Black mold on Teak Outdoor Furniture after La Niña

On a weekly basis we get contacted from people in Brisbane and Sydney with the question

“Can you get black mold off outdoor furniture?”

La Niña, characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, has brought increased moisture and precipitation to certain regions. While this can have beneficial effects on agriculture and water resources, it also poses challenges for homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts, especially when it comes to the maintenance of timber structures.

One common issue that arises during periods of heightened moisture is the growth of black mold on outdoor timber surfaces. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, thrives in damp, humid environments and can quickly colonize timber, causing not only aesthetic concerns but also potential health risks and structural damage if left unchecked.

Will there be another La Niña or El Niño 2024?

After reading through 5 highly reputable sites on the topic it seems like “my guess is as good as yours”.

They have no accurate way of forecasting. Too many changing variables.

Irrespective, the black mold is already here. To help you safeguard your outdoor timber against black mold and its associated consequences, we've put together some essential tips and recommendations:

7 ways to keep black mould away

(Number 7 is the best!)

1. Regular Inspection: Conduct frequent inspections of your outdoor timber structures, including decks, fences, pergolas, and furniture, to identify any signs of mold growth or water damage.

2. Proper Drainage: Ensure that water drains away from your timber structures effectively by maintaining gutters, downspouts, and proper grading around your property.

3. Ventilation: Promote airflow around your timber surfaces to prevent moisture buildup by trimming back vegetation, using lattice panels, or installing strategically placed vents.

4. Cleaning and Maintenance: Regularly clean and treat your outdoor timber with appropriate products designed to inhibit mold growth and protect against moisture penetration.

5. Prompt Action: If you notice any signs of black mold on your outdoor timber, such as dark spots or a musty odor, take immediate action to address the issue. Remove affected areas and apply mold remediation treatments as necessary.

6. Feel overwhelmed: You wouldn’t be alone to have tried to deal with it, but nothing worked, which leads us to number 7.

7. Our favourite: Fornya’s Assistance: For severe cases of black mold infestation or extensive water damage, consider seeking professional assistance from Fornya’s timber restoration professionals.

By taking proactive measures to protect your outdoor timber from black mold, you can ensure its longevity, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal for years to come, even in challenging environmental conditions.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding outdoor timber maintenance or black mold prevention strategies, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you and provide guidance to help you maintain your outdoor spaces effectively.

Green or black mold

Green mould

“That green mold is common on wood may be a bit of a surprise, as typically you’d associate it with food, however green mold on wood is more common than most people realise.

In fact, green and white mold on wood is more common than black mold, but green mold is a little more serious than white.

Unlike white mold, green is much more likely to cause medical problems (although it isn’t as serious a concern as black mold is). Again, green mold is a sign of moisture buildup on a surface, and much like white mold, it’s likely because of bad ventilation and a lot of humidity rather than a leak.

Whatever type of mold spores and surface mold you notice around your home, though, you need to treat mold in much the same way to remove it and then prevent it from coming back.”

More info here: https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/06/is-mold-on-wood-furniture-dangerous/

Black mould

Black Mold

The below excerpt is very informative about Black mold. It is from https://www.envirovent.com/help-and-advice/why-ventilate/mould-problems/the-different-types-of-mould-most-found-in-the-home/

“All kinds of mould can be harmful to health; however, black mould is famously the one to watch out for. Most black moulds are common and often come from the same strain as green mould. They can be treated with normal treatment methods and are not to be a cause of great concern.   There is however a particularly difficult type of mould known as Stachybotrys chartarum, or toxic black mould.  This is a variety of micro fungus that produces its conidia in slime heads. It is sometimes found in soil and grain, but the mould is most often detected in cellulose-rich building materials from damp or water-damaged buildings.

Toxic black mould can have serious implications on your health. 

Stachybotrys, or toxic black mould, is harmful in the home because it produces mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are invisible to the human eye but can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion and even through the eyes. These mycotoxins are very dangerous and can cause problems with the reproductive system, vision, skin, the circulatory and respiratory systems and can even have psychological and neurological effects.”