How to Get Rid of Black Mold on Hardwood Floors: 7 Easy Steps

How to get rid of black mold on hardwood floors, black mold on hardwood floors is not just unsightly; it can also pose health risks and compromise the integrity of your flooring. Mold thrives in moist, dark environments, making hardwood floors susceptible if they have been exposed to water or excessive humidity. 

Mold, sadly, is incredibly prevalent, which is bad news for many property owners. If an organic food source and a moisture source are available, it can grow anywhere in the house. Small spots can be treated before the fungus spreads further, even though it is advised to contact a professional mold removal business for safety reasons.

Make sure the area is small, and you have the necessary tools before attacking the fungus if you discover mold on your wood floors. The type of building material should also be taken into consideration when treating particular portions of the house. However, in this instance, you can follow these instructions on how to get rid of black mold on hardwood floors and even make sure that it won’t come back in the future.

Fortunately, with the right techniques and precautions, you can effectively eliminate black mold from your hardwood floors and restore their beauty and safety. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps of how to get rid of black mold on hardwood floors.

How to Get Rid of Black Mold on Hardwood Floors

Here are the steps that will guide you on how to get rid of black mold on hardwood floors.

1. Safety First

Before you begin the mold removal process of how to get rid of black mold on hardwood floors., it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Mold spores can be harmful if inhaled or come into contact with the skin, so take the following precautions:

• Wear protective clothing, including gloves, a mask, and goggles.
• Ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows and doors.
• Isolate the affected area to prevent mold spores from spreading to other parts of your home.

2. Gather Your Supplies

To effectively remove black mold from hardwood floors, you will need the following supplies:

• Mold remover or cleaning solution (vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or a commercial mold remover)
• A scrub brush with stiff bristles
• A plastic scraper or putty knife
• A bucket of clean water
• Old towels or rags
• Vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
• Dehumidifier (optional)
• Sealant (optional)

3. Prepare the Area

Before you start the actual cleaning process of how to get rid of black mold on hardwood floors, prepare the affected area:

• Remove furniture and items from the room to give you clear access to the entire floor.
• Vacuum the area with a HEPA filter-equipped vacuum cleaner to remove loose mold spores and debris.
• Seal off vents or ducts in the room to prevent the spread of mold spores through your HVAC system.

4.  Cleaning and Scrubbing

Now, it’s time to clean the mold off your hardwood floor:

• Mix your chosen mold removal solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or use a homemade solution (e.g., equal parts water, white vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide).
• Dip the scrub brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the mold-infested area gently but thoroughly. Avoid using excessive water, as hardwood is susceptible to moisture damage.
• Use the plastic scraper or putty knife to remove any stubborn mold growth carefully. Be cautious not to damage the wood.
• Rinse the area with clean water and a clean cloth to remove any residue.

Cleaning Wood Floors of Deeply Penetrated Mold

When mold has deeply seeped into the wood floors, water damage that went undiscovered or untreated for a very long time is most likely to blame. If you discover any additional water damage in your house, it’s crucial to have it repaired by a water damage restoration specialist because failing to do so could result in future mold growth.

Calculate the Mold’s Penetration Level

Mold has the capacity to infiltrate well beyond the surface of construction materials like wood flooring, going beyond what is visible. However, press into the affected area with a screwdriver to see just how far it has spread. If the wood is brittle and spongy, it has spread beneath the flooring, necessitating board replacement. To understand how to eliminate mold that has gotten through wood floors, follow the procedures outlined below.

5. Drying and Dehumidifying

After cleaning, it’s essential to thoroughly dry the hardwood floor to prevent mold from returning:

• Use clean towels or rags to pat the floor dry.
• If available, use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity level in the room, which will inhibit mold growth.

6.  Preventive Measures

To prevent the return of black mold on your hardwood floors:

• Fix any water leaks or sources of moisture promptly.
• Keep humidity levels in your home below 50%.
• Apply a mold-resistant sealant or finish to your hardwood floor, which can act as a protective barrier against mold.

7. Professional Help

If the mold infestation is severe, covers a large area, or is in hard-to-reach places, it’s best to seek professional help. Mold remediation experts have the tools, expertise, and protective gear necessary to handle extensive mold problems safely and effectively.

While each property owner’s mold growth situation will be unique, it can be challenging to decide whether remediation can be completed as a do-it-yourself project or if a professional should be engaged. If you’ve found yourself in this predicament, evaluate the situation appropriately. A professional mold removal specialist should be hired if the mold has spread to several locations throughout the property, you don’t have the necessary tools, resources, or time to handle it yourself, or the mold just keeps coming back.

Contact Restoration Master, a restoration firm that specializes in mold removal, if any of the situations above apply to your situation. Since their professionals are aware that mold has the potential to spread swiftly if left untreated, they will take immediate action. Prior to applying expert treatments to eliminate the fungus at its source and securing the regions to prevent further growth, they will first inspect all affected areas. With the help of these professionals, you can be confident that the fungus will be entirely removed from your home and family and that it won’t come back in the future.

Conclusion

Getting rid of black mold on hardwood floors requires diligence and the right approach. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide on how to get rid of black mold on hardwood floors, you can eliminate mold from your hardwood floors and ensure a safe and healthy living environment. Regular maintenance, proper ventilation, and vigilant monitoring of humidity levels will help prevent mold from returning, preserving the beauty and longevity of your hardwood flooring.