Can you get rid of mould on an old wooden floor?

Mould can often crop up in areas prone to being damp, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries.

But what can you do if you notice it on your wooden floors? Are they doomed or is there a chance of revival?

Once you have noticed mould, there are a few steps you can take to restore your floors to their shining glory.

Vacuum

The first step you can take is an easy one - simply using your vacuum cleaner to remove loose spores and loosen other bits of mould.

However, it is important to wear a dust mask when you perform this job to ensure you are protected from allergens.

Wiping

Use a common cleaning solution to wipe up the mould or mildew. You might be surprised to see how much of the discolouration is removed this way. 

You could also try vinegar, soap and water or dilute bleach for the job.

This usually works best for hardwood floors that have been properly sealed but, in some instances, the mould may have grown into the grain of the wood.

It is important to let the wood dry as much as possible from the cleaning solution.

Sand the floor

The next step to eradicate mould is to use a wood sander. 

This will help you to remove any remaining mould, leaving you with clean and tidy floors.

You may want to sand the entire floor so that you have a consistent look across the room, or just focus on the affected areas.

If you decide to sand the entire floor, make sure you remove all furnishings and use drop cloths if required - this will make it easier to clean up!

Dust

Before revarnishing your floors, it is essential to remove all the dust created by your sanding job.

Use a microfibre cloth and follow it up with a spot of vacuuming for best results.

Revarnishing

The final step in restoring your wooden floors is to give them a coat of varnish or stain. A polyurethane finish may best protect them in future.

If you are running on a deadline, you can get quick drying versions that mean you do not have to wait weeks to reoccupy your room.

For best results, make sure you sand lightly between coats. You should also ensure your brushes will not leave any hairs behind, as these can get stuck in the coating.

A light stain might also be a great way to improve the look of your floors.