Mould/Mildew damage on hardwood furniture

[Bokdrol]

I turn to your wonderful forum out of desperation and would be grateful for any help and comments.

I emigrated to the UK 10 years ago and have kept some furniture I made in a garage still in South Africa and have finally shipped them over.

The furniture is made from Imbuia, Pau marfim and South African blackwood. The wood has acquired a rather musty smell over the years due to the damp and warm environment.

More worrying is that small dark specks have penetrated the surface of the wood and the grain. I can only assume that this is some form of mould or milldew. The wood was treated with oils and penetrating wax over the years.

My plan is to strip all this finishing by using turpentine, but I am lost as to how to get rid of the black marks and musty smell on the Pau Marfim and Blackwood –actually a reddish colour.

Any ideas from those in the know?

 

[laird]

I can't help I'm afraid, but I know a man that can . Try a pm to woodfinishman.

 

[Bokdrol]

Thank you Laird, have done so.

Some further searching have suggested the following:

Turps - some comments suggested White spirit as a better option to wash it down and remove all residue.

A 1:5 bleach solution.

A 1:10 ammonia solution

2/3 cup trisodium phosphate + 1/3 cup detergent + 1qt bleach and water to make it up to a gallon.

Will wait for expert advice or tried and trusted methods I'm sure will be forthcoming from the members.

 

[Nicholas Dalberg]

well the simplest and most effective remover of organic stains is oxalic acid pm me and I will send you some it is dissolved in hot water then applied with fine wirewool then refinish with whatever you want
quick cheap and works great on blue stain on any timber! walla bien siv ou play! :lol: