Experts warn against using bleach to clean wood

A cleaning hack using bleach to remove mold from wood has gone viral recently, but experts have warned it could do more harm than good to your home.

Needless to say we all want get rid of the mold especially when it arises for the good of our own homes and health. However, once mold gets into the wood, it can be a little more difficult to remove because it becomes embedded in the fibers of the wood.

There are tried and tested Ways to remove mold from woodbut this last cleaning tip involved spraying the wood with bleach and letting it soak in a layer of plastic wrap for a few hours before scrubbing off the mold.

However, this method may not be the best solution. We asked experts why.

Wood clad loft conversion

(Image credit: PLC of the Future / Chris Snook)

Why you shouldn’t clean wood with bleach?

‘Removing mold from wood can be a particularly difficult task because the mold can become embedded within the fibers of the wood, meaning surface cleaning alone cannot eliminate the problem,’ says DIY expert Tim Warren. adkwik.

‘Using cling film and bleach may seem to work to eliminate mold in wood, but it is usually only good for killing surface mold and removing any discoloration that mold may cause.’

‘The chlorine content in bleach often evaporates immediately, leaving behind the water absorbed by the wood. ‘This water can potentially encourage further growth of mold within the wood, especially if it has not been allowed to dry properly.’

Moreover, if you use bleach, the wood may be damaged.

‘If you’re not careful, bleach can fade, dry out and even damage wood fibres,’ warns founder Forrest Webber. Bear Brothers Cleaning. ‘Instead of getting rid of mold and achieving a blemish-free finish, you may be left with wood that looks sunburned and then left to die.’

‘Also, bleach doesn’t get to the root of mold in porous wood; So the mold is biding its time, waiting for the next chance to resurface, like a bad sequel to a horror movie.’

So what are the best options to use instead?

Country living room with wood stove, tongue-and-groove brick fireplace, neutral sofa with mixed cushions

(Image credit: PLC of the Future/ Darren Chung)

What should I use instead?

What you need:

‘If you’re trying to remove mold from a painted or sealed wooden surface, use a mixture of washing up liquid and water,’ advises DIY expert Tim. ‘Add a tablespoon of washing-up liquid to about a liter of water to create the mixture and use this with a soft-bristled brush to scrub the moldy surface.’

‘Avoid getting the wood wet and use a sponge to remove excess water if necessary. ‘Do not rinse the wood after scrubbing, as adding more water may cause more mold to grow.’

‘For small amounts of mold growth that does not appear to have stained or penetrated the wood, white vinegar It can kill mold spores,’ Tim continues. ‘After application, let the vinegar air dry for at least an hour.

‘If spots of mold still remain after you have tried to treat the wood, you will need to sand the surface of the wood to remove any spores that have penetrated deeper into the wood. ‘Make sure you wear protective equipment such as a mask and goggles when sanding moldy wood as spores can be released which can make moldy wood sick.’

hite loft studio loft conversion, gable roof, skylights, desk, wall storage unit, Saarinen Tulip swivel chair, iMac Apple Mac computer, wooden flooring

(Image credit: PLC of the Future/ Mel Yates)

Overall, this is not an effective hack.

Forrest concludes: “This hack looks impressive on social media, but it may lead to regret, tears, and the awkward explanation of why half your bookshelf looks like it’s been chemically stripped.”

‘For a real, long-lasting solution, use vinegar or a mildew remover that doesn’t harm wood. You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to shop for new furniture.’

Cleaning wood from mold can be difficult, but that doesn’t mean quick alternatives are always the best solution.

Related Posts