Wood floors are beautiful and practical. But, if you allow water to stand on the surface, the finish will stain and mold may grow. This is especially true with water-based finishes, and in humid climates.

STEPS

1. Wash the floor or the affected area with an oil soap recommended for the cleaning of wood. Run a fan during the cleaning, as this will help the floor to dry quickly.
2. Use a scraper to scrape once along the surface to remove the surface layer of mold. The scraper will be a piece of metal approximately 8 inches wide, a few inches high, and 1/4 of an inch thick. Just press into the wood with the edge and pull along. Be sure to pull with the grain of the wood.
3. Use a sanding sponge labeled "finish removal", or indicating a rating of approximately 180 grit. Sand with the grain (moving the sponge in the same direction as the grain) to remove the mold.
4. Attack remaining areas of mold. If necessary use a tiny amount of diluted clorox bleach to remove any stubborn spots. Be careful as you can ruin the look of the wood with this.
5. Chemicals sold for stain removal on wooden decks will also work on wood floors.
6. Use 200 grit sandpaper with a light touch to smooth the wood.
7. Re-finish the wood, ideally with the same finish originally used. Especially with water-based finishes, it will be tough to match if you don't have the same finish.