Take a look at the most common causes of mold on wood furniture:
- 1. Water Damage Whenever there is high moisture content in wood, mold will thrive. When water damage strikes, mold is likely to grow in your home and on your wood furniture. ...
- 2. Excessive Humidity An excess of moisture in the air can be caused by poor insulation, inadequate ventilation, poor humidity control, or extreme climates. ...
- 3. Inconsistent Temperature & Poor Airflow in your House
How do you prevent white mold on furniture?
Tips to prevent white mold from growing in your home Fix all sources of leaks to ensure there are no damp spots. Keep air vents free of debris for proper ventilation in your home. Remove organic material like wood, paper, and food waste that could be feeding white mold growth in your home.
Is white mold harmful?
As is the case with all species and types of mold, white mold is hazardous, because exposure to it can result in various health problems. Among the health issues white mold can cause include allergies, eye irritation, skin irritation, headaches, respiratory infections, nausea, and dizziness.
Why is my wooden furniture going Mouldy?
Mold commonly grows on wooden surfaces, as wood is very good at absorbing water. Add to this moisture warm temperatures and mold spores (which are always in the air), and it's the perfect storm for a mold infestation.
Is white mold worse than black mold?
Black mold is considered highly toxic mold and poses terrible health risks. On the other hand, white mold is a powdery, stringy, flakey, or filmy substance that can change colour or remain white, making it difficult to identify. Generally speaking, white molds present less health risks than black mold.
What happens if you breathe in white mold?
For people sensitive to mold, inhaling or touching mold spores can cause allergic reactions, including sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. People with serious mold allergies may have more severe reactions, including shortness of breath.
Is white water mold harmful to humans?
Water Mold is a whitish, mucous-like substance that looks like shredded tissue paper when floating in the water. It is not harmful to humans, but is unsightly, and can clog equipment.
How long does it take to get sick from mold exposure?
These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days. Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss. Work-relatedness may only become apparent over long holidays if symptoms resolve and then recur on return to work.
What is the difference between white mold and black mold?
White Mold vs Black Mold White molds are a type of fungi which grows only on the surfaces and could be easily removed. Black molds appear in black and show an irregular growth. White molds appear in white and show flat growth. Black molds produce mycotoxins and greatly affect humans with severe health issues.
Is mildew harmful to your health?
Mildew can cause problems with your health but not to the same degree as mold . Exposure to mildew spores can result in respiratory problems, coughing, headaches, and sore throats.
What is mildew?
Mildew is a specific type of mold. It grows in a flat formation on the surface. Because it is on the surface, it is much easier to remove compared to mold which grows inside different material. Mildew is typically found on damp surfaces like fabrics, paper, or other organic materials inside of your home.
What is the difference between mildew and mold?
Mildew and mold are both types of fungi that are typically found in moist environments inside the home. They can both spread easily and they live on many types of surfaces.
Can breathing in mildew make you sick?
In some cases, you can get sick breathing in mildew, particularly if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition or asthma. Additionally, some people have more severe allergies to mildew.
What causes mildew?
Moisture is one of the most important factors. When an area is too moist, there is too much water in the air, and it allows mildew to grow. Mildew needs other things to live like a food source, and it prefers darkness, and of course having stale air exacerbates this - but the most important factor contributing to mildew is moisture.
Why is there mold on my shower tile?
If your bathroom has mildew growth on the shower tiles, it could be nothing more than mildew growth. But it could also be a sign of an internal leak and more serious mold growth behind the walls or in the floors. If you have children in the home or you suffer from a pre-existing respiratory condition, cleaning these contaminants yourself could cause harmful ramifications.
What happens if you put a garbage disposal under the sink?
What starts as a small drip from your garbage disposal under the sink could eventually lead to mildew developing under your sink and if left unattended this could manifest in the form of more serious mold growth.
Is White Mold On Wood Dangerous?
White mold on wood can be quite dangerous – it can cause some serious health complications and even permanently damage your property if not dealt with properly.
What Does White Mold On Wood Look Like?
White mold will appear as small white spots and patches along a surface. These white spots can either be powdery or fuzzy – read below to find out how to tell the difference.
When Should You Call A Professional?
As mentioned above, we recommend contacting a professional when the white mold growth covers a large area or is in a place that is difficult to reach.
How to get rid of white mold on furniture?
