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Black mould on wooden work surface - please help!

5 replies

BookFairy · 29/05/2011 10:56

I'm moving out of my rented flat on Saturday and there is a patch black mould on the work surface near the sink. This was actually already here when we moved in but as the landlords didn't check the place over (don't ask!) I'm a bit concerned that we'll get lumped with the blame, so I want to at least make an effort to do something about it!

I tried scrubbing one small patch with a dettol wipe, which has turned the mould grey. Have I made it worse? The wooden work surface seems really inappropriate for a kitchen as there are also water marks on it, but I'm not sure if anything can be done about those either? I love cooking and baking but it appears that this kitchen work surface was not made for either! Hopefully someone will have the answer :)

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nannyl · 29/05/2011 20:28

can you sand it down / away?

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GentleOtter · 29/05/2011 20:30

Oxalic acid will get rid.

You can get it from a specialist paint shop.

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NotYourPrincess · 30/05/2011 09:02

It is reasonable wear and tear for a wooden work surface, I assume that your deposit will be registered with the DPS (as is the only legal way now), who have to have agreement from both parties before giving any amount of deposit to either LL or TT. So don't worry about that.

I sanded down and re-oiled our worksurface, but it's a huge faff and you really have to do the whole thing. Do the acid thing and if it doesn't work, leave it. If it's been there for years and years, it probably would have been caused by anyone living in the home, IYSWiM. Not your negligence. (Tgough if you have a wooden surface in the future it can be avoided by wiping away splashes and regular oiling).

Sorry for ramble, tired and inarticulate this morning!

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BookFairy · 30/05/2011 19:29

Thanks for your replies!
NYP: Yes our deposit is with the DPS but we've had some beef with the landlords and want to show that we've been doing our best to maintain the flat to a good standard, despite their negligence, and not give them cause to complain IYSWIM. We were never told about oiling the work surface, though we actually would've been quite happy to.
I'll give the oxalic acid a go - fingers crossed!

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NotYourPrincess · 30/05/2011 20:48

Good luck!

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