If you’re dealing with mold in upholstery and looking for ways to remove it, you’ve come to the right place. This article shares with you some of the best tips on how to get rid of mold and prevent it from coming back!

Mold spores float in the air. They are invisible to the naked eye, but they are part of your everyday environment. Like floating spores, they are harmless. And, the worst part is that on moist surfaces, it begins to grow. Remove moisture, and you inhibit its ability to flourish. If you have mold in upholstery, you need to act before it works its way into the small spaces and linings. If left untreated, the issue may not be recoverable; mold can stain and rot the fabric if left to survive for long periods.

So, how to get rid of it? Let’s run through the simple steps to remove mold from upholstery and prevent it from coming back!

How to Get Rid Of Mold in Upholstery

Step#1 The Dry Method

Remember that prevention is always better than cure. But if your upholstery already has mold, one of the simplest methods is to dry clean it. For this, you will need to remove the furniture to a ventilated place. Also, remember to put on gloves and a mask so as not to breathe it since the spores that the mold gives off are bad for the lungs.

Once outside, scrub the mold with a firm cleaning brush to peel it off the surface of the upholstery. Be careful when doing this step. It is important to brush both the mold area and its surroundings. Once you’re done, use a vacuum to remove brushing debris.

Bring the mouth of the vacuum as close to the carpet as possible to clean up any mold. You also need to vacuum more carefully in the folds of the furniture. Don’t empty the vacuum filter immediately. You must wait for the dust from the vacuum cleaner to accentuate in the filter and open it into a plastic bag, taking care not to make dust as mold can be very dangerous to your health.

Step#2. Get Rid of Mold with Bleach Water

Dampen a towel or cleaning cloth with a mixture of equal parts, bleach water or alcohol. With this cloth, clean the areas where you saw mold. Repeat the process a couple of times to remove the mold on the upholstery, so there is no risk of more showing up and damaging the fabric. Cleaning with bleach water is more effective than the dry method as it prevents its reappearance. However, do not over-wet the tapestry as this can promote more mold rather than removing it.

With a sponge dampened in a moderate amount of water, wipe off the alcohol or bleach residue you used to remove the mold.

Let this piece of furniture sit in the sun so that it dries well. Smell the furniture to make sure you have removed the mold from the fabric.

If you still smell damp, then use a fungicidal disinfectant to spray on it. Spray the infected area with a dry foam cleaner padding. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper stain removal.

If you see a mold stain on the fabric, which is still not removed after the above steps, you can continue with the following methods!

3. Remove Mold Stains from Upholstery

Mold stains that are musty stains are like black dots on the fabrics of clothes, linens, walls and floors. There are several ways you can remove them, among which some are:

Clean with Baking Soda

Use baking soda to remove mold stains from upholstery. Moisten the stain with a little lukewarm water, and rub baking soda gently with a soft brush (toothbrush or nail brush). Clean the surface rinsed with a sponge moistened with vinegar water and then plain water.

Use Ammonia

Ammonia is probably the most effective product to get rid of mold stains; however, it can be dangerous for your hands and lungs. You need to take proper precautions and carry out the procedure in a well-ventilated room. Pour ammonia on a cloth and then clean the stain. Clean the affected area with another cloth rinsed in plain water.

Use Borax

An alternative to bleach, borax powder, is used to remove the stain, deodorize (ideal for urine odors), and fight fleas and cockroaches. It can both disinfect and remove mold. You need to take precautions before carrying out this procedure. Clean the stained area with a sponge soaked in hot water and borax (2 cups of hot water for ½ cup of borax). Repeat the procedure with a cloth rinsed in water.

White Vinegar

White vinegar can clean mold stains from several surfaces. Soak a brush in pure vinegar and apply it to the affected areas. Clean with a rinsed cloth afterward.

Warnings!

Mold can be harmful to those with asthma and allergies if the spores are inhaled. Mold has been known to worsen certain medical conditions. Consult a health care practitioner if you believe the mold may be of concern.

What is the Best Solution for Humidity Problems?

Even if you put these tips into practice, the truth is that the humidity does not disappear permanently. A radical solution is required to get rid of the unpleasant odors and mold stains on upholstery. At 911 Restoration of Mesa, we study our client’s particular cases and offer them a solution adapted to their needs.

If you’re a resident of Mesa and looking for a solution to get rid of mold in upholstery, contact us to request a free diagnosis without obligation!