As with furniture, simply using vinegar on the affected area should be a great way of preventing the white mold from returning, especially if you let it seep into the deepest parts of the wood.
How to tell if you have mold in your house?
An easy way to tell whether the powdery substance you’ve found in your home is mold is to perform a water test – mold will not dissolve when it comes in contact with water. While there are many species of mold, the Aspergillus mold is often the culprit behind powdery-looking white mold on wood.
How to get rid of white mold on wood?
To kill white mold on wood with vinegar, cover the affected area with vinegar and let it sit there for about 60 minutes before trying to scrub or wipe it. Depending on the amount of mold present and the severity of the growth, you may need to wait longer or re-apply the vinegar.
What is white mold?
This type of mold looks very similar to the mold you’ll see growing on rotten food and is a bit easier to identify than powdery white mold. The most common types of fuzzy white mold are the Penicillium mold or the Cladosporium mold.
Is the mold growing on the backside of furniture near an exterior wall?
This is caused by a combination of poorly insulated exterior walls and elevated indoor humidity. If a house is very well insulated (i.e. a modern 2×6 wall) this kind of mold growth will only occur in homes with extremely high humidity. In older homes with poor or no insulation, this can happen in fairly dry houses.
Is the mold growing on furniture in the middle of the room?
This is caused by extreme humidity (70%+). If you live in a hot/humid climate, you’ll need to utilize your air conditioner to drop the humidity. If you live in a cool climate (and the problem occurs in the winter), you can lower the humidity by improving your ventilation and raising the heat.
What would cause mold on my dresser in a carpeted room?
In most cases, mold on the furniture is due to a combination of excess humidity and poorly insulated exterior walls. When a dresser is right against an exterior wall, the airflow is restricted and condensation can form. In time, this condensation creates an environment conducive to mold growth.
Why does mold grow in wood?
Due to the low humidity in your environment , this growth likely occurred at the factory. After the wood is dried, the mold growth stops. What you’re seeing is the lingering staining from the prior growth. This is a fairly common issue with lumber and does not pose a health concern.
What happens when a dresser is right against the wall?
When a dresser is right against an exterior wall, the airflow is restricted and condensation can form. In time, this condensation creates an environment conducive to mold growth. Try to keep your humidity beneath 55% during the winter months.
Why does mold grow in concrete?
This is almost certainly mold growth. Occasionally a white substance can occur due to efflorescence, but this only happens on masonry, concrete, etc. The widespread pattern of growth indicates high humidity throughout the room. This can be caused by poor ventilation, inadequate air conditioning or a flooding event. If there are no signs of a flooding event, it’s due to humidity. In regards to the insurance company’s claim the humidity levels are normal, this could simply be due to the timing of the inspection. It’s quite possible the growth occurred during a high humidity period but the levels had returned to normal the day the insurance adjuster visited the home. Mold growth will become inactive when the humidity/moisture levels return to normal, but the visible growth will not disappear.
Why does mold grow on painted walls?
In this case, the mold growth is likely feeding off the settled dust that has accumulated on the painted surface. Mold growth like this only occurs in rooms with very high humidity levels.
How can I tell the difference between white mold and efflorescence?
White mold growth provides an additional challenge because it is often confused with efflorescence, a crystalline growth structure found on concrete and masonry surfaces . Efflorescence occurs when water moves through a masonry structure , bringing unbounded salts to the surface. When the water evaporates, a white, fluffy structure is left behind. This growth, while harmless, can appear very similar to white mold growth.
Can color be used to identify the type of mold?
You cannot positively determine the exact type of mold based on the color. To determine the specific type of mold, you’ll need mold testing . However, the color can be used to rule out certain types of mold. For example, Stachybotrys is always black. If you find white mold growth on a pair of shoes, you can rest assured it is not stachybotrys. The same is true of chaetomium and a number of other mold types.
Is white mold dangerous?
Many molds can provoke allergic responses in sensitive individuals. No area of significant mold growth within the home should be considered safe. Proper identification of the underlying cause, removal and cleanup should be performed regardless of the color of the mold growth.
What tests are used to identify white mold?
Direct mold sampling can be used to identify the species of white mold. Types of direct sampling include tape lift, swab and bulk samples. These samples are collected by a technician and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The lab will first determine if the suspect growth is mold, and if so, what species of mold.
Are there any special concerns for mold remediation when dealing with white mold?
