Mould on wood and wooden furniture: treatment and prevention

Why wood is vulnerable

Wood is porous and organic — literally a food source for mould as well as a place for it to root. That means mould on wood can go deeper than it looks, and moisture is absorbed and held rather than sitting on the surface. Furniture, floors, skirting, window frames and structural timber are all at risk.

Treating surface mould on wood

For light growth on finished or solid wood: ventilate, wear a mask, and treat with an anti-microbial mould product rather than dry-brushing (which spreads spores). Wipe gently, then dry the wood thoroughly — remaining moisture is what brought the mould. Avoid soaking the wood.

When it's gone too deep

If the wood is soft, stained through, or mould keeps returning, it has likely penetrated the grain and surface treatment won't fully remove it. Affected furniture may not be salvageable; structural timber (joists, beams, roof timbers) needs professional assessment, as mould there often accompanies a moisture problem that threatens the structure.

Preventing it

Keep wooden items off cold external walls, maintain airflow around furniture, control humidity, and deal with any leak fast. Where structural timber is affected, professional mould removal handles contaminated material and an mould inspection identifies the moisture source.

Mould on structural or valuable timber? book a €75 inspection or call +357 96 738151.