The possibility of mold anywhere is a threat to your health. It always grows in damp places and feeds off organic matter. Mold appears as black and wet patches on ceilings, walls, carpet, or in the worst case, on furniture. It releases mycotoxins which trigger allergenic symptoms in many. Thus, it is crucial to act fast once you spot the first signs of mold. But how to remove mold from fabric furniture might be a pressing question for you.
Mold can cause your furniture to deteriorate. It grows through the fiber strands. Mold growth causes irregularly shaped dark stains on the fabric. These ultimately lead to the rotting of the fabric furniture. Further, if the chair or couch is wooden, mold can spread there. Acting fast and cleaning it up right away will help clear some of it. Yet, there are other tried methods to remove mold effectively. Let us look at some of those.
Ways To Remove Mold From Fabric Furniture
↠ Expose To Sunlight
Expose the upholstery to fresh air and sunlight. It helps dry the upholstery and makes it difficult for the mold to survive. Mold thrives in a damp and dark atmosphere. It gets nullified by fresh air and sunlight.
Take out your chair or couch on a sunny day to clean. If the furniture is too heavy, you can carry the detachable portion outside. Brush off any mold residue that appears on the surface. It is advisable to clean mold outdoors to reduce the risk of spreading. Mold spores are microscopic and spread through the air. Thus, it is crucial to contain the mold spores in a secure place while brushing the upholstery. You must not let the powdery mold disperse in the air as it will settle down with dust and grow in a new damp place.
↠ Vacuum It Up
Brush off the mold residue from the upholstery surface. Before starting, secure the place with a plastic sheet or dirty rag. Make sure the mold residue falls on this sheet or cloth. Throw it away in the trash separately, securing it in a garbage bag. It is critical to ensure that mold residue does not come in contact with air to reduce the risk of spread.
Vacuum the couch or chair with a brush attachment. Put away the vacuum trash in a similar manner. If you use a bagless vacuum cleaner, spray the insides with an anti-mold spray.
You can use vinegar or rubbing alcohol instead. Spritz the insides with it and wipe them down with a soft cloth.
↠ Clean With Vinegar
White vinegar is a powerful agent that eradicates mold. According to USDA, vinegar has 80% efficiency in removing mold, mildew, and toxic microbes. It has acidic properties that clean up deterioration caused by excessive moisture.
Prepare a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray a small amount on an inconspicuous spot. Check if the solution fades the upholstery color. If not, spray the couch with this solution. Make sure not to saturate the fabric. Wipe down the entire affected surface with a sponge. Wring out the sponge every time before wiping the couch to ensure minimum wetness. Once done, rinse with normal water. Let the upholstery air dry.
↠ Use Bleach
If you suspect that the mold has penetrated beneath the surface to go deep inside the upholstery, you can use bleach. Many experts suggest against this because bleach is known to discolor fabrics. However, you can use it on a white or non-porous upholstery surface. Always remember to dilute bleach before administering it to any upholstery fabric.
Bleach is a powerful anti-fungal solution. It consists of sodium hypochlorite that kills the mold spores. Make a 1:10:20 solution of detergent, bleach, and warm water. First, mix 1 part of detergent with ten portions of bleach in a container. Add 20 cups of warm water to it. Ensure to use the same measuring container every time. Fill this solution in a spray bottle and spritz it on the affected area. Rub the upholstery with a stiff brush or a scrub sponge. Leave it to air dry and repeat if necessary.
↠ Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a common disinfectant that kills harmful fungi and microbes. Its anti-microbial properties prevent the growth of mold.
Mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Sprinkle a small amount of it on the affected area. Wipe down the upholstery with a sponge or a clean, dry cloth. Let the upholstery dry in the sunlight until totally free of moisture.
The key is to limit the amount of moisture on the upholstery because it promotes mold growth. Hence, use the solution judiciously. Also, if you cannot move the furniture outdoors, switch on ceiling fans and open the windows to accelerate drying. You can even use a dehumidifier to aid in a faster drying process.
Causes Of Mold On Fabric Furniture
Items left in storage are more prone to get a mold infestation. Mold grows in damp and dark environments. And things such as fabric can readily absorb moisture from the air. During the rainy season, the air is laden with water vapor. Everything around the house, especially cloth, feels moist.
Like fabric, things like drywall, wood, cardboard, and leather also pick up this moisture. The lack of sunlight during this weather makes the perfect breeding ground for mold. A damp-to-touch couch that sits in a dark place is highly susceptible to mold growth.
Also, homes with poor ventilation and poor air filtration systems in place are prone to mold growth. Mold propagates through its spores that are invisible and float in the air. These spores settle down when they find a favorable environment. Mold only requires moisture, organic material, and a lack of sunlight to grow. The fabric being organic is the ideal food for it. Thus, a damp atmosphere with darkness makes it convenient for the mold to grow.
A Few Concluding Lines
Mold is a common fungus that grows in conditions favorable to it- damp, dark environments. It produces toxins that aggravate allergy symptoms like respiratory disorders and eczema. And it can also cause various diseases Thus, it is crucial to prevent mold infestation.
Regularly inspect your property for any leaks or water spills. Wipe them down as soon as you spot them. Routinely service the plumbing and equipment ducts to prevent leakages. Allow enough sunlight inside the home as it naturally kills mold spores. Use carpets and mats in wet areas to soak up excess water. You can keep the windows open to let the wet areas dry naturally.
The key is to prevent any moisture inside the home. It is because mold spores are already present in the air. The only thing they need to grow is some moisture. In case of water damage where moisture is inevitable- the chances of a mold infestation are very high. If the upholstery or carpet comes in contact with water for a long time, it may develop mold. And only a mold remediation company can handle such widespread mold growth.
