Mould problems-how to prevent wood from rotting?

dobby101 · 29 Aug 2014

Hi I would be grateful if someone could help me. I live in a really mouldy flat...I do as much as I can to keep on top of it but it gets everywhere! I have recently read about the benefits of tung oil...would this work on say my sprung bed slats? And doors wardrobe etc? Or is there something better out there to try and protect the wood in my house from going mouldy and rotting?

I have had to throw away so many bits of furniture due to this problem..and don't want to keep throwing away money.

Any answers will be appreciated and I thank you in advance for your help.

JohnD · 29 Aug 2014

Do you drape wet washing around your home?

How many hours a day do you open the windows?

Burnerman · 29 Aug 2014

Is it possible to take some remedial action first, i.e increase ventilation, insulation, or dehumidification?
If your furniture is suffering to such a degree, I'm surprised you aren't too?
John

dobby101 · 29 Aug 2014

Thank you for your reply I have just had a new kitchen and bathroom put in with new extractor fans etc I don't dry clothes in doors any-more open windows etc just want to protect the furniture if I can...danish oil or tung oil I read would protect it..but there is so much conflicting information out there.

JohnD · 29 Aug 2014

when did you stop the wet washing?

hasn't the damp reduced since then?

The cause of the mould is damp, and the cure is dryness, not tung oil.

Grenage · 29 Aug 2014

As above; you need to treat the cause - not the symptoms. To be honest, given that you're talking about furniture, it must be pretty bad.

Start opening windows more, make sure the temperature doesn't get too low, and ensure that some air can get under the bed, etc.

Justin Passing · 30 Aug 2014

I've watched the same properties over many years with many tenants. All of a sudden with a new occupier, mould will sometimes appear. Obviously it's a lifestyle/habits thing, but can be surprisingly difficult to get rid of.
Even leaving somewhere empty for a period can start it.
It seems to take very little in some properties.

Dehumidifyers for a spell, plus air circulation and enough heat to stop condensation, works, but it can take months.
Pull wardrobes etc a couple of inches away from walls so air can circulate.
Core drilling a couple of non-closable vents is a big help. There are "draughtbuster" types, worth using. (Tenants always close a vent if they can.)

dobby101 · 31 Aug 2014

Thank you for your replys. I live in a ground floor flat all the flats have mould in them...I do try to prevent or treat quickly what I can...All my wardrobes are on inside walls I have damp traps just had new vents put in with kitchen and bathroom...I am hoping that will help...just want to protect what I have in-case it comes back....preopare for the worst etc lol

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Mould problems-how to prevent wood from rotting?

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