Mold has the potential to damage wood. Mold is also an eyesore when it attaches itself to any surface. Mold requires "food,'' or organic materials, in order to grow. Wood is just such a material. Mold thrives best in areas that are wet, humid and receive little sunlight. To prevent mold, keep the area as dry as possible. To clean mold on wood, follow a few steps along with a couple of precautions.
Instructions
1. Prepare the area to be cleaned. Protect any plants in the nearby area by covering them with a tarp. Remove (or cut back) any plants or tree limbs that are touching or shading the wood.
2. Hose down the wood thoroughly. Rinse off as much mold as you can. Use a power washer if it won't damage the wood.
3. Scrape off any remaining mold with a spatula. Use a non-metallic spatula if wood is finished to avoid scratching it. A deck is an example of where exterior wood is often finished.
4. Prepare a solution of chlorine bleach, detergent and water. Mix 1 cup of bleach and 1 cup of detergent for each gallon of water.
5. Test the solution on a small portion of the wood to see if it changes the color. Testing is much more important if the wood is finished. Wait five to 10 minutes to see what happens. If the wood's color changes, use a watered-down solution with less bleach, or no bleach at all.
6. Apply the solution to the woodwork with a rag or sponge. Scrub vigorously to remove the mold's roots. Scrub the wood and rinse again for persistent mold growth.
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