How to Clean Old Mildew From Wood

Mildew is white to bluish in color and grows in areas with excessive moisture and little ventilation. Mildew will grow on almost any surface that it can feed from, including wood. Along with an unpleasant musty odor, left untreated, the fungus will cause considerable damage to the surface it is growing on. Increasing ventilation and light to enclosed spaces will decrease the chances of future mildew attacks. While prevention is best, removing mildew must be done as soon as possible to stop the fungal growth. Following the process allows you to clean new and old mildew from wood surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• Ventilation fan (optional)
• Rubber gloves
• Trisodium phosphate
• Plastic bucket
• Water
• Dust and mold mask
• Green scrub pad
• Sponge

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Set the ventilation fan in an opening to the area to increase the current ventilation problem. Not all areas may have access to include a fan.

   • 2

     Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the cleaner.

   • 3

     Mix eight to 10 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate for every gallon of water in the plastic bucket.

   • 4

     Wear a dust and mold mask when working in the area with mildew.

   • 5

     Scrub the surface of the wood with the green scrub pad. Clean small areas at one time.

   • 6

     Rinse the surface of the wood with clean water and a sponge. Move on to the next section of wood. Dry the wood surface thoroughly.