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Does this look like mold or wood staining?

12 replies

Bimbop5 · 12/12/2024 23:24

Found this under my rusty fridge today when I decided it was time to clean. The floor is completely dry and one of the areas is directly under a metal rusty foot of the fridge so Im hoping its just staining or perhaps an old watermark.

Does this look like mold or wood staining?
Does this look like mold or wood staining?
Does this look like mold or wood staining?
Does this look like mold or wood staining?
OP posts:
IntheArctic · 12/12/2024 23:24

That looks like mould to me.

XmasSocks · 12/12/2024 23:27

Mould i reckon

Bimbop5 · 12/12/2024 23:41

its completely dry though. Usually it would be damp and fuzzy wouldn’t it?

OP posts:
Redrosesposies · 12/12/2024 23:48

It's not mould, it's staining from a drip. I have similar but not as much under the dripping tap on my oak worktop because DH didn't get round to sanding and re-oiling them in the summer when we could have the doors open, or replacing the tap.
Try bleaching to lighten it then sand.

GodotIsntComing · 13/12/2024 00:02

It's water staining. Don't use a generic bleach use oxalic acid. You can get it on Amazon. It works really well on oak. Do a spot test first.

Redrosesposies · 13/12/2024 00:09

GodotIsntComing · 13/12/2024 00:02

It's water staining. Don't use a generic bleach use oxalic acid. You can get it on Amazon. It works really well on oak. Do a spot test first.

I will try that on my worktop@GodotIsntComing next spring. Thanks for the tip.

Whataretalkingabout · 13/12/2024 00:31

GodotIsntComing · 13/12/2024 00:02

It's water staining. Don't use a generic bleach use oxalic acid. You can get it on Amazon. It works really well on oak. Do a spot test first.

This . Oxalic acid is perfect for bleaching / restoring natural color to oak.
It can be diluted with water if the spot check comes out too light. Allow time to dry. Once treated you can neutralize the acid before any further treatment with denatured alcohol.

GildedRage · 13/12/2024 01:05

potential potted plant water stain.

QueenCamilla · 13/12/2024 01:46

Rusty Iron does leave black stains, as does water.
Cold metal + damp warm kitchen air =condensation.
Condensation + metal + oxygen = rust.

So my bet is that it's both - damp metal😁

FelixtheAardvark · 13/12/2024 14:52

Water staining from a very old leak (if it's bone dry). Wouldn't bother me.

Bimbop5 · 13/12/2024 15:08

Thanks everyone! Yep it was bone dry. Husband reminded me later that our fridge had a leak years ago that he fixed. He checked the fridge to make sure its not currently leaking and all is fine, thank goodness!

It could have been mold years ago when that happened but once dry mold can remain dormant for centuries, I was surprised to hear that. Just have to check it periodically.

OP posts:
christiesternerz · 16/05/2025 11:55

It could be either mold or just rust/staining from the fridge’s metal foot. Since the floor is dry, it might be old stains, but keep an eye on it and clean it with a mold cleaner just to be safe

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