Mold spores are everywhere, but usually they can only grow on damp surfaces. When the interior of a cabinet becomes wet, mold can grow and thrive in the cool, damp and dark location. Mold isn't just unattractive, it can also pose a health issue and inhalation of the spores can lead to respiratory problems. Prompt removal followed by disinfecting the cabinet improves the health of your home and prevents permanent stains on the cabinet surfaces.
Open a window to provide ventilation. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the mold and cleaning solution, and wear a dust mask rated to block mold spores to prevent inhalation.
Fill a spray bottle with a solution of hot water and a non-ammonia based cleaner or commercial mold remover. Spray the surface with the cleaner and scrub it thoroughly with a stiff brush to remove the mold. Use an old toothbrush to get into corners and hard-to-reach areas.
Wet a clean rag with clear water and wring it out. Wipe the cleaning solution residue out of the cabinet and dry it out with a clean, dry rag.
Combine 1/8 cup chlorine bleach with 1 quart cool water in a spray bottle. Use up to 1/2 cup of bleach if the cabinet interior is made of wood.
Spray the cabinet, especially any areas that still show signs of mold, with the bleach solution. Coat the surfaces thoroughly but avoid spraying so much that you create wet puddles or runoff.
Soak up any excess bleach solution with a clean,dry rag after it has soaked on the cabinet surface for 15 minutes. Leave the cabinet doors open to aid drying and to allow the cabinets to dry completely within a six- to eight-hour period. If the cabinets are drying slowly, use a fan to speed the process.
Things You Will Need
- Rubber gloves
- Dust mask
- Spray bottles
- Non-ammonia detergent
- Scrub brush
- Old toothbrush
- Chlorine bleach
- Mold only grows in a moist environment. Fix water leaks under cabinets immediately if these are the cause of the moisture. Avoid putting wet items in cabinets and dry out the inside of the cabinets immediately if they become wet.
- Mold stains can work their way deep into wood surfaces. Sanding the surface can remove the stains if regular cleaning doesn't scrub the mold away. If the stains have worked too deeply into the wood replacement may be necessary.
- Never mix bleach and ammonia or an ammonia-based cleaner. Bleach and ammonia combine to make a harmful, and sometimes lethal, gas.
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