DIY Builds
Photo by Garrison Gao Pexels Logo Photo: Garrison Gao

What kills mold instantly on wood?

vinegar Combine equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and spritz this solution on the mold. Let the solution dry for one hour, then wipe down the surface with a moistened cloth, followed by a dry towel.

How much does a 12 x12 shed cost?
How much does a 12 x12 shed cost?

How much does it cost to build a 12-foot by 12-foot shed? Building a shed costs an average of $60 to $150 per square foot, so a 12-foot by 12-foot...

Read More »
Can you put a toilet in your garage?
Can you put a toilet in your garage?

You can put a toilet in your garage but will almost always need a permit to begin work. There are guidelines for how large the room is and how much...

Read More »

The good news is that if the affected area is no larger than ten square feet and you aren’t dealing with toxic black mold, you can eliminate the mold yourself using everyday household cleaners. But don’t delay—holding off on this project will give the mold colony a chance to expand, and prolonged exposure can be bad for your health. What if you’re dealing with black mold? It can be difficult to distinguish toxic black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) from other species that are black in color, so it’s best to call in a professional in this situation. Toxic black mold is particularly harmful when inhaled, so you shouldn’t touch it.

How to Kill Mold on Wood

If you’re looking to remove any other kind of mold, here are the steps to take.

Step 1: Wear protective gear

It’s important to protect yourself when dealing with mold, as it can be dangerous if it’s inhaled or ingested. While cleaning, make sure you wear goggles, a face mask that covers your nose and mouth, and rubber gloves.

Step 2: Vacuum the area

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to suck up any loose mold spores on or near the affected part of the wood. Run the vacuum over the area, then take the vacuum outdoors to dispose of the contents. Make sure the vacuumed material is tightly sealed in a plastic bag, so no spores can escape.

Step 3: Clean off the mold

If the mold hasn’t penetrated deeply into the wood, you can probably kill it. How do you kill mold on wood? With a simple cleaning solution of dishwashing soap and warm water. Spray the affected area and use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away the mold, sponging up any excess liquid as you clean.

Dry the surface completely with a towel.

If that doesn’t work, try using distilled white vinegar, which kills more than 80% of mold species. Combine equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and spritz this solution on the mold. Let the solution dry for one hour, then wipe down the surface with a moistened cloth, followed by a dry towel. If the mold is still hanging on, it’s time to bring out the borax, which is an alkaline mineral salt cleaner that’s safer to use than bleach. Combine a tablespoon of borax with a cup of water, then apply this solution to the mold with a soft-bristled brush. Scrub away the mold, leaving the borax solution in the wood. Don’t sponge up the excess liquid. You want as much of the solution in the wood as possible to prevent future growth. Run a fan or dehumidifier in the room to make sure the surface of the wood dries quickly and completely, with the Borax still under the surface. Note that bleach should not be used to kill mold found on wood. While bleach is very effective for killing mold on non-porous surfaces, it doesn’t work well when it comes to wood. This is because the chlorine in bleach can’t penetrate wood, so only the water portion of the bleach gets absorbed. The mold may appear to be removed from the surface, but it’ll likely continue to grow underneath and return within a few months.

Step 4: If necessary, sand the wood

These cleaning solutions should take care of your mold problem, but if you’ve got some stubborn traces left under the surface, you have one last resort: sanding.

How can I make 200 dollars fast?
How can I make 200 dollars fast?

How to make $200 fast, as in TODAY! 1 – Rent out your parking spot with Spot Hero. ... 2 – Rent out your clothes on StyleLend. ... 3 – Use Earnin...

Read More »
Can you leave an extension cord out in the rain?
Can you leave an extension cord out in the rain?

All-purpose extension cords should never be used outside, as they are not water-resistant and can easily short out. When using an extension cord in...

Read More »

Can I pour concrete over gravel?
Can I pour concrete over gravel?

Concrete can be combined with various substances in different building tasks. As individual materials, placing concrete over gravel is acceptable,...

Read More »
What happens if you buy a house that didn t have planning permission?
What happens if you buy a house that didn t have planning permission?

If you cannot provide the necessary planning documents, the buyer's solicitor will raise this with the buyer. As the new owner will inherit the...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
What can I build to sell?
What can I build to sell?

Small Woodworking Project Ideas that are Easy to Sell DIY Wood Storage Chest Project. DIY Phone Holder for Desk. DIY Art Organizer. DIY Succulent...

Read More »
How do you anchor down a shed?
How do you anchor down a shed?

How to Properly Anchor a Shed: The Only Guide You Need Drill or dig the holes, tamp some gravel into the bottom. Slide a sonotube in to form it up....

Read More »