If the mold causing the warping isn’t caught and removed promptly, the warped floor may need to be removed. This process is time-consuming and expensive.
Also, wear clothing and shoes that can be easily washed or disposed of after.
Read through the safety labels on any and all chemicals you use.
When you apply cleaning chemicals or a bleach solution, prevent the chemicals from spreading to uninfected areas. Do not leave the bleach solution on the wood for longer than necessary, as it will remove the wood finish.
If the spot feels slightly soft, the mold can be removed. If the wood feels spongy or crumbles, it may be rotten and not salvageable.
Drying the moldy area will protect the floors and prevent future mold growth. Make sure your floors are totally dry. Ingrained mold needs to be dry before you remove it.
If you do not have a box fan, you can purchase one at a hardware store or a home-supply store.
Sand in a circular motion, and only sand the affected area. Once you’ve removed the mold, polish the affected area with 200 or 250 grit sandpaper until smooth.
Even if it looks as though you’ve physically removed all of the mold, there may still be spores present that are too small to see. Bleach will kill these and prevent further mold outbreaks.
Put the moldy material into a garbage bag immediately. Once you’ve removed and disposed of the moldy wall or floor segment, you’ll need to replace the material. Visit your local hardware store and purchase the necessary items to patch carpet, drywall, or wood flooring.
If you can’t find the exact colored finish to match the original floors, use the next lightest shade. [15] X Research source
Use a chemical cleaner or bleach solution to wipe down the wet/dry vacuum after use, to kill any mold spores it may have collected.
Warm environments also encourage mold growth. Wood floors in any places that get warm, such as bathrooms or kitchens, need to be aired out to avoid mold growth.
When ingrained in wood floors, mold feeds on nutrients on the surface of the wood, but not on the wood itself. Keep your wood floors dry and clean to make sure mold does not have a food source.
Clean spilled water as soon as possible. Don’t let any water sit on your wood floor as that could lead to mold growth.
Airing out your house will allow this warm air to escape and will clear out any mold spores that have begun to grow.