The answer on how to remove mold from bamboo is to put it under the sun and scrub it as necessary. You will find out more about bamboo molds and how to remove them below!
Bamboo Mold
Mold affects almost every surface, and that includes bamboo. Bamboo mold is a fungus that grows on the surface of bamboo canes.
In this article, we’ll talk about removing mold from different bamboo objects, from blinds to furniture.
Causes Of Bamboo Mold
The leading cause of bamboo mold is water damage. Despite being treated with heat or boron solution, they can still acquire surface mold.
Transportation
Bamboos acquire surface mold when they are transported to places with a different temperature from where they are from. A move from humid and warm air to cooler air results in cargo sweat, which leads to water damage.
Another reason for mold growth is prolonged travel (30 days or more), wherein the bamboo is exposed to temperature variations. These variations result in condensation, which triggers mold growth.
Carbohydrates
Molds need a food source to be able to grow. Their airborne mold spores settle on the carbohydrates and starch present in the bamboo.
From there, mold develops. To prevent mold growth during long-haul travels, here is an article regarding lessening airborne mold spores.
Oxygen
Another criteria for mold growth is the presence of oxygen. Oxygen is everywhere, except in tightly-sealed places, so it isn’t difficult to meet this condition.
A solution to prevent mold growth on bamboo is to limit their oxygen supply. However, if moisture seeps in, there will inevitably be mold growth.
Moisture
As mentioned earlier, moisture is another one of the conditions of mold growth. Moisture is a form of water damage.
Couple moisture with a long travel time, and you’re sure to end up with mold once you get to your destination.
Types Of Fungi That Attack Bamboo
Stain fungi
This type of mold penetrates round bamboo from their cuts after removing the bamboo’s branches. Stain fungi are usually grayish-black/blue and look like spots and streaks on the bamboo.
Surface molds
These types of fungi do not affect the bamboos’ integrity. They are also removed pretty quickly.
Decay fungi
This type of fungi causes the most damage to the bamboo. It leads to white rot and is difficult to detect during the early decay stage.
When you see color changes, the strength of the bamboo has already been affected and reduced. Later stages of mold contamination make the bamboo’s culm soft, reducing it to a powdery mass.
Removing Mold From Bamboo Blinds
Bamboo blinds, like other objects, are vulnerable to mold. If they are placed in bathrooms or kitchens, they are more likely to develop mold.
Hence, clean your bamboo blinds every month. This would prevent mold build-up from happening.
Step #1. First, extend the bamboo blinds. Then, remove them from the fixings and put them in a well-ventilated space.
Lay the blinds flat, then clean them with an old toothbrush. Brush the dust, mold, and bugs from the bamboo blinds.
If the mold is persistent, brush with more effort.
Step #2. Fill a tub with warm water about three to four inches. Then, pour two capfuls of anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid and mix it with the warm water.
Put the blinds on the bath and submerge them. Wait for five minutes, then lift the blinds up and down to shift the remaining dust.
If there are mold stains, brush them off while submerged in the water.
Step #3. Drain the mold-killing solution from the bath, then fill the tub with clean water. Lift the blinds up and down while in the water to rinse them.
You can also use the showerhead to rinse the blinds to save water. Ask someone to help you hold the blind up while you wash it down.
Step #4. To prevent your blinds from acquiring mold, you have to dry them. Get an old towel and blot them to absorb the water.
Put it outside to let the wind and the sundry it.
Removing Mold From Bamboo Furniture
Step #1. Put the bamboo furniture outside under the sun to kill the mold. Here’s an article outlining what temperature mold dies.
Step #2. After putting it outside, wipe off the surface mold with a rag. Then, use vinegar to treat the mold spots on the furniture.
If you want a more concentrated solution, use bleach or ammonia. Never use them together.
Then, spray the solution on the mold affected areas. After that, scrub the mold off from the crevices and joints of the furniture.
Step #3. Rinse the mold-contaminated area, but make sure not to oversaturate it with water. Leave the furniture under the sun to hasten the drying process.
Then, remove the oily deposits using turpentine. After applying turpentine, coat the furniture with polyurethane.
Polyurethane will protect the bamboo furniture from moisture, therefore inhibiting future mold growth.
Conclusion
You are now informed on how to remove mold from bamboo blinds and furniture. We hope this was a valuable article for you, one that you can visit several times to guide you in the future.