How To Remove Mold From Wood Furniture: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Remove Mold from Wood Furniture PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Last Updated: August 27, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Prepping to Clean the Mold
    • |
  • Cleaning Light Mold
    • |
  • Removing Stubborn Mold
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,102,925 times.

Mold spores float through the air, indoors and out, undetected until they start growing. Given the right conditions, like warmth and moisture, they begin to grow mold. It can be devastating to find your favorite furniture speckled with mold spots. Prep to clean the mold by moving your furniture somewhere the mold won't spread and vacuuming up loose spores. Clean light mold with sunlight, cheap vodka, and dish soap. Remove stubborn mold with a bleach solution or by sanding the mold out of the furniture.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Prepping to Clean the Mold

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  1. Step 1 Put on rubber gloves, safety goggles, and an air mask. 1 Put on rubber gloves, safety goggles, and an air mask. Mold spores can be very harmful to your health, especially if they get into your lungs. To prevent this, whenever cleaning mold you should wear an air mask, rubber gloves, and safety goggles without air vents.[1]
    • Due to the especially harmful effects of spores on the lungs, a N95 mask should be used. These can be bought at most hardware stores.
    • If you are allergic to mold or mold sensitive, cover as much of your skin as possible. Wear a long sleeve shirt and coveralls, in this case.
  2. Step 2 Prevent the spread of mold spores by cleaning furniture outdoors. 2 Prevent the spread of mold spores by cleaning furniture outdoors. If you don't have any other options, you may clean mold from furniture inside, though you should open windows before starting.[2] During the cleaning process you might accidentally spread mold spores. To prevent mold from spreading to other pieces of furniture or parts of your house, clean outdoors.
    • If you move the furniture outside, slit a garbage bag or two and tape the bag(s) around the furniture. This will prevent the spread of spores when transporting the furniture through your house.
    • Many cleaning agents, like bleach, give off harmful fumes. At minimum, you should clean in a well-ventilated area.
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  3. Step 3 Vacuum the areas with mold. 3 Vacuum the areas with mold. A vacuum with an arm attachment and a HEPA filter will suck up loose spores along with dust and dirt. Pass the vacuum slowly over moldy areas several times.[3]
    • When emptying the bag or canister of the vacuum, do so outside and into a plastic bag. Seal the bag tightly and throw it away.[4]
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning Light Mold

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  1. Step 1 Fight very light mold with sunlight. 1 Fight very light mold with sunlight. Very light mold and musty smells can often be eliminated by airing your furniture out in sunlight. Position the furniture outside in the early morning, after the dew has evaporated (if there is any). Bring the furniture back inside at sunset. Repeat this for another day or two if necessary.
    • Even when dealing with light mold, be sure you wear gloves, an air mask, and googles. Light mold still produces harmful spores.
    • Mold thrives on moisture. If your home climate is humid, place your furniture in a small room with a dehumidifier for similar results to a sunlight cleaning.[5]
    • To improve the mold fighting power of the sunlight, mix equal parts water and white vinegar and lightly spray the furniture in the morning when placing it outside.
  2. Step 2 Mist light mold with vodka. 2 Mist light mold with vodka. Light mold, or mold that resisted a sunlight cleaning, can be handled with a spray bottle and cheap vodka. Add the vodka to the spray bottle and mist the whole piece of furniture. Allow it to air dry in direct sunlight for best results.[6]
    • Wood that is painted or stained isn't likely to have been penetrated below the surface by the mold. In these cases, mild cleaners should work.
  3. Step 3 Scrub away heavier mold with dish soap and a soft bristle brush. 3 Scrub away heavier mold with dish soap and a soft bristle brush. Mold that withstood sunlight and vodka can often be removed with a mild household detergent. Mix dish soap in a bucket of warm water and gently scrub moldy areas with a soft bristle brush with a circular motion.
    • When finished cleaning, wipe the surface of your furniture with a damp towel. If no mold remains, wipe the wood once more with a dry rag. If mold remains, repeat this process.
    • Before doing this, you should try brushing an out of sight area on the furniture with the solution first. Some brushes may damage certain finishes.[7]
  4. Step 4 Opt for distilled vinegar when dish soap fails. 4 Opt for distilled vinegar when dish soap fails. Distilled white vinegar is an excellent mold killing agent. Should dish soap be too weak to remove the mold, add vinegar to a spray bottle. Spray the furniture thoroughly with the vinegar. Wait about an hour, then wipe the surface with a damp cloth.[8]
    • Reapply the vinegar again in this fashion if necessary. Wipe the wood thoroughly with a dry rag when the mold is removed.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Removing Stubborn Mold