Because of this, the color of the mold is inconsequential. Many non-allergenic molds are white, as are a number of allergenic molds. Confusing the issue even more is the fact that we simply don’t know the allergenic capabilities of the vast majority of molds. Conclusion = treat them all the same.
How can I prevent mold in my crawl space?
Mold growth on exposed soil in the crawl space is common. This is why it’s critical to completely cover the soil with 6mil poly sheeting. This will prevent any mold spores (and odors) from entering the home. I also recommend air sealing any penetrations in the crawl space/subfloor. This will greatly reduce the amount of air flowing up from the crawl space into the home. By most estimates, 35% of the air in the main portion of your home comes directly from the crawl space.
Why is there white mold in my attic?
This is why it’s less common to see mold growth on base trim after a flooding event. The vast majority of attic mold is caused by humidity, which is why white mold growth is common here.
What is white mold?
White resembles many other molds and thrives in wet or musty environments. Many homeowners don’t realize that they have a white mold problem because of its colour, which makes it difficult to detect. It can grow on plants, fabric, food and other organic materials like drywall, wood and carpeting. This makes it a threat not only to your health, but to the structural safety of your home.
What causes white mold?
Like other molds, white mold grows due to high moisture levels combined with the presence of a food source, and the right temperature. Common food sources for white mold include wood, drywall, carpeting, laminate, insulation and any other organic, carbon-rich material.
How to remove white mold?
While some types of mold and mildew are easy to remove with household products like vinegar, white mold is much more difficult (and dangerous) to remove on your own. It may have penetrated deep below the surface of the contaminated material or it may be growing in places you aren’t even aware of.
What is the white mold that is a fungus?
This is a type of mold with a white, fuzzy appearance caused by the airborne spores of the fungus. The mold is also known as powdery mildew due to its powdery look and texture.
Why does mold grow on walls?
White mold grows on your walls or drywall in the presence of moisture and low lights that breed its food. It can develop anywhere on your building walls, including the basement, bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and other poorly ventilated rooms. Surprisingly, you can also find white mold growing on your tiled walls.
What is the difference between white mold and efflorescence?
Tips for distinguishing between white mold and efflorescence: Efflorescence dissolves in water–mold does not. Efflorescence is typically found on concrete and brick while mold grows on organic materials like wood and drywall. White mold is a living organism (fungus) while efflorescence is simply salt deposits.
How to tell if you have white mold on your door?
white mold on door. When they first develop, white molds are very hard to detect since the spores are so tiny that they can only be seen under a microscope . Once colonies form, however, white molds appear as spots on a surface. They can be flaky, powdery, stringy or filmy at first glance.
How to get mold off wood?
By cleaning the wood surfaces with a soft bristled brush or cloth, you should find that the mold spores lift easily.
How to get rid of mold on furniture?
Leave to air dry, preferably in the sunlight. Mold is like a vampire: it thrives in the dark and hates the sun. The UV rays help to kill mildew and mold so feel free to leave the furniture outside until dark if it’s a dry, sunny day.
What to do if your house is damp?
If your home suffers from damp, take steps to rectify the problem and if you’re a renter, then approach your landlord. All the detergent products in the world are pointless if the environment is making the mildew thrive. Besides, even if your furniture remains unaffected, your health won’t.
What to use to clean mold from a carpet?
For molds that have spread for a longer time and have taken hold a little more strongly, then the cleaning process may need to be a little more rigorous and you’ll need to apply white vinegar to the affected area.
How to get rid of mold in a vacuum?
One way to tackle this is to get a vacuum cleaner, preferably one with a HEPA filter, and remove the mold this way. Once you’ve done this, remove the vacuum bag outside where there’s plenty of ventilation, put it into a separate plastic bag, tie it up and dispose of it safely.
What happens if you leave furniture sitting for long periods of time?
Those rubber gloves and face mask from earlier are even more vital now! Furniture that has been sitting for long periods of time in conditions with very high moisture levels, for example extreme humidity or after flooding, may have developed black mold.
Can mold cause lung problems?
Besides, even if your furniture remains unaffected, your health won’t. Mildew and mold are notorious for exacerbating lung conditions and causing chronic illnesses, which is all the more reason to get on top of the issue as soon as possible.
What causes white mold?
Many conditions favor the formation of white mold in your home. The development of white mold requires three crucial elements:
Is white mold dangerous?
