Difference between revisions of "Remove Mold Stains from Wood Floors"
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Mold grows on wood floors when it has appropriate moisture, warmth, and food. It can not only stain wood floors, but also move below the surface to discolor, rot, or warp the wood. After addressing the source of the moisture, appropriately removing the mold requires determining the depth of mold infiltration and using the proper method to eliminate all the growth. | Mold grows on wood floors when it has appropriate moisture, warmth, and food. It can not only stain wood floors, but also move below the surface to discolor, rot, or warp the wood. After addressing the source of the moisture, appropriately removing the mold requires determining the depth of mold infiltration and using the proper method to eliminate all the growth. | ||
| − | [[Category:Mold and Mildew Treatment]] | + | [[Category: Mold and Mildew Treatment]] |
[[Category:Carpet and Floor Care]] | [[Category:Carpet and Floor Care]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Removing Surface Mold=== | ===Removing Surface Mold=== | ||
| − | #Find mold on floors. There are a number of ways you learn about mold on wood floors. You may exhibit some symptoms of mold exposure, experience musty smells, or even see the wood floors warping.<ref>http://www.allergyconsumerreview.com/mold-cleaning-tips.html#sthash.ogbvCNAF.dpbs </ref> | + | #Find mold on floors. There are a number of ways you learn about mold on wood floors. You may exhibit some symptoms of mold exposure, experience musty smells, or even see the wood floors warping.<ref name="rf1">http://www.allergyconsumerreview.com/mold-cleaning-tips.html#sthash.ogbvCNAF.dpbs </ref> |
#*Pay attention to any symptoms you may have. If you are suffering from mold exposure, you may experience headaches, itchy eyes, breathing problems, or difficulty concentrating. | #*Pay attention to any symptoms you may have. If you are suffering from mold exposure, you may experience headaches, itchy eyes, breathing problems, or difficulty concentrating. | ||
| − | #*Notice any musty smells. Mold gives off a gas that gives it a musty smell. If you notice this smell, you likely have mold, even if it is not visible in your house. <ref>http://www.mold-advisor.com/mold-smell.html </ref> | + | #*Notice any musty smells. Mold gives off a gas that gives it a musty smell. If you notice this smell, you likely have mold, even if it is not visible in your house. <ref name="rf2">http://www.mold-advisor.com/mold-smell.html </ref> |
| − | #*See if your wood floors are warping. If there is any sign of warping of the wood, this means your mold problem is pretty far along. Try to start working on it as soon as possible. <ref>http://www.woodfloordoctor.com/_how_tos/articles/repair_water_damage_wood_floor.shtml </ref> | + | #*See if your wood floors are warping. If there is any sign of warping of the wood, this means your mold problem is pretty far along. Try to start working on it as soon as possible. <ref name="rf3">http://www.woodfloordoctor.com/_how_tos/articles/repair_water_damage_wood_floor.shtml </ref> |
#Be safe with your mold problem. Mold can be dangerous, especially if do not take the proper precautions. Make sure you know the extent of the mold problem on your wood floors before you start cleaning | #Be safe with your mold problem. Mold can be dangerous, especially if do not take the proper precautions. Make sure you know the extent of the mold problem on your wood floors before you start cleaning | ||
| − | #*Consider the extent of mold. Test the mold depth. Press into the spot with a screwdriver or sharp tool. If the wood feels soft, the mold has spread below the surface and into the wood. This will require more than surface cleaning. <ref>http://www.familyhandyman.com/cleaning/mold-and-mildew/how-to-remove-mold/view-all</ref> | + | #*Consider the extent of mold. Test the mold depth. Press into the spot with a screwdriver or sharp tool. If the wood feels soft, the mold has spread below the surface and into the wood. This will require more than surface cleaning. <ref name="rf4">http://www.familyhandyman.com/cleaning/mold-and-mildew/how-to-remove-mold/view-all</ref> |
#*Think about hiring a professional. If you have allergies to mold, a weakened immune system, or the mold covers more than 30 continuous square feet, consider calling in a professional to address the mold problem. Certain types of mold are highly toxic and exposure can lead to serious health complications. | #*Think about hiring a professional. If you have allergies to mold, a weakened immune system, or the mold covers more than 30 continuous square feet, consider calling in a professional to address the mold problem. Certain types of mold are highly toxic and exposure can lead to serious health complications. | ||
#*Dry out the floor using room heaters or fans. All moisture in the wood needs to be eliminated prior to mold removal in order to protect the integrity of the floors and to prevent future mold growth. | #*Dry out the floor using room heaters or fans. All moisture in the wood needs to be eliminated prior to mold removal in order to protect the integrity of the floors and to prevent future mold growth. | ||
#Clean mold. Make sure you have the necessary safety gear for cleaning and are using chemicals for cleaning safely. | #Clean mold. Make sure you have the necessary safety gear for cleaning and are using chemicals for cleaning safely. | ||
