Wooden bowls ruined forever??

Question

Hi, I have this hand painted wooden bowl that I have had for a few years. My boyfriend used it as a salad bowl, (which is fine) but left it in the sink with water in it, for a few days more than once. We live in a basement apartment and now there is a green mold that wipes off and the paint is chipping. Is there anything I can do to clean up the mold so that it doesn't come back, or is it no longer safe to use?? And, if I do manage to clean up the mold, is it going to live on the shelf, or can I use it? It's dark colored & hand painted, so I don't think bleach is the answer. Please help, I am so upset about this!

Answer 1

The bowl itself can be saved but the finish will have to go. It will need to be stripped down to the wood and then treated with a rag dipped in 1 tbsp bleach per quart of water of 2tsp tea tree oil (any pharmacy will have this) per 12 ounces water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes then wipe away. Allow to air dry in the sun. You will then need to  put a protective coating on the bowl to prevent it from being soaked again. Something that is a sealant. It will likely be a shelf bowl though from now on but can be used once you seal it..

Answer 2

If you like eating mold, then use it. You should never use any handpainted dish unless you know for sure it has been sealed and is safe for food use. If the paint is peeling, you'reeating paint chips, too...Just go buy a different bowl..

Answer 3

I understand it is hand painted but if you want to use the bowl again you may need to use bleach. I would use a fifty fifty solution of bleach and water and soak the bowl for a few minutes, then rinse and dry. See if the mold returns if it doesn't rub bowl with good olive oil, and don't let it sit with water in it over night again. I hope this has been some help to you.