Remove Mold from Furniture
In recent years there has been more and more talk about the health problems that can be caused by exposure to mold. Aside from posing a serious health risk, mold can do serious damage to your furnishings, and moldy furniture not only looks bad, it smells terrible. What some people may not know is that mold can actually spread from one piece of furniture to another. In the end mold can even destroy some of your most treasured family heirlooms. Although there are times when furniture that has been contaminated by mold is beyond help, this is not always the case. Fortunately there are some viable solutions to this problem.
Primary and Secondary Contamination
When it comes to making decisions about treating furniture that has been affected by mold, it is important to understand that there are two types of contamination. Primary contamination has to do with a piece of furniture that has mold actually growing on it as a result of being exposed to excessive moisture. In this case the furniture is actually supporting the growth of the mold.
On the other hand, secondary contamination occurs when mold spores from another source have settled on the piece of furniture but are not actively growing on it. Although secondary contamination may not be as serious as primary contamination, a large amount of these spores can definitely wreak havoc with those who suffer from allergies. Whether furniture has been impacted by primary contamination or as a result of secondary contamination, treatment is necessary in order to bring the mold spores under control.
Removing Mold from Hard Surfaces and Porous Materials
When a piece of furniture has undergone primary contamination as a result of excessive moisture it may be necessary to dispose of the furniture. First of all a decision must be made as to whether the furniture is worth saving depending on how valuable it is to you. Note that the earlier the problem is detected, the easier it is to treat and the greater the chance of successful treatment.
To remove mold from hard surface furniture, such as furniture made of wood, start by wiping the area with a cloth that has been dampened with alcohol. Keep in mind that the alcohol may damage the finish; therefore it is advisable to test in an inconspicuous area first to see what kind of effect this will have. It may even be necessary to sand the area and refinish. Applying a clear coat will seal the finish and protect it from further damage.
To remove mold from upholstered furniture, such as sofas and chairs, be sure to thoroughly brush the furniture off with a sturdy broom and then vacuum to ensure removal of all spores. This should be done outside, if possible, to keep the allergens from spreading to other pieces of furniture. If the upholstery is washable it is recommended that you wipe it down with a sponge that has been soaked in detergent followed by a clean dry cloth. This may be all that is needed if secondary contamination has occurred. However if the contamination is of a primary nature it may be necessary to also disinfect the upholstery. You may wipe it again with a mixture of bleach and water (1/4 teaspoon bleach to one cup of water) or a 1:1 ratio of denatured alcohol and water. Again, it is important that you test in a hidden area to make sure discoloration does not occur. It should be noted that in the case of very valuable furniture, such as antiques, it may be necessary to call a professional.
Unfortunately, if you have experienced problems with mold contamination there may be a good chance that environmental conditions have contributed to the problem, and the mold may return to the area. If you suspect that this is the case, remember that you have the option of calling in a professional to test and assess the situation and help you find a solution to this very serious problem.