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  1. Step 1 Mix a bleach solution for stubborn mold. 1 Mix a bleach solution for stubborn mold. In a bucket, mix together a household detergent, like dish soap, bleach, and water. Use a quarter cup (59 ml) of detergent, 2½ cups (591 ml) of bleach, and 5 cups (1.2 L) of water. Stir the solution with a utensil to evenly distribute the ingredients.[9]
    • Only mold on the surface of your wooden furniture will be removed by bleach alone. Mold that has sunk roots into the wood will require a surfactant added, like detergent.
    • Bleach can lighten or completely whiten the colors of some dyed cloth, like clothing or carpet. Take care when handling bleach, and consider wearing a smock or clothes you don't mind throwing away.
  2. Step 2 Apply the bleach solution to the furniture. 2 Apply the bleach solution to the furniture. Dip a stiff bristle brush or a scrub sponge into your bleach solution. Use moderate pressure and move your cleaning tool in circles as you clean. After thoroughly cleaning moldy areas, allow the furniture to air dry. Repeat this process a second time if necessary.[10]
    • For best results, move the furniture outside, clean it as described with the bleach solution, and then allow it to air dry in the sunshine.
    • Using a stiff bristle brush on wooden furniture could damage its finish. If this happens to your furniture, you'll have to refinish the wood.
    • If the bleach solution does not completely remove the mold, its roots may be sunk too deeply in the wood to be removed by cleaning agents alone.
  3. Step 3 Sand off solution resistant mold. 3 Sand off solution resistant mold. Use a fine grit (120 to 220 rating) sandpaper to lightly sand the moldy areas.[11] Sand while the wood is still damp to prevent spores from spreading. Clean sanded areas with the bleach solution after sanding and air dry the furniture.
    • Even lightly sanding finished wood will cause damage to the finish and require refinishing once the mold is removed.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question How can I kill black mold? Susan Stocker Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. Susan Stocker Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Expert Answer There is no eco-friendly way to kill black mold, and the spores can be dangerous. For these reasons, it is not recommend that you remove the mold yourself. You're much better off hiring a professional mold removal service to get rid of black mold. If you do decide to remove it yourself, wear a respirator and seal all areas of your home so that the potentially toxic spores aren't released into other areas of your home. You’ll need black mold removal products, which are easily found in home repair stores. Contrary to popular opinion, bleach does not kill black mold. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 25
  • Question What should I wear when cleaning mold? Susan Stocker Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. Susan Stocker Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Expert Answer Mold spores are harmful to human health, so it's important to wear proper PPE. Put on ventless goggles, a face mask, and gloves before cleaning mold. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 13
  • Question Can vinegar kill mold? Susan Stocker Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. Susan Stocker Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Expert Answer Yes! Distilled white vinegar is a natural mold killer. Simply add it to a spray bottle and spritz it all over the mold. Wait for about 1 hour, then wipe off the vinegar. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 36
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Tips

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Warnings

  • Mold that has aggressively infected your furniture may be impossible to remove. In this situation, you may need to throw the furniture away. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 6
  • Mold spores are harmful to humans. Always be sure to wear proper safety equipment when cleaning mold, like gloves, ventless googles, and an air mask.[12] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

  • Air mask (rated N95 or better)
  • Bleach
  • Clean rags
  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • HEPA filter equipped vacuum (preferably with a hose attachment)
  • Rubber gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Sandpaper (optional)
  • Soft bristle scrub brush
  • Sponge
  • Spray bottle
  • Stiff bristle scrub brush

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References

  1. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Folder2/Folder12/Folder1/Folder112/STEPS_FOR_CLEANING_MOLD_MDCH.pdf?rev=5a509f3a03304b959e26a763b293cb5b
  3. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgRR05SCsmM
  5. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.organicauthority.com/live-grow/5-ways-to-clean-your-home-with-yes-vodka
  7. ↑ https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Folder2/Folder12/Folder1/Folder112/STEPS_FOR_CLEANING_MOLD_MDCH.pdf?rev=5a509f3a03304b959e26a763b293cb5b
  8. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://woodworkly.com/how-to-remove-mold-from-wood-furniture
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://woodworkly.com/how-to-remove-mold-from-wood-furniture
  2. ↑ https://woodworkly.com/how-to-remove-mold-from-wood-furniture
  3. ↑ Susan Stocker. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview

About This Article

Susan Stocker Co-authored by: Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. This article has been viewed 1,102,925 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 25 Updated: August 27, 2025 Views: 1,102,925 Categories: Furniture Fixes | Cleaning Wood | Mold and Mildew Treatment Article SummaryX

Mold spores can easily go unnoticed until they start to grow in warm, moist conditions, potentially damaging your furniture. To clean mold, first move the affected items outdoors to prevent spore spread and vacuum up loose spores. For light mold, use sunlight, vodka, or a mild dish soap solution, while more stubborn mold may require a bleach solution or sanding. Always wear protective gear, including an N95 mask, gloves, and goggles, as mold spores can be harmful to your health. In humid environments, using a dehumidifier can also help. If necessary, apply distilled vinegar or a bleach solution for tougher mold, but be cautious as bleach may discolor fabrics. After cleaning, ensure the furniture dries thoroughly, and be prepared to refinish any damage to the wood's surface. For more tips on how to safely clean mold from your furniture, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Maureen O'Connor

    Maureen O'Connor

    Apr 21, 2017

    "There are so many overwhelming solutions to dealing with mold on wood furniture that I did not know how to approach..." more Rated this article:
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Susan Stocker Co-authored by: Susan Stocker Professional Cleaner Co-authors: 25 Updated: August 27, 2025 Views: 1,102,925 100% of readers found this article helpful. 2 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Maureen O'Connor

Maureen O'Connor

Apr 21, 2017

"There are so many overwhelming solutions to dealing with mold on wood furniture that I did not know how to approach..." more Rated this article: Sharon Terwilliger

Sharon Terwilliger

Mar 3, 2023

"I have 3 fold problems with different funiture type wood. Was in storage for about 9 months. Have unfinished wood..." more Kim McGee

Kim McGee

Mar 28, 2017

"We just discovered mold in our 50-year-old home. In cleaning afterward, we also found a little mold in my..." more Laura Denton

Laura Denton

Jul 10, 2017

"I have already followed these steps. My table has particularly stubborn mold. I feel good knowing I've done..." more Rated this article: Odette Amsel

Odette Amsel

Aug 22, 2020

"I need to clean my furniture first, then I will come back with the result. Thank you very much for all the ideas,..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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