The white mold itself is not dangerous-it is pretty harmless (although that does not mean it is OK to allow it to grow in your home). It can be dangerous when combined with other allergens. For example, if someone allergic to mold comes in contact with white mold, they are likely to experience symptoms such as sneezing and mild skin irritation (such as bumps on the skin or a rash). White mold can also exacerbate respiratory problems such as asthma. It is best to clean up the area right away and get rid of it before it becomes too much to handle.
How to prevent white mold?
The best way to prevent the spread of white mold is by removing any conditions which encourage its growth.
Why does mold grow everywhere?
Cladosporium – This type of white mold is prevalent and grows everywhere and on everything due to the current moisture and humidity levels in houses. It is best to either get rid of the sources of moisture or use a dehumidifier to dry the air.
Why is mold white?
This mold is called white because it can grow on damp and dry surfaces without changing color or texture due to its hyphal structure. It has filaments called hyphae which extend from the main body of the fungus. These hyphae have capillaries that allow them to absorb as many nutrients as possible from their surroundings.
What is the difference between white mold and black mold?
On the other hand, black mold leaves a dark-colored film on surfaces and sticks out like a sore thumb. In both cases, if you see any discoloration in your home at all that makes you think there is a mold problem somewhere, do not wait to clean it up before it becomes worse.
How to prevent mold from growing in the house?
Keeping your home clean and dry is the easiest way to prevent white mold from growing in the first place, but you also have to make sure that moisture is not building up around your windows or any other part of your house.
How to get rid of mold spores outside?
Sweep the furniture to remove any loose spores. Doing this outside will keep the spores outside instead of inside where they might propagate and grow more mold.
What is the best way to get rid of mold on furniture?
Vacuum. Sponge. Detergent. Denatured alcohol or bleach safe for colors. Clean cloths. Sponges. Fungicide. Tip. Getting rid of mold on furniture can be very taxing on your time.
How to get rid of white mold in house?
If you have hot and humid areas in your house, mold can develop on your furniture. The best way to cut down on mold in your home is to reduce the humidity as much as is possible, even if that means implementing dehumidifiers around your home. Mold that has had time to propagate and grow substantially can in fact be toxic; its removal is imperative and should be done immediately to avoid compromising the health of your household any further.
What is the best way to remove mold from a carpet?
Dilute denatured alcohol or bleach that is safe for colors and scrub spots if the mold has not come off with detergent.
How to clean a wooden table?
Wash down furniture with soapy water. Do not saturate, but rather dip a sponge or wash cloth into warm soapy water and wipe down the furniture. Saturation could damage your wooden furniture.
Is mold a toxic substance?
Mold that has had time to propagate and grow substantially can in fact be toxic; its removal is imperative and should be done immediately to avoid compromising the health of your household any further. Advertisement.
Who is Sarah Coennen?
Sarah Coennen writes about the medical industry, health, fitness, alternative medicine and animals. She has been a freelance writer since 2009.
How to prevent mold and mildew in a house?
1. Identify the source. Identifying the source of moisture is the best step towards preventing further mold and mildew issues in your home. Whether you need to hire a plumber or just move your furniture to a more dry location, finding the cause is the first step toward a solution and future prevention. 2.
How to clean mildew off wood furniture?
Disinfect your wood furniture by wiping the mildew infected area with a cloth dipped in diluted alcohol or bleach (10% bleach to water solution) before drying thoroughly using an electric heater and fan. Even a hair dryer will do! For painted or stained wood, you can use a more mild disinfectant.
What to do if mildew grows on furniture?
If the mildew has grown or spread to any attached pieces of upholstery, it is best to consult a furniture cleaning service.
How to get rid of mildew on furniture?
Wash the area with a cloth soaked with whatever solution you have decided to use based on your furniture and the extent of the mildew infection. Use a washcloth and scrub gently in circles. You should be able to see the mildew clearing from the surface. Allow the area to dry before moving on to step three.
What is mildew resistant paint?
Applying a mildew resistant paint is a great way to seal your efforts and prevent further infections.
Why is it important to remove mildew from furniture?
It’s important to know how to remove mildew from wood furniture properly in order to protect yourself and your belongings from unsightly and potentially dangerous mold.
What does it mean when moisture isn't a problem anymore?
If you correctly identified the cause of the issue, that means that moisture shouldn’t be a problem anymore (perhaps you moved that cabinet from a dampened basement, or allowed a flooded piece of furniture to spend a day or two in the sun).
