Removing mold from wood with vinegar?

Liz
by Liz

Ugh! I need some advice about removing mold from wood with vinegar. My desk sits up against a wall. A week ago my hubby left the window open. I didn't realize that the moisture from the rain got between the wall and my desk, and now the wood back has a large moldy stain on it. I'd like to try removing the mold with vinegar, but I want to make sure that won't damage the wood.Is there a better mold and mildew remover that I should be using?My hubby (who feels bad for causing this problem) suggested I buy a bathroom mold removal product, but I'm not sure that's the right solution, especially for mold on wood. What do you think?

This is the area with mold on the wood. I'd like to remove the mold with vinegar. Will that work? Is it safe?

  4 answers
  • Oliva Oliva on Nov 19, 2018

    Vacuum the surface to contain mold spores, then dispose of bag. Wearing heavy rubber gloves and a mask, mix 1 quart water and 1/2 cup bleach. Scrub wood with a brush, then let dry in sun, or use a fan, if possible, to expedite drying.

    Seal your deck with a bees wax formula to protect from humidity.

    There are special products on the market (available at home centers), specifically designed for removal of mold from wood, but you may need multiple applications.

    • Liz Liz on Nov 19, 2018

      Thank you for the quick and thorough answer Olivia!

      Are you saying that bleach is the right thing to use to remove mold from wood, and vinegar will not work?

  • Oliva Oliva on Nov 19, 2018

    Vinegar is used to prevent recurrance, but I'd be leery of using it on wood surfaces, unless you'd want to try a small amount in an inconspicuous place.

    • See 1 previous
    • Oliva Oliva on Aug 31, 2021

      There's a product called Concrobium, available in hardware and home stores, used to treat wood surfaces for mold. I don't know how well it would work on a vertical surface, such as paneling. Perhaps others will have better suggestions.

  • Oliva Oliva on Nov 19, 2018

    Hi, Liz,

    My curiousity caused me to locate this: "http://www.BobVila.com/articles/how-to-remove-mold-from-wood".

    Seems you can use vinegar, but read his entire article, for clarity.

    Let us know how it turns out!

    • See 1 previous
    • Oliva Oliva on Nov 20, 2018

      Thanks, Liz.

      I'll have to save that piece of information.

      BTY, I loved your emoticon!

      Best of luck. If you develop larger biceps out of this, your hubby will owe you a new sweater, at the least😊.

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Apr 01, 2022

    To kill mold with vinegar, pour undiluted vinegar into a spray bottle and spray the moldy area directly. Allow the vinegar to sit for up to one hour. Wipe the area clean with a damp towel and allow the wood to air dry. The smell of vinegar will linger on the wood for several hours but will dissipate naturally.