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Mold Restoration: How Do You Remove Mold From Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors are susceptible to mold due to extra water and moisture. If you had a flood in your home due to plumbing problems, or there was a leak in your roof and rain leaked onto the floor, it can quickly cause damage to your flooring. With this water damage is the growth of mildew and mold. Luckily, you can also remove the mold and hopefully save your flooring.  

Use Soap and Water

While regular soap and water won't get rid of all traces of mold, it is a good place to start. Mold removal is best done when you start with a clean surface. However, if the mold and mildew is recent, you might actually remove a good amount of it by scrubbing the floors. Fill a bucket with a small amount of dish detergent and warm water. There should be enough soap to make the water soapy. Dip a scrub brush that is safe to use on wood into the bucket and start scrubbing away at the moldy areas of the floors. Before dipping the brush back in the soapy water, rinse it in another bucket with just water. You don't want to contaminate your soapy water with mold spores. Continue until you believe you have done as much as you can, then rinse the floors and dry them.

Remove Mold With Bleach

The best way to remove mold spores from hardwood floors is by using bleach. Keep in mind you might end up with some discoloration on your floors, but this is really the only way to be sure you got rid of the mold. It is best to have clean floors and refinish them later. Rinse your bucket out and re-fill it with warm water. This time, you want to add bleach instead of soap. There should be about one part bleach to ten parts water. Get out a mop and wash the area of your floors with the bleach solution. Now use the scrub brush to start scrubbing at the problem areas. You want to penetrate through the top layers in order to remove all traces of mold.

Finish the Floors

When you are done bleaching the floors to remove mold, rinse the area and let it dry. You now need to finish the floors to restore the original color of your hardwood floors. Start by making the area smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Sweep the area and add a wood staining that matches the rest of your hardwood flooring. This will allow you to have beautiful wood floors without the mold.

If you don't feel comfortable removing the mold on your own, consider hiring a mold restoration company. Click here for more info.