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Removing Mold

wood finishing

by Alan Noel
Professional Wood Finisher



During the summer months, especially in the Southeast, mold enjoys a very favorable environment in which to grow and multiply due to the warm air and almost 100% humidity. Mold can be found on the finished areas of furniture as well as on the unfinished areas. These two areas need to be treated differently.

Here are a few tips:

  1. Work in a very well ventilated area.
  2. Be sure to wear protective clothing per manufacturers instructions.
  3. Never mix bleach or any other cleaning chemical/solution with ammonia, EVER!
  4. To remove mold from a finished surface, first apply a mixture of household detergent and water, then wipe dry.
  5. Inspect the surface with magnification to make sure the finish is still intact.
  6. If all is good, apply a commercial mold cleaner, specifically made for finished surfaces, following the instructions on the label.
  7. After all is done, I highly recommend a coat of paste wax.
  8. On painted surfaces, use a mild solution of chlorine bleach and water.
  9. As for unfinished wood, mold can grow below the surface and establish roots. Because of this, I recommend a commercial mold cleaner that contains "surfactants." These allow for more absorption and a better chance of getting to the root of things.
  10. Once all is done rinse with clean water.

Visit Highland Woodworking's
Wood Finishing Supplies Department




Alan can be reached directly via email c/o Alan Noel Furniture Refinishing at anoelfurniturere@bellsouth.net .

Visiting Atlanta? Attend one of Alan's upcoming highly informative Highland Woodworking wood finishing seminars:

October 10, 2015  Finishing 101
November 4, 2015  French Polish Workshop



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