| − | #* Wear appropriate safety gear when working around mold or with chemicals. Gloves and safety glasses are sufficient for removing surface mold over small areas, no more than a few square feet. For deeper mold removal or over larger surface areas, use an N-95 mask or P-100 respirator in addition to gloves and safety glasses. Also, wear clothing and shoes that can be easily washed or disposed of after.<ref>https://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf</ref> | + | #* Wear appropriate safety gear when working around mold or with chemicals. Gloves and safety glasses are sufficient for removing surface mold over small areas, no more than a few square feet. For deeper mold removal or over larger surface areas, use an N-95 mask or P-100 respirator in addition to gloves and safety glasses. Also, wear clothing and shoes that can be easily washed or disposed of after.<ref name="rf5">https://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf</ref> |
| − | #*Use the proper cleaner. For surface mold, you want to use a cleaner designed for urethane finishes. You can also use a chlorine bleach solution, with a water/bleach ratio of 10:1. <ref>http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-remove-mold-from-wood-floors</ref> | + | #*Use the proper cleaner. For surface mold, you want to use a cleaner designed for urethane finishes. You can also use a chlorine bleach solution, with a water/bleach ratio of 10:1. <ref name="rf6">http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-remove-mold-from-wood-floors</ref> |
#* Limit the spread of bleach solution to unaffected areas. Do not leave the bleach solution on the wood for longer than necessary, as it will remove the wood finish. | #* Limit the spread of bleach solution to unaffected areas. Do not leave the bleach solution on the wood for longer than necessary, as it will remove the wood finish. | ||
#*Read through the safety labels on any and all chemicals you use. | #*Read through the safety labels on any and all chemicals you use. | ||
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#*If the wood feels spongy or crumbles, it may be rotten and not salvageable. | #*If the wood feels spongy or crumbles, it may be rotten and not salvageable. | ||
#*Don't try try to fix any ingrained mold that cannot be repaired. Try calling a professional first. | #*Don't try try to fix any ingrained mold that cannot be repaired. Try calling a professional first. | ||
| − | #Dry out the floors completely, using room heaters or fans. Allow the room to air out for a few hours. <ref>http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/mold-stain.html</ref> | + | #Dry out the floors completely, using room heaters or fans. Allow the room to air out for a few hours. <ref name="rf7">http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/mold-stain.html</ref> |
#*Make sure your floors are totally dry. Ingrained mold needs to be dry before you remove it. | #*Make sure your floors are totally dry. Ingrained mold needs to be dry before you remove it. | ||
#*Let the room clear out before you start repairing your floors. Clear the room of any potentially harmful mold particles. | #*Let the room clear out before you start repairing your floors. Clear the room of any potentially harmful mold particles. | ||
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#*Spray diluted bleach onto the area to kill any live mold before it spreads. | #*Spray diluted bleach onto the area to kill any live mold before it spreads. | ||
#Clean up the area. Make sure to complete all final steps after removing the worst of the mold. You want to get rid of your mold problem as best as you can. | #Clean up the area. Make sure to complete all final steps after removing the worst of the mold. You want to get rid of your mold problem as best as you can. | ||
| − | #*Polish the affected area with 200 or 250 grit sandpaper until smooth. <ref | + | #*Polish the affected area with 200 or 250 grit sandpaper until smooth. <ref name="rf7" /> |
#*Wipe away the residue with a dry microfiber cloth. For bigger areas, use a vacuum to remove the debris. | #*Wipe away the residue with a dry microfiber cloth. For bigger areas, use a vacuum to remove the debris. | ||
#Finish the wood. Try to find a wood finish that will cover up the mold stain and hopefully restore your wood floor back to normal. | #Finish the wood. Try to find a wood finish that will cover up the mold stain and hopefully restore your wood floor back to normal. | ||
| − | #*Apply a wood finish that matches the original finish. Allow the finish to dry completely. For added protection against moisture in the future, apply a polyurethane finish to the wood. <ref>http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-remove-mold-from-wood-floors#b</ref> | + | #*Apply a wood finish that matches the original finish. Allow the finish to dry completely. For added protection against moisture in the future, apply a polyurethane finish to the wood. <ref name="rf8">http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-remove-mold-from-wood-floors#b</ref> |
| − | #*If you can't find the exact colored finish to match the original floors, use the next lightest shade.<ref>http://homeguides.sfgate.com/remove-black-mold-stains-oak-flooring-104724.html</ref> | + | #*If you can't find the exact colored finish to match the original floors, use the next lightest shade.<ref name="rf9">http://homeguides.sfgate.com/remove-black-mold-stains-oak-flooring-104724.html</ref> |
#*Double-bag all the debris. Use heavy-duty garbage bags. Carefully clean all equipment to prevent spreading mold spores to other areas. | #*Double-bag all the debris. Use heavy-duty garbage bags. Carefully clean all equipment to prevent spreading mold spores to other areas. | ||
