Dresser with Mildew?

Question

I recently bought a dresser that has a small two inch strip of mildew at the bottom. I cleaned it with bleach and water, dried it out, but the mildew is still visible (it looks as if the mildew is all the way thru the wood). Will it continue to grow (now that it is dried out) or will it make me ill?

Answer 1

If you can, take the dresser outside and lay it down on an old blanket or sheet so that the sun can shine directly onto the mold. Sometimes this takes days, but be sure to bring the dresser in at night, so the humidity or frost at night won't get to it. This is a good weekend or 2 day process. Of course this works best in a dry climate where it's sunny- but if you can't take it outside, then lay it down in your garage, or just in the room it's in, and shine a goose-neck lamp onto the mold. Don't get the light too close to the wood- you don't want it to get overly hot. Use a 60 watt bulb. You may also be able to use the sun through a window with a southern exposure. Other than that, I'd say you might try sanding it off (wearing a mask) if you are handy at that.

Answer 2

The mildew will continue to grow even if you can't see it.If you are willing to paint the dresser,they sell a mildew-killing paint.I put a plant beside my wall of my new home. Mildew came out of it and went into my paint.I can't see it,but I can smell it.I got rid of the plant,scrubbed with everything,and finally had to buy the mildew paint.I don"t know if a clear sealer with the same mildew killer is available or not.

Answer 3

They sell mildew killers, but pls don't use any more bleach on it not the safest idea.