Removing Mold
by Alan Noel
Professional Wood Finisher
During the summer months, especially in the Southeast, mold
enjoys a very favorable environment in which to grow and
multiply due to the warm air and almost 100% humidity. Mold can
be found on the finished areas of furniture as well as on the unfinished
areas. These two areas need to be treated differently.
Here are a few tips:
-
Work in a very well ventilated area.
-
Be sure to wear protective clothing per manufacturers instructions.
-
Never mix bleach or any other cleaning chemical/solution with ammonia, EVER!
-
To remove mold from a finished surface, first apply a mixture of household detergent and water, then wipe dry.
-
Inspect the surface with magnification to make sure the finish is still intact.
-
If all is good, apply a commercial mold cleaner, specifically made for finished surfaces, following the instructions on the label.
-
After all is done, I highly recommend a coat of paste wax.
-
On painted surfaces, use a mild solution of chlorine bleach and water.
-
As for unfinished wood, mold can grow below the surface and establish roots. Because of this, I recommend a commercial mold cleaner that contains "surfactants." These allow for more absorption and a better chance of getting to the root of things.
-
Once all is done rinse with clean water.
Visit Highland Woodworking's
Wood Finishing Supplies Department
Alan can be reached directly via email c/o Alan Noel Furniture Refinishing at
anoelfurniturere@bellsouth.net
.
Visiting Atlanta? Attend one of Alan's upcoming highly informative Highland Woodworking wood
finishing seminars:
October 10, 2015
Finishing 101
November 4, 2015
French Polish Workshop
Return to
Wood News
front page
|
|
