Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: Identifying the problem
• Part 2 of 4: Removing mold from surfaces
• Part 3 of 4: Removing stubborn mold
• Part 4 of 4: Preventing Mold Growth
• Tips

Mold appears on wooden floors if the room is humid and hot, and there are nutrients for the growth of molds. Mold can not only contaminate the surface of the floor, but also penetrate under it and cause rotting, discoloration and deformation of the wood. To get rid of mold, first remove the moisture source. In most cases, surface mildew can be removed with a rag and cleaning spray.To remove stubborn mold, you need to find out how deeply it has penetrated the surface of the floor or wall, and then use the appropriate method.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Identifying the problem

1. 1 Look for signs of mold. There are many signs by which one can judge that mold has appeared on the floor. Symptoms such as headache, itchy eyes, trouble breathing, and difficulty concentrating can indicate mold.
2. 2 Pay attention to the musty smell. Mold gives off a musty-smelling gas. If you smell this odor, chances are you have mold in your house, even if you can't see it. Mold can grow in hidden places: in walls, under carpets, in a basement or ventilation ducts. SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Susan stocker

   
   
   Green Cleaning Specialist Susan Stoker is the owner and manager of Susan's Green Cleaning, Seattle's number one green cleaning company. Well known in the region for its exceptional customer service protocols (won the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics and Integrity) and its strong support for sustainable cleaning practices.

   Susan stocker
   The Green Cleaning Specialist

   The smell of soil or rotting leaves may indicate that you have black mold. In this case, you should contact a specialist.

3. 3 Check if the wood floor is deformed. If mold appears under the floor, it will eventually cause the floorboards to curl and deform. If you notice that the wood floor is deformed, it is most likely severely affected by mold.
   • If the wood deforming mold is not removed immediately, the floor may need to be replaced, which is time consuming and expensive.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Susan stocker

   
   
   Green Cleaning Specialist Susan Stoker is the owner and manager of Susan's Green Cleaning, Seattle's number one green cleaning company. Well known in the region for its exceptional customer service protocols (won the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics and Integrity) and its strong support for sustainable cleaning practices.

   Susan stocker
   The Green Cleaning Specialist

   The first step is to find the source of the mold. If mold appears in the wood flooring, the first step is to get rid of the moisture that is causing it. It can be liquid on the carpet or rug, or it can leak under the floor.

Part 2 of 4: Removing mold from surfaces

1. 1 Use appropriate protective equipment when handling mold or chemicals. Protective goggles and gloves are sufficient to remove mold from small areas (a few square decimeters). If mold has penetrated the surface or spread over a wider area, use an N95 or P100 respirator and gloves and goggles.
   • Also wear clothes and shoes that can be easily washed or simply thrown away after use.
2. 2 Choose the right mold remover. Surface mold can be removed with a cleaning fluid designed for urethane coatings. You can also use a solution of chlorine bleach with a water to bleach ratio of 10: 1. If you decide to use a commercially available mold remover, you can purchase one at a hardware store.
   • Before using any product, carefully read the instructions that came with it.
3. 3 Wipe off the mold with a rag. A small amount of surface mildew is fairly easy to remove. Spray the contaminated area with a cleaning agent or bleach solution. Wait 10 minutes, then wipe the surface with a rag. To remove stubborn mildew stains, use a stiff bristled hand brush. Then discard the rag.
   • If you use cleaning products or bleach solution, be careful not to get them on the clean surface.Do not leave the bleach solution on the wood for longer than necessary, or it will remove the protective layer from the wood.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Filip boksa

   
   
   Cleaning professional Philip Boxa is the CEO and founder of King of Maids, a US cleaning service that helps clients with cleaning and organizing.

   Filip boksa
   Cleaning professional

   Expert advice: Add vinegar to the mixture to dilute the chlorine and avoid strong unpleasant odors!

