How To Clean Mould Off Wood

CONTENTS

• What causes mould to grow on wood?
• The effects of mould on wood
• Can you clean mould off wood?
• How to prevent mould on wood
• Get in touch

Black, white, and green spots and stains on the wood in your home are a telltale sign of mould growth. To protect your health and the wood from damage by the fungus, you must bring in professionals for mould remediation as soon as you spot it. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer our mould removal services nationwide. Our Dewpoint-accredited technicians can get rid of all the mould in your domestic or commercial property, including mould in the air. With every service we offer a free site survey and no-obligation quote. 

Keep reading to learn more about the best ways to clean mould off wood.

What causes mould to grow on wood?

Mould growth is typically triggered by a combination of three factors: moisture, warmth, and organic matter. 

The main cause of mould growth is excessive humidity or dampness. This could be due to poor ventilation, leaky pipes, or roofs that let rainwater seep into the wooden structure. High relative humidity can lead to condensation on surfaces which then provides the moisture needed for mould spores present in the air to germinate. 

Wood, being porous in nature, tends to absorb water, which makes it an ideal breeding ground for mould. Mould can also grow deep inside the pores and survive treatment. 

Lastly, as organic materials serve as food sources for these microorganisms, wooden structures provide ample nutrients necessary for their survival and proliferation. You can find out more about what causes mould in the home in this blog. 

The effects of mould on wood

Mould has a damaging effect on wood. It's not just unsightly, but it also weakens the structure over time.

As mould thrives in damp conditions, it uses the moisture in wood to multiply and spread, which can cause discolouration, rotting, and warping. The more severe this process becomes, the more compromised your wooden structures may become.

This is particularly troublesome for structural elements, such as beams or floorboards, where significant damage could lead to costly repairs or replacements, and even lead to structural problems. 

Mould is dangerous to be exposed to, as well. Inhaling, ingesting, and touching mould spores can lead to a number of health problems, including respiratory infections, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions. Some kinds can generate poisonous mycotoxins which, if breathed in or touched, could lead to more serious issues.

Can you clean mould off wood?

Cleaning mould off wood is not a task you should tackle on your own. It's tough because the wrong method can cause more harm than good, damaging your wooden surfaces.

The right technique for mould removal will also depend largely on whether the wood surface is sealed or unsealed, painted or stained, or porous or non-porous. For instance, non-porous woods such as those that are varnished allow easier surface cleaning but they may require specific products to ensure effective treatment.

Mould removal professionals have an in-depth understanding of these factors as well as access to the specialised tools and methods required for each case. 

These experts handle everything with the utmost care ensuring no further damage happens to your property, and can even tackle the mould that has penetrated the wood.

Professional mould cleaners will have the protective clothing required for a safe clean, too. They will even cover up the affected area to prevent spores spreading during clean up. 

Apart from this, professional service providers carry out thorough checks post-cleaning which ensures complete eradication of the problem at hand. They will provide you with bespoke advisories to stop the mould returning in the future. 

How to prevent mould on wood

Sustaining a dry and airy environment is essential for thwarting mould development on wood since moisture furnishes the ideal habitat for mould spores. 

Utilise dehumidifiers in areas prone to damp and high humidity, such as cellars, bathrooms, and kitchens. But remember: overuse can lead to overly dry conditions which might damage your wood, too.

Avoid using too much water when cleaning the wood as this can encourage more mould growth, as well.

If there are any leaks or signs of water intrusion in your home, get them fixed immediately. Dampness from these sources can cause rapid fungal proliferation if left unattended.

Treating your timber correctly before use plays a significant role in warding off potential infestations later down the line. Using products like borate-based fungicides or paint containing anti-fungal agents will offer long-term protection against many common types of fungus including those causing rot and decay.

You can learn more about the different ways to prevent mould growth on wooden furniture in this blog. 

Get in touch

We offer a lifetime guarantee* with every mould remediation. Should the mould come back after treatment, our technicians will return to site to remove it for free. 

To find out more about our mould removal services, contact our team today on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. 

*subject to advisories