How To Get Rid of Molds On Wood Floors
The occurrence of molds on wooden floors is very common. Molds are known to grow in areas with moisture and warmth. However, they can be controlled and removed especially when they’ve been detected on time and with the right equipment.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simplified process of getting rid of molds on wood floors.
How Do You Detect A Mold Infestation?
To successfully get rid of a mold infestation on wood floors, you should be able to detect it first. Moreso, if you experience the growth of mold that isn’t exceeding 10 feet of the total surface area and isn’t a toxic black mold, then it can be removed using household materials, otherwise, you can seek help from professionals.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Look out for signs of an infestation, some of which can tell on an individual. It could be headaches, breathing difficulties, etc.
- Look out for a musty smell that is due to trapped moisture.
- Look out for signs of twisting and warping on floors.
How Do You Remove Molds On Wood Floors?
Getting rid of molds isn’t a strenuous task and can be done with the aid of the right tools and products. The process includes:
- Gear Up Properly: Before setting out to complete the task, you must take certain health precautions and gear up to avoid inhaling or ingesting harmful mold spores. Ensure you’re using a face/breathing mask, goggles, gloves, protective shoes, and clothing.
- Pick Out The Mold Or Mildew Cleaner Suited For The Task: To successfully remove molds, you can make use of effective mold or mildew products in supermarkets closest to you. You can also make use of chlorine bleach solution with a ratio of bleach to a water solution of 10:1. Be sure to carefully read the instructions on the products you choose to use.
- Clean The Affected Area Properly: The aim of using a bleach solution is to ensure there is no recurrence of mold on the wood surface. Be sure to use a rag or a bristle brush after letting the solution sit for about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to rinse out traces of the bleach after the procedure.
FAQS
Can molds be removed after deep penetration into the wood?
When mold has deeply penetrated the wooden floor, it can cause extreme damage to the wood. If it is still salvageable, it’s best to ventilate and dry the room first. Then go ahead to use 220 sand grit paper to scrape out the affected area, apply an 8:1 bleach and clean out traces of the bleach.
If it is however non-salvageable, it’s best to cut the affected area out, dispose of it properly and replace it with new wooden material.
Can you stop molds from growing on the floor?
Yes, you can. Ensuring the floors are cleaned and dried properly, control moisture and humidity levels, ventilate your room as often as you can and air dry when necessary.
