How to Get Rid of Mold and Mildew on Unpainted MDF
Medium density fiberboard--also known as MDF--is a popular building material for cabinet speakers, cupboards and bookcases. If the unpainted MDF becomes wet or damp, mold and mildew can begin to grow. The mold and mildew can be an eyesore as well as fill your home with spores that can spread the mold to other areas.
If mold and mildew is left untreated, it can deteriorate the MDF beyond repair. Fortunately, you can remove the mold and mildew from unpainted MDF with a few household items.
Things You Will Need
- Rubber gloves
- N-95 respirator
- Safety goggles without vent holes
- Water
- 2 cloths
- 5-gallon bucket
- Bleach
- Mild dish-washing liquid
- Sponge
- Container
- Fans
- Dehumidifier
Warning
Do not mix bleach with ammonia or products containing ammonia. Combining these two chemicals will result in toxic fumes.
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Equip yourself with a pair of rubber gloves, an N-95 respirator and safety goggles without vent holes. This is the proper safety gear for the mold removal process.
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Open the doors and windows in the area to allow for proper air ventilation and circulation. This will also help with the drying process.
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Wipe the surface mold and mildew from the unpainted MDF with a damp cloth.
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Fill a five-gallon bucket with lukewarm water. Add one cup of bleach and ¼ cup of mild dish-washing liquid.
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Saturate a clean sponge in the bleach-water mixture.
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Scrub the MDF with the sponge. Scrub the parts the moldy areas as well as the surrounding areas.
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Allow the mixture to sit on the MDF for 15 minutes.
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Fill a container with cool water. Saturate a clean cloth in the water. Rinse the MDF by wiping it down with the cloth.
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Allow the MDF to air dry. Position fans in the direction of the MDF to help in the drying process.
The Drip Cap
- Medium density fiberboard--also known as MDF--is a popular building material for cabinet speakers, cupboards and bookcases.
- If mold and mildew is left untreated, it can deteriorate the MDF beyond repair.
- Fortunately, you can remove the mold and mildew from unpainted MDF with a few household items.
- Saturate a clean sponge in the bleach-water mixture.
- Fill a container with cool water.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Amanda Flanigan began writing professionally in 2007. Flanigan has written for various publications, including WV Living and American Craft Council, and has published several eBooks on craft and garden-related subjects. Flanigan completed two writing courses at Pierpont Community and Technical College.
Photo Credits
- livres image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com
- livres image by Claudio Calcagno from Fotolia.com
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