Featured Ridding white oak of black mold

I’d like to convert this strong 4 x 6-foot white oak pallet into a dolly after removing the cargo by screwing caster wheels under the four corners as I’ve done with a few other pallets. The problem is the black mold you see. The wood won’t last long enough with the mold in it.

I’ve done some googling on how to get rid of the mold and the most attractive solution I’ve found is to use denatured alcohol. I’m not really sure about the application method, am thinking of squirting it on then scrubbing with a very stiff-bristle brush, maybe a wire brush. Since I have a lot of this wood to treat, the process has to be quick. I want to do same with a number of other moldy oak pallets, all from same Amish mill in the Midwest, maybe they store their products outside or something. Anyone with mold-ridding experience?

 

I have been to few Midwest Amish farm auctions and they lead very basic lives without many of our amenities or living standards. Hard telling what happens to the pallets. I remember one auction I went down by the horse barn and heard a sound reminiscent of a large transport helicopter coming from all the flies in there. The house with no electricity or screens in the window was not far away. I can't even imagine living there on a 101 degree humid Midwest Missouri summer day in a long skirt...

 

You Ah...mished your calling.

 

Thanks; still seeking suggestions.

 

Hi,
I would use bleach, pouring over the pieces with the mold and the un molded pieces, placing it in the sun. To let it dry.
greg

 

I've been repainting my barn and it has had significant mold/mildew along with wood rot. It isn't oak but rough cut poplar and pine. I used a mix of bleach and TSP with a bit of water then rinsed with good visual results. I'm thinking that following with alcohol might have been a good idea too but I added a mold/ mildew preventer to the paint.

I've used bleach on my painted oak board fence and the visual results are good but mold/mildew always returns. (but then my fence is 23 years old and due to be replaced anyway)

 

you could try clr mold and mildew remover

 

Wasn’t there a band named Black Oak Arkansas?
Maybe they can help.

 

I've used Greased Lightning on mold with good results but plain white vinegar is my favorite. In your case, since you have several pallets to treat, I would first put them out in open air/full sun (if possible) for a full 8-12 hours - sun will sterilize the mold. Then use a 50/50 vinegar/water mixture with a little Dawn detergent added & apply with a pressure washer. Finally, I would paint the pallets with KILZ to be sure the mold will never return.

 

Zinser works too.
I believe they are both white shellac.

 

Thanks, I looked up what’s in Greased Lightning:

 

And just what's wrong with black mold? Are you racist?

 

Same problem if you like white gold.

 

Did some mold remediation in my house a few years ago. After some research decided to use an Ammonium Chloride based product. Seemed to be the safest, most effective, and easiest to use of the products available. Sprayed on, scrubbed with a brush, and wiped off. Sealed the wood after drying with a mold inhibiting paint.