'Tis the Season For Mold and Mildew

The end of summer and beginning of fall often brings with it ideal conditions for the appearance of mold or mildew on our furniture.

Mold and mildew are simple microscopic organisms called fungi that thrive anywhere there is a moist environment. They actually serve a useful purpose as they aid in the decay of natural materials, such as leaves, grass clippings and fallen tree limbs. Unfortunately, they do not distinguish between a fallen oak tree and a Stickley oak bookcase.

Antique furniture that has ever been treated with boiled or raw linseed oil is even more prone to mold and mildew, as they feast on the organic material lodged in the pores of the wood.

According to FEMA, "mold and mildew can begin to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce by spores -- tiny, lightweight 'seeds' -- that travel through the air. Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material. In addition to the damage molds can cause in your home, they can also cause mild to severe health problems."

How do you treat mold you find growing on your furniture?

1.) Prepare a solution of 10% household bleach and water. That translates to 1.5 cups of bleach to one gallon of water. Use a large sponge to apply the bleach solution to the affected area, leaving it on for 10 minutes to kill the spores. Then rinse with clear water and dry.

2.) Never use ammonia. First, ammonia will dissolve an original shellac finish. Second, if combined with bleach, it will form a toxic gas.

How do you prevent mold and mildew from forming?

1.) Eliminate the source of moisture, such as leaky pipes, rain water, damp carpeting or insulation, or uncovered dirt in a crawl space.

2.) Use a de-humidifier to remove moisture from the air.

3.) Open windows and use fans to circulate fresh, dry air.

Buy an inexpensive humidity meter to set in areas prone to forming mold and mildew and check it regularly to make sure the humidity remains below 40%.

Good Luck!

Bruce