When it has the right amount of warmth, food, and humidity, mold will grow on wood floors.It can stain wood floors, but can also move below the surface to rot or warp it.To keep the mold from spreading, first cut off the source of the water.A rag and spray can be used to remove mold.To remove ingrained mold, you need to know how deep the mold has grown into the floor or wall, and how to eliminate all of the growth.
Step 1: If you see any symptoms of mold exposure, pay attention.
There are many ways to learn about mold on wood floors.If you are suffering from mold exposure, you may experience headaches, itchy eyes, breathing problems, or difficulty concentrating.
Step 2: Look for any musty odors.
The smell of mold is musty.If you notice the smell, you probably have mold in your house.The mold may be hidden, such as in your walls, under carpets, or in a heating duct.
Step 3: If your wood floors are starting to warp, it's time to check them out.
The floorboards will begin to twist and warp if mold is growing beneath them.Your mold problem is pretty far along if there is any sign of wood warping.The floor may need to be removed if the mold isn't caught and removed quickly.This process takes a lot of time and money.
Step 4: Appropriate safety gear should be worn when working with mold or chemicals.
If you want to remove mold over small areas, you need gloves and safety glasses.Gloves and safety glasses are required for mold removal over larger surface areas.Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to wash and dispose of after.
Step 5: Make sure to pick the proper mold and mildew cleaner.
You should use a cleaner that is designed for urethane finishes.The chlorine bleach solution has a water/bleach ratio of 10:1.Look at your local hardware store or home and garden center if you want to buy a mold cleaner.You can read the safety labels on all the chemicals you use.
Step 6: The mold needs to be wiped away.
Minor mold growths are easy to clean.You can spray the area with a cleaner or bleach solution.After 10 minutes, wipe the mold off with a rag.For stubborn mold stains, use a firm-bristled hand scrubbing brush.After you have cleaned the mold, throw the rag away.If you apply cleaning chemicals or a bleach solution, make sure they don't spread to other areas.If you leave the bleach solution on the wood, it will remove the finish.
Step 7: The mold can be measured at the depth.
The mold may have spread beyond what is visible if it is growing on your walls or flooring.Press into the spot with a sharp tool.The mold can spread if the wood feels soft.This will require more than just surface cleaning.The mold can be removed if the spot feels soft.The wood may be rotten if it feels squishy.
Step 8: You can dry the floor with room heating or fans.
The wood needs to be dry before you can remove the mold.Set a large fan in the room with the mold, and blow the air towards the floor or wall.Allow the fans to blow for a while.The moldy area needs to be dried to protect the floors.Make sure your floors are dry.Before you remove the mold, it needs to be dry.
Step 9: Take out the room.
You should take precautions to avoid inhaling mold particles.Open all exterior windows and doors if you have a mask or handkerchief over your mouth.To protect yourself from mold in the room you are working in, set a large box fan in one of the windows.If you don't have a box fan, you can buy one at a hardware store or a home-supply store.
Step 10: The top layers of mold are removed.
If you want to remove a lot of mold, use a metal hand scraper.If you want to remove more mold, use 220 grit sandpaper.If the mold has penetrated deep into the wooden floor, you will need to use a heavy-duty scraper.To remove the mold, use a metal utensil.Only sand the affected area when the sand is in a circular motion.Once you have removed the mold, polish the affected area with 200 or 250 grit sandpaper.
Step 11: The area has a moldy smell.
Put the solution in a spray bottle and mix water and bleach at an 8:1 ratio.Allow the area to sit for several minutes after spraying it with the bleach solution.The bleach solution should be wiped up with an old rag.Before it spreads, this will kill any live mold.Even if you have removed all of the mold, there may still be some that are too small to see.Bleach will kill the mold.
Step 12: Cut out the mold.
It is not likely to be salvaged if the mold has fully penetrated a section of carpet.To prevent the mold from spreading, you will need to remove and dispose of the material.Use a screwdriver, utility knife, or other sharp tool to cut through the insulation or carpet.The material should be put in a garbage bag.You will need to replace the material after you have removed the moldy wall or floor segment.Purchase the necessary items at your local hardware store.
Step 13: There is a wood finish that matches the original finish.
You will need to apply a finish to the wood flooring after removing the mold.Try to find a wood finish that will cover up the mold stain and restore the coloring of your wood floor.If you want to protect the wood in the future, apply a polyurethane finish.You can use the lightest shade if you can't find the exact colored finish.
Step 14: There is a bag to dispose of the debris.
Throw out all of the trash from the mold-removal process with heavy-duty garbage bags.You can use a wet/dry vacuum to clean up the mess if you tore up flooring.To kill any mold that may have been collected, wipe the wet/dry vacuum down with a chemical cleaner or bleach solution.
Step 15: The floors should be dry to prevent mold growth.
The mold needs water to grow.Make sure your wood floors are clean and dry by keeping an eye on them.If you have wood floors in places that are prone to water, make sure you clean them up as soon as possible.Warm environments encourage mold growth.Wood floors in places that get warm need to be aired out to prevent mold growth.
Step 16: You should clean your floors.
The conditions for mold are less likely to arise if your wood floors are clean and dry.It's a good idea to vacuum and mop your wood floors.If you don't have to clean your wood floors daily, make sure to include it in your weekly cleaning routine.There is mold on the surface of the wood, but not on it.To make sure mold doesn't have a food source, keep your wood floors dry and clean.
Step 17: Humidity in your house can be controlled.
The best place for mold to grow is in humid environments.If you want to keep a consistent level, consider buying a dehumidifier.Most molds can be avoided if the indoor humidity is at 50%.As soon as possible, clean the spilled water.Water sitting on the wood floor could lead to mold growth.
Step 18: It is a good idea to air out your house during the colder months.
Warm air doesn't escape when it's cold, so we keep our homes warmer.There is more opportunity for mold to grow when plants die in the fall and winter.Airing out your house will allow warm air to escape and will clear out any mold that has begun to grow.
Step 19: During the warmer months, keep your air conditioner running.
Make sure your air conditioner is working properly.A favorable environment for mold to grow in can be created by an overused air condition.