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Mildew on my project ?

1K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  Ocelot 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I abandoned my large entertainment center in May to my unconditioned shop only to find it covered in a fine green fuzz. The project is maple and cherry ply with solid cherry face frames. Can I just wipe it down with a 50/50 bleach /water mix before applying finish. Other than keeping it natural I haven't decided on any particular finish. Does bleach have a bad reaction to any particular finish? Will the bleach washout the natural cherry. A few questions because I really enjoy fretting about finishes.
 
#2 ·
Bleach will not kill the fungus. It only lightens it.

There are specific products for use with mold. When I lived back east, I fought it all the time. I had good results using the Mold Armor stuff you can pick up everywhere. But, you will still need to sand to clean things up. There are surely better products… But, I have no experience with true remediation, or higher end products.

Please, please, please, no matter what you do, wear a respirator or mask rated for mold!!! Please!
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've heard of people using white vinegar (diluted). I don't no the dilution rate or if will harm any finishes. I had a friend that refinished furniture for high end clients and he said it works real good. Unfortunately he has moved away so I have no way to question him on the subject. Bleach could be harmful. Test a small spot where you can't see.
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
Test a small spot where you can t see.

- ocean
Always…... On anything you do to a finished woodworking project….

There are a LOT of supposed to eliminate mold products, and solutions. I don't know of a wipe on, that will make it GONE. If your shop does this once, you have a problem to take care of. PM me if making the problem go away is worth 300 bux to you? I have new in the box machines that will make that problem go away. Light, and Ozone are what you need.

Southern half of Florida by chance? Somewhere sweaty, hot, and moist in general, I would think.
 
#5 ·
The product that I used claims to "crush" the mold and there by kill it. I think I used a pump sprayer but they also have a spray bottle. This will probably be easier on the wood too. As stated above beach only beaches color but won't kill it. When I used the mold "killer" Concrobium from Lowes as directed I wet the surface and let it stand for about ten minutes before wiping.

You may want to try using a dehumidifier or damp rid to drop the RH in the storage space if possible.
 
#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
Bleach will not kill the fungus. It only lightens it.

There are specific products for use with mold. When I lived back east, I fought it all the time. I had good results using the Mold Armor stuff you can pick up everywhere. But, you will still need to sand to clean things up. There are surely better products… But, I have no experience with true remediation, or higher end products.

Please, please, please, no matter what you do, wear a respirator or mask rated for mold!!! Please!

- Axis39
Bleach will kill the mold and fungus. I owned a soft washing business for several years. Our main ingredient was bleach. Once they were cleaned they were good for 3-5 years. Our main ingredient was pool chlorine diluted down to about a .06% concentration. Roofs were cleaned with a 4% concentration. It is all in knowing how to properly apply the solution. Definitely wear a respirator and all other PPE.
 
#7 ·
Bleach will kill the mold and fungus. I owned a soft washing business for several years. Our main ingredient was bleach. Once they were cleaned they were good for 3-5 years. Our main ingredient was pool chlorine diluted down to about a .06% concentration. Roofs were cleaned with a 4% concentration. It is all in knowing how to properly apply the solution. Definitely wear a respirator and all other PPE.

- Clarkhus
Interesting… I've always heard that bleach doesn't kill it. But, I bet that's because everyone uses household concentration bleach. Pool chlorine is a bit different!

Thanks for posting, ya learn something new every day.
 
#8 ·
-

Interesting… I ve always heard that bleach doesn t kill it. But, I bet that s because everyone uses household concentration bleach. Pool chlorine is a bit different!

Thanks for posting, ya learn something new every day.

- Axis39
[/QUOTE]

You have to remember everything you buy from the big box stores, has been dumbed down for consumers. Every manufacturer is scared of being sued. I'm currently working as an expert witness, (great work if you can get it) against a major paint company. Because of cleaner that was used on a house. Unfortunately I can't get into details. Let's just say my fees will buy a lot of new tools.
 
#9 ·
If your shop is closed in, you should consider a dehumidifier to prevent this in the future.

Did you have any fresh cut wood drying in your shop? That's a major source of moisture.
 
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