Do you want to learn how to remove mold from fabric furniture without bleach? Then stay on this page until the end of our discussion.
We’ll walk you through each step of eliminating this fungus from such furniture. Additionally, we’ll look at the causes of mold growth on fabric furniture and what to do before removal.
If you’re ready, let’s begin.
Get Mold Out of Upholstery Without Bleach
If your fabric furniture is affected by mold, you’ll need to take immediate action. Leaving mold untreated can affect air quality and threaten your health and wellness.
They can also cause your furniture to deteriorate or have irregularly shaped dark stains. Of course, you know this can ultimately lead to the rotting of the fabric furniture.
Clean Mold on Fabric Furniture Without Bleach
Bleach can damage certain fabrics, so removing mold using such chemicals is not often recommended. But the question is, in what other ways can these fungi be eliminated from fabric furniture?
Several options exist. You can use white vinegar, baking soda, alcohol, and essential oils, vacuum it, and expose it to sunlight. Allow us to review these removal methods.
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Vinegar Solution
Mixing white vinegar with baking soda is a powerful agent that eradicates mold.
Research indicates the solution has 80% efficiency in removing mold, mildew, and other toxic bacteria. Vinegar and baking soda contain properties that clean up deterioration caused by excessive moisture.
Just mix one part vinegar and one part baking soda with water. You can either paste it or put it in a spray bottle. When you’re done, lightly pour or spray a small amount onto the mold stain.
Allow it to sink into the fabric, but not too saturated. Wipe down the entire affected area with a sponge.
To ensure maximum wetness, soak the sponge every time before wiping the couch. When finished, rinse the surface with clean water and allow the upholstery to air dry.
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Rubbing Alcohol
You may be surprised to hear that rubbing alcohol can be used to address mold infestations. It’s a common disinfectant that kills harmful fungi and microbes.
The solution has anti-microbial properties that hinder the growth of mold. Just mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
Sprinkle a small amount of it on the visible stain and allow it to settle into the fabric.
Once the fabric is saturated, scrub the couch with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Again, use a clean, wet cloth to wipe away the remaining mold.
After that, you let the upholstery dry in the sunlight until it is entirely moisture-free.
You’re to dry under sunlight to limit the amount of moisture on the fabric. It can promote mold growth and render your efforts useless.
If you can’t move your furniture outdoors, use a dehumidifier, switch on ceiling fans, or open windows. Doing so will speed up the drying process.
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Vacuum Cleaner
The vacuum cleaner is another excellent way of removing mold from fabric furniture. However, it’s best for small spot removal.
Now, secure the area before you brush off the mold residue from your furniture. Place a plastic sheet or dirty rag to collect the residue from the upholstery.
When you’re done, dispose of it in a separate trash can. Allowing this residue to come into contact with the air can pose a spread risk. The vacuum cleaner should also be treated with anti-mold spray.
You can use a mixture of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol.
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Essential Oils
Several powerful essential oils exist to remove mold from fabric furniture. Among them are Cinnamon oil, Clove oil, Lavender oil, Eucalyptus oil, Citrus oil, Thyme oil, and more.
These oils contain natural antifungal properties that can eliminate the residue and existence of mold.
Having gotten one of these oils, mix it with water and package it in a spray bottle. Generously spray the essential oil on the affected areas and allow it to dry.
Next, use a damp cloth and wipe the upholstery down.
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Dry Under Sunlight
Exposing your fabric furniture to fresh air and sunlight can make mold survival challenging.
Usually, these fungi thrive in damp and dark environments. Taking out your furniture under the hot sun reduces the risk of spreading significantly.
What Causes Mold Infestation on Fabric Furniture?
Mold often grows in moist and dark spaces. Unfortunately, items such as fabric can easily absorb moisture from the air.
The case worsens during the rainy season because the air is laden with water vapor. Almost everything in the house will feel moist. This ranges from fabric to wood, drywall, leather, cardboard, and more.
If your home has poor ventilation or filtration systems, it will be prone to mold growth. This fungus propagates through its invisible spores in a favorable environment.
Because fabric materials are organic, they’re food for molds. Thus, when your fabric furniture is damp, it’ll automatically support the growth of this fungus.
Other elements that can result in mold growth include accumulated dust, drink spillage, and food stains. Ongoing/untreated plumbing issues and water damage can also be contributing factors.
Prevention Tips
Mold infestations can be a severe nuisance in the home. You’ll need to take some preventive measures to prevent such an event from becoming a reality.
First, keep your fabric furniture in well-ventilated areas with regular airflow and natural sunlight. Secondly, don’t place your couch against the wall.
If you must do that, leave a gap between the back of the couch and the wall. Doing so will allow adequate airflow. Furthermore, wash and dry areas affected by spills immediately.
Also, use dehumidifiers regularly in regions with above-average humidity. Use a dehumidifier if the humidity levels are above 50–60%.
Alternatively, you can use an air conditioner in “dry mode.”
Safety Guidelines
Before removing mold from your fabric couch, wear your protective gear.
Mold spores can travel airborne and become easy to inhale. Such microbes can cause respiratory discomfort, irritation, and infections.
Therefore, you must wear face masks, hand gloves, and eyeglasses. This will prevent you from coming into contact with spores during removal.
Mold can be a tricky thing to deal with, especially when it comes to fabric furniture. While bleaching chemicals effectively remove such fungi, they may damage certain fabrics.
Therefore, you’ll need to opt for alternatives that are friendly to fabrics. Luckily, several ways exist to remove mold from fabric furniture without bleaching.
These options are right above you.