Our garden table has black mould - can we get rid of it?

[Ellegirly 74]

Hi all
We bought a eucalyptus garden table (and 6 chairs) from an internet company back in May this year as part of our wedding present package.

Upon delivery all looked well, table and chairs all sparkly and new. However, after a month or so our table started to look worse for wear and now, some 4 months later it is covered in black mould and looks really unsightly.

Despite trying to get through to the company to get some advice or to possibly arrange a replacement, we have had no luck, and we are now wondering if there is anything we can do to remedy the problem.

Does anyone have any top tips or know of a particular product that we could use on our table to get rid of this horrible mould?

Consequently, do you know if it is possible that the wood could have been contaminated at the time of delivery but that the mould took some time to surface? We feel as though we have been sold a faulty item but we appreciate wood is natural and this could happen, but honestly, our 4 month old table looks like we've had it for about 10 years.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Helen and Danny

[Aquagility]

You need to beg, borrow or hire a high pressure washer. Then, when the table is quite dry, coat it with a propriatory sealant.

[Doc Spock]

Black mould is generally the fungus"aspergillus niger"
Difficult to eradicate because of its "roots" system
You could try a systemic fungicide.
Or a solution of potassium permanganate crystals. Or am aqueous solution of zinc sulphate.


I would have a good google first though to check above out.

[Hugh Spencer]

Last April I used Patio Magic on my patio and all traces of algae were soon cleared . It is still clear and will be using it again when necessary. Thoroughly recommended and it should work on your table.

[Ellegirly 74]

Thanks all for your help and suggestions. I think we'll have to go through each one and see which one works best.

Finally had a reply from the company this morning (funnily enough) and because it's a 'natural product' the warranty does not cover this type of occurence (I thought as such)

They have suggested using a fine sandpaper and stripping it down and re-treating it with a weather protector - we might strip it down and try some of your ideas first.

Thanks again.

Helen and Danny