How to Safely Clean Mold Off Wood with Vinegar: A Step-by-Step Guide
January 16th, 2025
No one wants to deal with Mold, it's annoying. Can't we all agree? Especially when it comes to getting it off wood.
Seeing it on your wood in the first place is frustrating but can cause health risks if not addressed.
The good news? You don’t need a professional or harsh chemicals to fix this, especially if it's a small spot. Let’s break it down step by step."
Why Mold on Wood Is a Big Deal
Mold is a Porous material, which means liquid or air can pass through small spaces in the wood.
Mold can dig in deep if you don’t tackle it early. So yeah, it’s a big deal, but don’t worry—you’ve got options, and vinegar is about to be your new best friend.
The Vinegar Advantage
So why vinegar? For starters, it’s cheap, natural, and something you probably already have in your kitchen. But the real kicker? Vinegar kills up to 82% of mold species—without any toxic fumes, or spending a lot of money, just a simple, safe solution. Let’s get into how to use it the right way.
Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1. Get Your Gear Together
You don’t need a lot to get started—just some white vinegar, water, a spray bottle, a soft-bristle brush, and a microfiber cloth. Oh, and gloves are a good idea if you’re dealing with a bigger spot. Nobody wants mold on their hands!
Step 2: Prep the Area
Before you even touch the mold, make sure the area is well-ventilated. Crack open a window or turn on a fan—it helps with the smell and keeps you from inhaling anything funky. You can even grab a plug-in oscilating fan. Also, give the surface a quick wipe to get rid of dust or loose particles.
Step 3: Spray and Wait
Here’s the easy part: fill your spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and spray it generously over the moldy spots. Don’t scrub yet—give the vinegar about an hour to do its magic. This is where the mold starts to break down.
Step 4: Gentle Scrubbing
After an hour, grab your soft-bristle brush and gently scrub the area. You don’t want to damage the wood, so take it easy. You’ll see the mold lifting right off. Once you’re satisfied, wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth.
Step 5: Let It Dry
After an hour, grab your soft-bristle brush and gently scrub the area. You don’t want to damage the wood, so take it easy. You’ll see the mold lifting right off. Once you’re satisfied, wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth.
If All Else Fails... Call The Pros When You Need Back Up
Dealing with mold is no joke, especially when it comes to your health and home. While vinegar is a fantastic DIY option for smaller issues, some mold problems are just too big or stubborn to handle alone. If the mold keeps coming back, covers a large area, or you’re just not sure how to deal with it safely, don’t wait—reach out to a professional. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your home and loved ones.
