How to Remove Mold from Upholstery
When mold is present in your home, it has the potential to spread to various surfaces such as floors, walls, and upholstery. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further spread of the mold, protect your health, and avoid costly damage. Upholstery that has been affected by mold may require professional cleaning or disposal if the mold has deeply penetrated the fibers. For those who are up for a DIY challenge, it is possible to clean mold from upholstery with the right tools and techniques. This article will discuss the necessary tools for cleaning mold from upholstery, the step-by-step process to follow, natural cleaning methods, and tips for preventing mold growth on upholstery.
Please note that not every one of these options will be the right one for your situation. If you are unsure if you can clean the mold from your upholstery yourself, you may need to consult a professional. Mold remediation technicians can take the best approach for your specific situation. They will also let you know if your upholstery can be cleaned or if it must be thrown away. In this case, you must dispose of it safely so you do not end up spreading mold further in your home.
Tools Needed to Clean Mold from Upholstery
Before you start the cleaning process, make sure to get all the tools and materials together so you can effectively clean the mold from your upholstery. This is what you will need:
- A well-ventilated sunny area
- Gloves
- Mask
- Pants and long sleeves
- Broom
- Vacuum with the proper HEPA filter
- White vinegar
- Water
- Rubbing alcohol
The Process of Cleaning Mold from Upholstery
It is essential to wear long sleeves and pants while cleaning mold to protect your skin. It is advised to use clothing that can be discarded after completing the cleaning process. Additionally, wear goggles, gloves, and a mask to prevent mold spores from entering your respiratory system. When cleaning mold from upholstery, follow these steps in a well-ventilated area:
- Make sure to take the item outside in direct sunlight if possible as sunlight is known for killing mold and prevents its spread.
- Take a second and sweep any mold that is visible from the item. Make sure you do not sweep unaffected areas as you will spread the mold further.
- Using a proper vacuum with a filter, use the brush attachment to clean the upholstery. Once you are done cleaning the upholstery, make sure to empty the vacuum canister so you do not spread the mold spores into the air.
- If you have a large amount of mold on the upholstery, make sure to use a mild detergent and water until the water has lots of suds, and wipe only the suds into the upholstery fabric. Then, wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove all the soap.
- Let the upholstery sit in sunlight for a few hours to ensure the mold has been removed.
After the mold has dried, it is crucial to carefully inspect for any remaining mold or odors. If any mold residue is detected, it is recommended to spot treat by preparing a cleaning solution consisting of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar for the same purpose. In the latter case, spray the affected fabric and allow it to air dry under direct sunlight. Upon completion of the cleaning process, it is important to rinse the vacuum canister, hoses, brush, filter, and broom with white vinegar. Place these items in direct sunlight to dry thoroughly.
Natural Methods for Cleaning Mold from Upholstery
If you would like to take a more natural approach to cleaning mold from your upholstery, there are a number of natural antifungals that can have positive results, including the following:
- Use a grapefruit seed cleaning solution:
Take 20 drops of grapefruit seed oil and mix it with 2 cups of water and then spray it on the moldy area.
- Tea tree oil cleaning solution:
Mix two teaspoons of tea tree oil with two cups of water and spray onto the moldy areas.
- Use white vinegar:
As previously mentioned, you can use white vinegar with water and spray onto the moldy areas. This mixture should sit for a few hours before it is washed or cleaned.
- Baking soda:
Make a paste from baking soda and water, apply it to the mold infested fabric and scrub it. Rinse thoroughly after.
Preventing Mold from Forming on Upholstery
In ideal environmental conditions, mold growth may occur just about anywhere, including on upholstery fabric. Consequently, it is crucial to implement preventative measures in order to inhibit mold formation within your living space. Below are several recommendations to assist in this effort:
- Use a dehumidifier to control moisture in your home, fix any leaks right away, and improve ventilation in areas that are damp.
- Properly store upholstery in dry, well-ventilated areas.
- Regularly clean and vacuum your upholstery so you can remove any dust and prevent the moisture from accumulating.
- Fabrics should be exposed to sunlight periodically to prevent mold growth.
- Make sure to use air purifiers and dehumidifiers to stop excess moisture in the air and maintain proper humidity levels.
Professional Mold Cleaning
No areas or materials in your home are safe from the effects of mold if the spores meet the right conditions. Furniture upholstery is especially vulnerable because it is a porous material that can absorb water, and it traps dust and debris that can be a food source for mold. If mold growth takes hold on furniture upholstery, it can cause significant damage to the fabric and may reach a point where it cannot be saved. Taking measures to prevent mold growth and cleaning small bits of mold from the upholstery can help prevent damage and extend the life of the furniture. However, if the mold is too much for you to handle yourself, it is best to call a mold remediation professional.
Mold technicians use the proper methods and equipment to safely remove mold from various surfaces and materials, including upholstery fabric. They will isolate the affected area and items to prevent the mold from spreading and ensure that all mold growth is effectively removed. If your furniture upholstery cannot be restored due to the extent of the damage, these professionals will ensure its safe disposal.
Do not hesitate to contact a professional for mold remediation as soon as you find mold in your home to limit the damage.