutes and then wipe down with a rough damp cloth–old bath towels will work fine–or rinse. Leave the chair to dry thoroughly in the sunlight for at least five to six hours.
Here’s a quick tip: If you’re worried about the effect of the bleach on your wooden item, substitute a strong detergent or use antibacterial wipes instead of the bleach solution. Always spot-check the item before using bleach as a cleaner.
Features
A second solution for some molds that have already settled into the wood is a simple and inexpensive surprise–sunlight! Sunlight and heat are deathly enemies of mold, which likes a dark, damp, preferably dirty place to grow. If a bleach spray doesn’t take care of the mold, watch your local weather station and set aside some time on hot, sunny, dry days. Take the furniture outside and place it in an area that gets direct sunlight for at least eight hours per day. You can set the furniture on a light-colored blanket (white works best) to speed up the drying process, as the color will reflect the sunlight back up into the furniture. If nights are moist or rain is expected, bring the furniture in for the evening and place out in the sunshine again–do not leave it outside overnight in locations where there is heavy dew. Repeat until mold has disappeared–you may want to use the bleach/detergent treatment again on the third or fourth day to make sure you’ve removed any lingering mold spores.
This treatment also works for mattresses, blankets and other soft items. Simply hang out to bake in the sun for about six to seven hours and then wash with a strong detergent. Dry thoroughly.
Considerations
Other ways mold can be cleaned is to use a wood spray or soap (like Murphy’s Oil Soap) to wash down the item, or to use vacuums and cloths on non-wood items. Most wood surfaces can be cleaned of mold, especially if they are solid and thick. If you have an antique or special item that is plagued with mold, it’s best to contact a professional restorer for tips on cleaning and preventing the mold. Items other than wood can usually be cleaned with detergents or sprays, vacuumed or run through a dishwasher or washing machine. If an item in your home suffers from actual mold contamination, when the spores are growing from the item, rather than secondary contamination, which forms on the surface from mold spores in the air settling onto furniture and other items, then you will most likely want to dispose of the item.
After removing the mold from a wooden piece of furniture, it will also help to sand the area smooth and then coat with a clear lacquer or protective sealant. This can keep mold from attacking the wood and will repel it to the surface, where it’s easy to wipe off.
Prevention/Solution
Preventing mold from forming is not a foolproof effort. Mold spores are part of the air we breathe every day and are all around us at home, at work and out in town. However, a few tips can help make sure your prized furniture items and other belongings stay as free from mold as possible.
Watch for leaks. Being vigilant about leaks, cracks or other areas where dampness and moisture can seep into your house will not only help prevent molds from forming, but can greatly increase your health and decrease your energy bills! Make sure all leaks are fixed promptly, and if you have severe water leakage, use a wet vacuum to remove as much liquid as possible and dry the area thoroughly before putting furniture and carpets back in place.
Always use plastic guards for water sources. Keep a light plastic tray under all plants to catch excess water drainage, and use a plastic seal or tray on other water sources like table fountains and vases. This prevents the furniture beneath from absorbing moisture and attracting mold spores.
Dust frequently. Dusting hard surfaces with a cloth or vacuum will keep the mold spores in the air from settling on a surface and beginning to form those mold spots. At least once per week is recommended, depending on the size and air flow of your home.
Watch your home’s humidity. An overly humid indoor climate–usually caused by moisture entering through windows, doors or floors–contributes to mold growth by providing a moist place for spores to grow. Provide lots of ventilation with fans and open windows when weather permits.
Keep checking! A routine check of your furniture, especially in areas where humidity control or leakage is a problem, can help you to catch any mold growth before it gets too severe for cleaning.
Warning
Please remember that some molds cause allergic reactions, vomiting, nausea, respiratory sickness and even severe poisoning. If you see a mold that looks black, is overly enlarged or is unfamiliar to you, don’t touch it! If you can, move the item outdoors before calling your local Department of Environmental Health. They can help you find a specialist to test the mold before removal and can also check your home for harmful mold growth that may be affecting your health or the health of your family.