Hi Cindy,

 

You can simply wipe the mold off with a soft cloth or brush.  If you are sensitive to mold, you might want to use a respirator or have a small vacuum handy.  More importantly, you should determine the cause of the mold outbreak (heat and moisture from the window, possibly) and try to mitigate it.  If it looks as if the mold has  done some damage to the wood that needs repair, contact a conservator.  Below is a link to the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute technical bulletin on furniture and wooden objects if you want more information.

 

http://www.si.edu/mci/english/learn_more/taking_care/biodetwood.html

 

Good luck,

 

Greg

 

Gregory A. Jackson, CA

Archivist, Bryn Athyn Historic District

Glencairn Museum

www.glencairnmuseum.org

267.502.2421

 

 

 

 

We are having some interior spaces painted at our historic site.  In moving a closed leaf table that had been near a window and hardly ever accessed we discovered spots of mold on the leaf that had been facing the window and wall.

 

I don’t want to blindly trust the wisdom of the internet.  What source can I trust to clean the table safely?

 

It is about 200 years old, with a stain finish.

 

Thanks listers!

 

 

 

 

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