It can be daunting to find that your beautiful wood flooring has suddenly started to turn black. Whilst it might just be in places, it could be a problem that needs to be cleaned right away.
The usual culprit is mold which can cause a discoloration to the wood and make it look black. This could indicate that there is a moisture problem that will need to be addressed.
Fortunately, the issue is normally from above the wood, rather than below it, so it should be an easy problem to fix. In this article we shall take a look at ways to stop wood flooring from going black, and how to remove it.
So, let’s get to it!
Why Is My Wood Flooring Turning The Color Black?
Not to be confused with black wood flooring which is all the rage right now, having your light-colored wood flooring turning black is not ideal.
More often than not, the reason a wood floor turns black is due to mold. It doesn’t mean that your house is dirty either, it just shows that there is a moisture problem present.
However, there could be another issue too. When some wood has water on the surface, the minerals then react with the tannins that are in the wood itself. This then shows up as black discoloration.
That means no matter what, if the wood turns black, it is likely a result from moisture. So, it will be worth keeping the wood floor dry as much as possible, and if it isn’t directly from water spilling onto the floor, then a dehumidifier will help to keep the air dry.
That being said, even the UV rays from the sun can cause wood to produce dark patches, so always make sure you know what the issue is before you attempt to clean ‘mold’ away.
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Why Is Mold Causing My Wood Floor To Turn Black?
If you find that mold is the culprit which has turned patches of the wood floor black, then it is likely to do with the moisture content in the room. Along with warmer temperatures, the bacteria will thrive and take over the wood.
In fact, if given the right environment, it will multiply very quickly, so you will want to clean it right away.
What Does Mold Look Like On A Wood Floor?
Whilst mold can look black on a wood floor, it also has many other appearances too such as furry, green, white, or even yellow.
To really know if it is mold, you might find that the area is quite damp, or is somewhere that liquid gets spilt often, such as under a table.
Whilst it might not actively have happened, it does mean at some point moisture was present to cause it. For example, liquid was spilt a day ago, and now mold has started to form.
How Can I Clean Mold Off A Wood Floor?
Before you clean mold off the floor, using a dehumidifier will help to remove the excess dampness from the area. It will also help in killing the bacteria that causes mold, though not fully, so this cannot be the key way to removing mold.
Once you are satisfied the area is dry, spray the area with a half and half mix of vinegar solution and let it sit for around 10 minutes to work.
Once the time is up, wipe it away with a damp and clean cloth. You will want to remove any traces of the mold, but make sure you do not end up spreading it to other places on the floor.
There could be some staining, so make a baking soda paste by adding a few drops of water to an amount of baking soda that compares to how big the stain is. So, use more baking soda if the stain is bigger, and less if the stain is smaller.
Add water until it forms a paste-like texture, and apply it over the stain. Let it sit for around 10 to 20 minutes to let it do its job. After this time it should still be wet, so use a soft bristle brush to scrub at the area.
Use a soft brush to avoid scratching the wood. Wipe the baking soda away with a different clean and damp cloth.
You will want the area to be fully dry, so use the dehumidifier again to completely remove any excess water, or open the windows to allow air to naturally dry it.
What To Do If I Can’t Clean Mold Stain Off Wood Flooring?
Sometimes the stain will be so stubborn that it will be difficult to remove. Because of this, you may need to take extra measures to remove it completely.
This is because once you finally notice the black stain, it means the mold itself has already made its way into the wood.
You still might want to kill the bacteria first, so look at using a natural vinegar recipe to do so – or perhaps a steam cleaner. Once the floor is dry, you may want to sand away the stain by hand.
When you take this approach, try not to go overboard with the sanding, otherwise you will end up with an uneven floor, and this will cause a different problem entirely.
This can be tricky, so it will need plenty of patience. Once removed, you will find that the wood is lighter than the rest. The only option you have here is to restrain the entire floor, or color match the area.
If you find that you keep getting moldy patches, invest in a dehumidifier to remove moisture content from the air.
| - | Products Mentioned In This Article | A Quick Look | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
ONE OF THE BEST EVER | Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Handheld Portable Vacuum |
| Check Latest Price |
| Waykar 80 Pints Energy Star Dehumidifier |
| Check Latest Price |
| McCulloch MC1275 Heavy-Duty Steam Cleaner |
| Check Latest Price |
| Nutricost Baking Soda |
| Check Latest Price |
| Distilled White Vinegar |
| Check Latest Price |
| Mothers Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Brush |
| Check Latest Price |
| MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloths |
| Check Latest Price |
FAQ:
Can cleaning black mold make you sick?
Yes, it can if you don’t wear the correct safety equipment. Black mold can be harmful to breath in, som make sure you always use a respirator or mask when cleaning it.
Why does wood turn black?
It can be due to black mold growth, however, it can also be due to oxidation and sun exposure over time. Make sure you know why your floor is black before cleaning for mold.
Do air purifiers help with mold?
Yes, air purifiers help to stop mold spores from spreading, however, if your floor or home already has mold settled on surfaces, they won’t help remove it.
Final Thoughts
Whilst finding black stains on a wood floor can be troublesome, it can be easily sorted and it doesn’t mean that you will need to have new flooring put in.
The most common meaning when it comes to a black stain in wood flooring is mold. This means that there is moisture in the air or the floor itself. A dehumidifier can sort this issue out quickly, but you will need to clean the floor.
Applying wax or sealers can be a good way to stop this issue before mold sets in, however, if you didn’t get the chance – don’t despair, this article has you covered!
