“Honey, there’s mold on the window frame in the bathroom”.
Well, it had to find SOMEplace in there. Mildew-proofed everything else: excellent ventilation fan, mildew-proof paint, wash out the shower/tub regularly etc etc.
The woodframe windows are stained. Maybe I shoulda used some kinda sealer too?
I know bleach water will kill the mold, but I don’t want to ruin the wood or the stain. If I just wash it with soapy water, the mold might still be “in” the wood, right?
IS my only safe choice to wash with bleach water, restain and then maybe put a sealer over the stain??? If so, what kinda sealer?
Replies
Aw gee, what did ya say?
Bleach may be a bit strong with the stain-I would try gentler cleaners and see where you are at. If you get rid of the mold color and your stain survives you can seal it with Spar urathane--Marine unarthane. Really glossy stuff but I have had success with sealing things sanding lightly and laying a regular satin over if you don't want so much gloss.
Once the wood is sealed then the moistrure the mold needs is gone and it will stay unseen even if there are spores still left in the wood. Mike
I don't know this from personal experience, but some say the alcohol in shellac will kill mold. Before trying bleach, perhaps you can scrub the wood with denatured alcohol. If it comes clean, you can finish with shellac. Probably it would be good to dilute the first coat quite a bit to get good penetration.
I do not know if shellac will prevent the regrowth of mold, but there are mold retarders that can be added to most finishes.
The expert sityes have moved away from recommending bleach.
Dilute TSP, even automatic dishwasher detergent - they can be powerful, though, test first.
God never gives us small ideas.
Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace
Crack the window when you or she shower. I do that in Wisconsin all year.