Part 3 of 4: Removing stubborn mold

1. 1 Check how deep the mold has penetrated. If mold appears on the walls (especially drywall) or on the floor, it can penetrate deeper. Press a screwdriver or other sharp tool into the moldy surface. If the wood is soft, then mold has penetrated the middle. In this case, a deeper cleaning is required.
   • If the stain is slightly soft to the touch, the mold can be removed.
   • If the tree is loose or crumbles, it may have rotted and cannot be saved.
2. 2 Dry the floor with heaters or fans. Dry the wood thoroughly before removing mold. Place one or two large fans in a moldy room, direct them to dirty spots on the floor or walls, and leave for a few hours.
   • Dry moldy floors to prevent future mold growth.
   • Dry the floor completely. Dry the surface before removing stubborn mold.
3. 3 Ventilate the area. Mold particles can be harmful if inhaled, so precautions should be taken. Cover your mouth with a gauze bandage or handkerchief and open windows and outside doors. You can also place a large fan by one of the outside windows to blow moldy air out of the room.
   • If you do not have a suitable fan, you can purchase one at a hardware or household supply store.
4. 4 Remove the top layer of mildew. First, wipe off as much mold as possible with 100-grit sandpaper or a metal scraper. Then use a finer 220-grit sandpaper. If the mold has penetrated deep into the wood floor, you will need a more efficient tool. Scrape off the mold with a metal tool such as a putty knife.
   • Wipe the moldy surface with sandpaper in a circular motion.
   • After removing the mold, polish the cleaned surface with 200 or 250 grit sandpaper to make it smooth.
5. 5 Spray the moldy surface with diluted bleach. Mix water and bleach in an 8: 1 ratio and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the moldy surface with the bleach solution and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wipe off the solution with an old rag. This will kill the mold.
   • Even if you seem to have removed all the mold, invisible spores can still be left behind.
   • The bleach will kill mold and prevent it from growing in the future.
6. 6 Cut out moldy drywall, flooring, or insulation. If the mold has penetrated deep into the carpet or drywall, it may not be salvageable. In this case, you will have to remove the contaminated material so that the mold does not spread further. Cut out the moldy surface with a screwdriver, utility knife, or other sharp tool.
   • Throw the moldy piece into the trash can immediately.
   • After you cut and discard the moldy wall or floor, you will need to replace it. Visit your local hardware store and buy carpet, drywall, or parquet flooring.
   SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Susan stocker

   Green Cleaning Specialist Susan Stoker is the owner and manager of Susan's Green Cleaning, Seattle's number one green cleaning company.Well known in the region for its exceptional customer service protocols (won the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics and Integrity) and its strong support for sustainable cleaning practices.

   Susan stocker
   The Green Cleaning Specialist

   Expert tip: If mold has penetrated the wood, the only way to get rid of it is to sand the top layer or treat it in another way. In this case, it will not be possible to remove the mold with cleaning agents.

7. 7 Apply a suitable wood treatment product. After you have removed the stubborn mold, you should cover the wood surface with a protective layer. Try to find a wood cleaner that will cover the treated area and restore the color of the wood floor. For added moisture protection, apply a polyurethane coating to the wood floor.
   • If you cannot find a floor that is exactly the same color as the floor, use the next lighter shade.
8. 8 Pack all the rubbish and discard it. Place anything you've used to remove mold, including rags, sandpaper, and other tools, in sturdy trash bags. If you cut the flooring or drywall when removing mold, pick up the remaining debris with a vacuum cleaner.
   • After cleaning, wipe the vacuum cleaner with a cleaning agent or bleach solution to remove any mold spores that may have remained in the vacuum cleaner.

Part 4 of 4: Preventing Mold Growth

1. 1 Keep floors dry to prevent mold growth. Mold requires moisture to grow. Keep floors clean and dry. If you have wood floors in areas prone to mold, such as bathrooms, basements or kitchens, try to remove moisture as soon as it appears.
   • Warmth also contributes to mold growth. To prevent mildew from forming in warm areas with wood floors, such as a bathroom or kitchen, you should ventilate them.
2. 2 Clean your floors regularly. Keeping floors clean and dry will reduce the chances of mold growth. Vacuum and wipe wood floors regularly. While it is not necessary to clean wood floors daily, be sure to do it once a week when cleaning.
   • When it gets on a wooden floor, mold feeds on the nutrients on the surface of the tree, not the wood itself. Keep wood floors clean and dry to remove mold from sources of power.
3. 3 Control the humidity in your home. Mold prefers high humidity. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier and keeping the humidity at an acceptable level. It is usually sufficient to keep the indoor air humidity around 50% to prevent mold growth.
   • Try to wipe up any spilled water as soon as possible. Do not leave water on the wooden floor as this can lead to mold growth.
4. 4 Ventilate your home during the cold season. When it's cold outside, we try to open our windows less, and as a result, warm air accumulates in the house. In addition, indoor plants are more likely to die in the fall and winter, which also encourages mold growth.
   • Ventilate the area to release warm air and mold spores until they have adhered to the surface.
5. 5 Keep the air conditioner running during the warmer months. Make sure that the air conditioner works properly and does not create excess moisture. Excessive use of the air conditioner can lead to the formation of additional condensation, which creates a favorable environment for mold growth.

Tips

• Consider hiring a professional who can remove mold. If you are allergic to mold, weakened immunity, or mold occupies more than three square feet, consider seeking help from a professional who can help solve the problem.
• Some types of mold are highly toxic and contact with them can cause serious health problems.