Expert: Eileen Cronk - 11/29/2008

Question
After moving a large cheery roll top desk away from the wall, I found mildew not only on the wall, but also on the cherry desk. A professional cleaner has told me that the growth is old and seems to be inactive and can be cleaned. Why the growth started is not known. Another person that does furniture stripping and refinishing told me that the only way to eliminate the mildew and to keep it from coming back is to put it into his ozone room for three months.  
I have read numerous suggestions from the Internet on how to clean the desk. I have vacuumed it and wiped it down, however, I'm not sure how to proceed or which suggestions to follow to eliminate the dull white patches and spots that remain on the desk, or what to do to be sure that the mildew is gone and not return. Any advice that you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Carleen
Nice to hear from you.
Heres my take on this problem.
First off, mildew only grows when the environment allows it to.
That environment is continued dampness accompanied by poor air circulation. It does not happen overnight.
You say the wall behind the desk was also affected which means moisture was getting into the wall from the outside.
I would wipe the desk down with mineral spirits and a rag.
This will kill the mildew. The wall can be wiped too for that matter.
The dull white patches you have are caused by moisture getting into the finish.
After the wipe down get a can of a product called Blush Eraser.
That is the name used here in Canada, it could be different where you live but ask at the hardware store.
This should eliminate the white haze.
This three month stint in an ozone room sounds like cruel and unusual punishment..LOL..personally I think its a crock of ozone.
And remember, this will not grow back unless the environment is consistent with mildew growth.
If it does grow back your house is leaking.
Probably from the roof and down the inside of the wall.
Hope this helps
Kind Regards
Eileen