plywoodwater-damage
I removed a waterproof camping bag in my student appartment today that's been filled with stuff to find that it has left a moldy spot on the untreated plywood it stood on. It's been parked up right next the door/window.
I guess the damage has already been done since I think the white stuff may be mold, but is there anything I can do to minimise any further harm?
(It's darker than it looks in the picture)
I think the best method is to use an anti slip tape / strip / paint
Tape
Strip
Paint
They are ordered form easiest to hardest.
The strips will be the easiest because you just stick them on. You will obviously stick them on the length where your tires will be going and not sideways (because that would be pointless). The strips are more durable, but don't be deceived by the stick on ones once they are stuck.. they are STUCK! The best, but most work is painting the whole ramp.
Preparation.
Needs to be a dry day for sticking on or painting. You need to clean the surface with paper towels - after you wiped the dirt away and the surface you want to stick/paint is dry you will use more paper towels and cheap alcohol (methanol, spirits, etc) - Using the alcohol cleans the surface and removes oil (so don't touch it after you wiped it). Clean it almost like waxing (several times the same spot), this will guarantee your surface is dirt free and guarantees best adhesion for years and years of life.
The strips you can just put down - but you need some cordless drill or elbow grease to get those screws in. Make sure they are flush (level with the strip) or you risk slashing your tires.
Here are some links
http://www.vubasupplies.co.uk/anti-slip-surfaces.html
The process for patching should similar to drywall, but with slightly different materials. I'd suggest using wood filler at the joint.
In more detail: first, get a new piece of plywood of the same thickness as the existing wall board. Then you need to attach your patch piece to structure. For this, you have two options.
If the hole is only 6" wide, a small piece of 2x4 or even 1x2 and a plywood patch will probably cover you.
To seal the seams between your patch and existing plywood, use wood filler. Fill with a putty knife, sand flat, prime and paint. Assuming you can find a 4ft x 2ft plywood panel of the appropriate thickness, total materials cost should be around $20-$30.
Best Answer
A dilute solution of bleach sprayed on it will kill and neutralize the mold. Then wire brush the damaged spot. If you want to prevent this later, seal the plywood with something, primer or polyurethane.
(While bleach contains chlorine which is not good for you, the chlorine is volatile and quickly evaporates. It is typically used by brewers to sterilize equipment for this reason.)