How to Remove Mould from Cork: Safe and Effective Cleaning Methods

Cork is not only a natural and beautifully unique material, but also a resilient option that’s reliable in the long run. Still, when it’s exposed to moisture, mould can become an annoyance, so if you've noticed dark spots or musty odours, it's time to act.

This guide will show you how to remove mould from cork using simple but effective household items.

Why mould grows on cork

Cork has a porous texture, which means that it can end up absorbing water from spills and humidity. Since it’s naturally resistant to both water and fungi, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Still, you should try to make sure that it doesn’t stay wet for long, as that could create the perfect home for mould.

And it’s not just a matter of appearance: mould releases spores that can trigger allergies or even degrade the material. The good news is that most of the time, mould is relatively easy to remove from cork using cheap and non-toxic methods.

How to remove mould from cork - step-by-step guide

What You’ll Need:

• White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
• Spray bottle
• Mild dish soap
• Baking soda (optional)
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Old toothbrush
• Gloves and mask
• The help of the sun and dry weather, for drying

Cleaning Instructions:

1. Safety first. Use gloves and a mask to protect yourself from spores.

2. Dry wipe. Use a cloth to remove surface mould.

3. Prepare a cleaning solution. Mix equal parts of white vinegar (or rubbing alcohol) and water in a spray bottle.

4. Apply the solution. Spray it right on the mouldy cork.

5. Wait. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to kill mould at the root.

6. Scrub gently. Use an old toothbrush to clean the rest of the mould, with care not to damage the cork.

7. Rinse lightly. Wipe with a damp cloth, but avoid soaking the cork.

8. Dry it out. A well-ventilated area and direct sunlight are ideal.

And this simple process is how to clean mould off cork with non-toxic ingredients.

How to remove mould from cork coasters

Mould can particularly be a problem on coasters because of the constant contact with wet glasses. Here's how to treat it safely:

1. Spot clean only. Avoid soaking coasters in water.

2. Spray vinegar/alcohol mix. Apply only to the affected area.

3. Use a toothbrush. Gently scrub mouldy spots.

4. Wipe and dry. Use a clean cloth to blot and dry the coaster. For faster drying, place it in direct sunlight or use a hairdryer on low heat.

What not to do when cleaning cork

• Avoid bleach - it’s too harsh and can break down cork fibres
• Avoid soaking - cork absorbs water easily, which can lead to more mould
• Skip abrasive tools - steel wool or hard brushes could cause scratches

How to prevent mould on cork

Once you've cleaned your cork objects, take these steps to keep mould from coming back:

• Keep them dry - wipe up spills quickly and avoid storing cork utensils in damp places
• Air them out - use good ventilation, especially in bathrooms or kitchens
• A bit of sunlight - occasional (not too much) exposure to UV rays helps kill mould
• Seal it - for larger objects like cork flooring or wall panels, use a natural sealant to create a moisture barrier

When to replace a mouldy cork item

Sometimes, mould damage goes too deep. If the cork:

• Still smells musty after cleaning
• Feels weak or crumbles
• Has deep black stains that won’t go away

…it’s safer to replace it - especially for items used near food or in humid environments.

Conclusion

Now you know how to remove mould from cork using simple, safe methods that won’t damage the material, whether you're cleaning a set of coasters with a few mouldy spots or restoring a cork yoga block.

Portuguese Treasures offers high-quality cork coasters that combine natural elegance with functionality, protecting your surfaces from moisture and heat while adding a touch of sustainable style to your home.

*Images on this blog have been AI generated.