How can I remove mould from my upholstery?

You may have just discovered that you have some mould on your upholstery. Better get rid off it now, before the problem gets worse. Not only does it look unsightly, but these organisms destroy the material that they grow on - by digesting it! Mould also can cause health problems, especially those who are allergic.

If you have mouldy curtains, or your couch has some mould on it, don't go shaking it or beating it. This will release more spores into the air, which will settle around the room and potentially make a bigger problem.

So what do you do?

Prevention is the best option! 

1 - If you live in a damp environment (Auckland anyone?), invest in a dehumidifier. It's that time of year when you need to start running it at night, so that you don't get a moisture build up.

2 - Use the exhaust fans in the bathroom or crack open the window. You may not think this is important for your upholstery, but the moisture has to go somewhere. If there is no escape route to the outside, the moisture will head to nearest soft furnishing and that may  be the item that you are trying to restore.

Now you have taken steps to prevent it from happening again, here's how to deal with the mould that's already taken hold.

Remove it.

1 - Take item outside.

2 - Scrap off any dry and flaky patches, with a blunt knife or stiff brush

3 - Use a colour safe laundry detergent, and rub in with a clean white cloth. (Test first in an inconspicuous area.) Using a white cloth is important so you can see the progress of the would coming off the item.

4 - Have a bucket of hot water, and use more white rags and blot the area repeatedly until you absorb the mould.

5 - Test again in an inconspicuous area for this treatment apply lemon juice to the area and salt and allow to dry, then vacuum it off.

6 - If possible leave in the sun to kill off any spores and to 'bleach the area.

Another option is to use an upholstery cleaner that will remove the mould. This is probably the more logical option rather than the above DIY. If you do go ahead with the above, you have to undertake it at your own risk. You would not want to do this on cotton that has not been preshrunk (because the water will shrink it) and you also have to keep in mind what a combination of lemon juice and the sun will do. It will fade your upholstery! So this might work for a white or cream surface it's probably not best for dark coloured items.

If you are loath to try this yourself, then please call in the professionals, especially if it is a piece (or pieces) that is significant to you. You may find that it would be better to reupholster the piece, as there is too much mould to get rid of.

Please call us if you have any questions or would like some help in finding a professional to work on your upholstery. 0800 698 746