
HOW TO REMOVE MOLD FROM WOOD
Wood is highly porous, allowing mold to not only grow on the surface but also grow roots deep within, making it more difficult to treat. This is important to understand because using the wrong treatment product for mold on wood, such as bleach, can clean the surface but leave the root system intact, allowing the mold to grow back.
You’ll need these tools to remove mold from wood:
- Latex gloves
- Brush
- HEPA vacuum with wet/dry capabilities
- Bucket
- Rag or towel
To effectively remove mold from wood, the badger recommends using a Borax solution. Borax is an inexpensive, non-toxic mineral that not only kills mold on wood but prevents it from returning. DO NOT USE BLEACH as it is ineffective at killing mold on porous surfaces such as wood. https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/handle/1957/25595?show=full


Steps to Safely Remove Mold from Wood
Step 1: Take one cup of borax and mix with one gallon warm water and stir until dissolved.
Step 2: Apply solution generously to mold affected areas. Wetting it helps keep the spores from becoming airborne. You may also use a spray bottle if easier.
Step 3: Scrub with the brush to break loose any stubborn growth
Step 4: Vacuum to remove the spores. This is important as even dead mold can still contain mycotoxins and cause allergic reactions.
Step 5: Wipe area as clean as possible with rag
Step 6: Repeat as needed.
Do not worry about leaving excess borax as it can actually help to prevent the mold from returning. It is also an effective insecticide.