Do you want to say goodbye to pesky mold and mildew that is spoiling the look of your favorite fabric furniture? If yes, you’ve come to the right place! Mold and mildew can typically be found in damp or humid places such as bathrooms, attics, outdoor sheds, basements — or even on your precious fabric furniture pieces.
Whether you have a chair, couch, or even an upholstered headboard, removing mold from fabric furniture is quite simple. Here, we’ll show you how to remove mold from fabric furniture with just a few common household items.
This guide reveals a few easy techniques for removing mold from various fabric types so that you can easily eliminate any unsightly staining and restore your beloved furniture to its former glory.
What Will You Need?
- Mold Killer Spray
- A mild detergent and warm water
- Soft brush or cloth
- Vacuum Cleaner
Once you have all of the necessary items ready, it’s time to start tackling the mold on your fabric furniture.
10 Easy Steps on How to Remove Mold From Fabric Furniture
Step 1: Vacuum the Surface
Start by vacuuming the surface of your fabric furniture using an upholstery attachment. This will help remove loose particles and eliminate built-up dirt and debris that can aggravate mold growth. Try to get as much of the mold out as possible.
Step 2: Apply Mold Killer Spray
Next, apply a mold-killer spray to the affected areas. Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. It’s usually recommended to let the spray sit on the fabric for a few minutes to kill the mold effectively.
Wear protective gloves and ensure proper ventilation while using mold-killer sprays. After the application and waiting period, wipe off the excess spray with a damp cloth.
Step 3: Scrub the Area
After applying the mold killer spray, use a soft brush or cloth to scrub the area gently. This helps to break up and lift off the mold from the fabric. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as it can damage the fabric. After scrubbing, make sure to clean the brush or cloth thoroughly to prevent the spread of mold spores to other areas.
Step 4: Apply a Detergent Solution
Prepare a mild detergent solution by mixing a few drops in warm water. Using a sponge or cloth, apply this solution to the affected area of the fabric. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the detergent to penetrate and help remove the mold.
After the waiting period, gently blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to remove the detergent solution and mold. Be sure not to rub the fabric as this can cause the mold to spread or the fabric to wear.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
After successfully treating the area with the detergent solution, it’s time to rinse the fabric. You can do this by dampening a clean cloth with fresh water and gently blotting the treated area. Ensure all detergent is removed, as any residue can attract dirt in the future. Once rinsed, pat the area dry with a towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
After towel-drying, leave the furniture in a well-ventilated area or use a fan to dry the area completely. Remember, damp environments encourage mold growth, so it’s crucial to ensure your furniture is thoroughly dried to prevent the reoccurrence of mold.
Step 6: Reinspect and Repeat If Necessary
After the treated area has completely dried, it is time to reinspect the fabric furniture. If you still see signs of mold, repeat the above steps until it is entirely removed.
Persistence is key when it comes to eliminating mold from fabric furniture. Don’t be discouraged if the mold doesn’t disappear after the first treatment; stubborn mold often requires multiple treatments to eradicate it.
Step 7: Regular Maintenance
To prevent future mold growth, it’s essential to maintain your fabric furniture regularly. This includes cleaning spills immediately, using a dehumidifier in damp environments, and ensuring proper ventilation in your home.
Additionally, consider using a fabric protector spray that repels water and prevents mold and mildew growth. Regularly inspect your fabric furniture, especially during humid seasons, to catch mold growth early on.
Step 8: Professional Help
If mold persists even after multiple treatments, consider seeking professional help. Experienced mold removal services have specialized techniques and equipment to handle stubborn mold, particularly on valuable or delicate fabric furniture.
Additionally, they can provide further guidance and measures to prevent future mold outbreaks. Remember, ignoring persistent mold damages your furniture and poses health risks. Therefore, professional intervention may be necessary when home remedies aren’t enough.
Step 9: Final Inspection and Post-Treatment Cleaning
Once the mold is completely removed and the furniture is thoroughly dried, perform a final inspection to ensure there is no residual mold left. Use a flashlight to check hidden or shaded areas that may not be easily visible. After the final inspection, clean your fabric furniture with a fabric cleaner or steam cleaner to remove any lingering odors and freshen up the fabric.
Step 10: Reinforce Fabric Protection
After successfully removing the mold and ensuring your fabric furniture is clean, it’s worthwhile to reinforce the protection of your fabric. Consider applying a fabric protector spray that not only repels water but also resists stains and inhibits mold and mildew growth.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. This step will provide an added layer of defense against future mold growth, helping to preserve the longevity and appearance of your fabric furniture.
Following the above steps, you should be able to remove mold from your fabric furniture effectively. Mold can be a tricky and persistent problem, but with patience and proper care, it’s possible to eliminate it.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery brush attachment to remove any remaining dirt and debris before attempting to remove the mold.
- Wear rubber gloves while cleaning, as mold can irritate your skin.
- Use a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner first to remove any visible mold spores from the fabric furniture.
- Mix water and mild detergent in a bucket to form a cleaning solution, then use a soft cloth to scrub the affected area gently until all traces of mold have been removed.
- After cleaning the furniture with your solution, blot it dry with clean towels and let it air dry completely before using it again. Open a window or turn on a fan for proper ventilation. Finally, apply an anti-mold spray to the furniture to help prevent any future mold growth.
With these tips and tricks, you should now have the know-how to remove mold from fabric furniture effectively. Always take the necessary safety precautions when cleaning mold or any other hazardous material, as even a small amount of exposure can cause serious health issues.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid using bleach directly on your fabric furniture. Although bleach is known for its disinfecting and whitening properties, it can damage and discolor many fabric types. Always test a small hidden area first, or opt for a mild detergent or vinegar solution.
- Refrain from scrubbing too hard during the cleaning process. This can further damage your furniture’s fabric and spread mold spores.
- Do not use the furniture before it is scorched. Doing so can promote the growth of mold and other bacteria.
- Avoid cleaning mold-infested fabric furniture in a closed and stuffy room. This can increase your exposure to harmful mold spores.
- Do not ignore the root cause of mold growth. Often, mold on furniture is a sign of high humidity or a leak. Address these issues to prevent future mold growth on your furniture.
Avoiding these five mistakes can help ensure that you clean your fabric furniture properly and reduce the risk of health problems associated with mold. With this knowledge, you are now ready to tackle any mold infestations yourself!
What are the Root Causes of Mold Growth on Fabric Furniture?
Mold growth on fabric furniture is often caused by high humidity, condensation, or a water leak. Poor air circulation and inadequate ventilation can also contribute to mold growth. If left unresolved, these root causes can lead to other problems, such as infestations of pests like dust mites and cockroaches.
To prevent mold from growing on fabric furniture, keeping your home free of excess moisture is important. Investing in a dehumidifier can help you regulate the humidity levels in your home and reduce the likelihood of mold growth. Additionally, ensure that all water leaks are fixed promptly, and inspect for any other signs of moisture or dampness.
Taking the necessary steps to prevent mold growth in your home can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. It is always better to take preventative measures than to wait until an infestation occurs!
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes how to remove mold from fabric furniture, the process is not always a simple one. However, by following these tips and tricks, your furniture should be free of mold in no time. Should the problem persist, consider hiring a professional to come in and get rid of the mold.
And as always, prevention is key: make sure to commonly check your fabric furniture for evidence of mold and take immediate action if discovered. Throughout this process, use caution with the products you select, and always remember to ventilate an area when using chemicals or applying any product with a strong odor.
By doing this, you can ensure you’re keeping yourself and your furniture safe while tackling this pesky problem head-on.