===Preventing Future Mold=== | ===Preventing Future Mold=== | ||
| − | #Stop mold from growing. After cleaning your wood floors, you want to prevent having this problem again. Preventing future mold growth will make it less likely you’ll have to do this again.<ref>http://www.woodfloordoctor.com/_how_tos/articles/mold_on_hardwood/mold_on_hardwood.shtml </ref> | + | #Stop mold from growing. After cleaning your wood floors, you want to prevent having this problem again. Preventing future mold growth will make it less likely you’ll have to do this again.<ref name="rf10">http://www.woodfloordoctor.com/_how_tos/articles/mold_on_hardwood/mold_on_hardwood.shtml </ref> |
| − | #*Mold needs moisture to grow. Keep an eye on your wood floors to make sure they are clean and dry. If you have wood floors in places that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, basements, or kitchens, make sure you clean up any surface moisture as soon as possible. <ref>http://www.blackhillshomebuilders.com/resources/homeowner-resources/25-resources/63-mold-tips </ref> | + | #*Mold needs moisture to grow. Keep an eye on your wood floors to make sure they are clean and dry. If you have wood floors in places that are prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, basements, or kitchens, make sure you clean up any surface moisture as soon as possible. <ref name="rf11">http://www.blackhillshomebuilders.com/resources/homeowner-resources/25-resources/63-mold-tips </ref> |
#*Warm environments also encourage mold growth. Wood floors in any places that get warm, such as bathrooms or kitchens, need to be aired out to avoid mold growth. | #*Warm environments also encourage mold growth. Wood floors in any places that get warm, such as bathrooms or kitchens, need to be aired out to avoid mold growth. | ||
#*Mold needs food. For wood floors, mold feeds on nutrients on the surface of the wood, but not on the wood itself. Keep your wood floors dry and clean to make sure mold does not have a food source. | #*Mold needs food. For wood floors, mold feeds on nutrients on the surface of the wood, but not on the wood itself. Keep your wood floors dry and clean to make sure mold does not have a food source. | ||
| − | #Keep floors clean and dry. If your wood floors are clean and dry, then the conditions for mold are less likely to arise. <ref>http://web.utk.edu/~mtaylo29/pages/mold%20on%20wood.html</ref> | + | #Keep floors clean and dry. If your wood floors are clean and dry, then the conditions for mold are less likely to arise. <ref name="rf12">http://web.utk.edu/~mtaylo29/pages/mold%20on%20wood.html</ref> |
#*Vacuum and mop your wood floors on a regular basis. While you may not have to clean your wood floors daily, make sure to incorporate it as part of your weekly cleaning routine. | #*Vacuum and mop your wood floors on a regular basis. While you may not have to clean your wood floors daily, make sure to incorporate it as part of your weekly cleaning routine. | ||
| − | #*Control humidity in your house. Mold grows best in humid environments. Consider buying a dehumidifier to keep a consistent level. Indoor humidity should be at about 50% to avoid most molds. <ref> http://www.allergyconsumerreview.com/mold-cleaning-tips.html#sthash.tkBxna36.dpbs </ref> | + | #*Control humidity in your house. Mold grows best in humid environments. Consider buying a dehumidifier to keep a consistent level. Indoor humidity should be at about 50% to avoid most molds. <ref name="rf13"> http://www.allergyconsumerreview.com/mold-cleaning-tips.html#sthash.tkBxna36.dpbs </ref> |
#*Clean spilled water as soon as possible. Don’t let any water sit on your wood floor as that could lead to mold growth. | #*Clean spilled water as soon as possible. Don’t let any water sit on your wood floor as that could lead to mold growth. | ||
| − | #Keep in mind seasonal problems. Different seasons have different problems with mold growth. <ref> http://www.familyhandyman.com/cleaning/mold-and-mildew/how-to-remove-mold/view-all </ref> | + | #Keep in mind seasonal problems. Different seasons have different problems with mold growth. <ref name="rf14"> http://www.familyhandyman.com/cleaning/mold-and-mildew/how-to-remove-mold/view-all </ref> |
| − | #*Air out your house during the colder months. When it’s colder outside, we tend to keep our homes warmer, which creates warm air that does not escape. Additionally, plants are dying in the fall and winter, which creates more opportunity for mold to grow. <ref>http://advantaclean.com/blog/mold-growth-in-winter/ </ref> | + | #*Air out your house during the colder months. When it’s colder outside, we tend to keep our homes warmer, which creates warm air that does not escape. Additionally, plants are dying in the fall and winter, which creates more opportunity for mold to grow. <ref name="rf15">http://advantaclean.com/blog/mold-growth-in-winter/ </ref> |
| − | #*Keep your air conditioner maintained during warmer months. An overused air condition can create additional condensation. Make sure your air conditioner is in working order and not creating excess moisture.<ref>http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/oee/mold/grow.html </ref> | + | #*Keep your air conditioner maintained during warmer months. An overused air condition can create additional condensation. Make sure your air conditioner is in working order and not creating excess moisture.<ref name="rf16">http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/oee/mold/grow.html </ref> |
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