How To Remove Mould From Curtains With Thermal Backing

Tuesday 16th January 2024

Joanna Grimbley-Smith

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Curtains in a room CONTENTS

Mould on your curtains is not just a visual blight - it can damage the fabric and cause it to deteriorate over time, as well as put people's health at risk. You must have them professionally cleaned to restore them to their previous condition. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, our mould removal services can make your home a safe space and significantly improve the air quality. Our mould specialists have plenty of experience removing mould from domestic and commercial properties, and are available nationwide. 

Keep reading to find out how to get rid of mould on curtains with thermal backing. 

What causes mould to grow on curtains?

Mould grows in damp, warm conditions. It is usually caused by high humidity, poor air flow and ventilation, condensation, and damp. Curtains with thermal backing offer mould its ideal conditions for growth:

  • They trap heat and humid air in between the curtain and window
  • Any condensation that forms on the window can get onto the curtain and make it damp
  • Curtains made of organic material or that have lots of dirt and dust on them provide mould with plenty of organic material for it to feed off

The dangers of mouldy curtains

Mould is a harmful fungus that produces allergens, irritants, and even sometimes toxic compounds. Inhaling, ingesting, and touching mould can put people at risk of a number of health problems including allergic reactions, respiratory infections, and sick building syndrome. 

Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to mould exposure including:

  • People with respiratory conditions like asthma
  • People with skin conditions
  • Young children
  • Elderly people

You must have mould removed from your property as soon as you spot it to prevent it spreading and stop it from harming people's health. 

Why you should not wash mouldy curtains

Many people recommend washing mouldy clothes and curtains at a high temperature with cleaning agents like vinegar or bleach. But these hacks can actually damage fabrics and may not remove all of the mould. The spores may survive even after a hot water cycle and detergents might not penetrate deeply enough due to the thick nature of thermal fabrics. It can also cause mould to spread to other clothes and even the washing machine itself. 

Curtains with thermal backing usually cannot fit in the washing machine, either. The material used to make it typically is comprised of rubber and foam which can break down with excessive moisture exposure. As this happens, the protective layer meant to insulate your home loses the ability to block light and retain heat.

Instead of trying to remove the mould yourself, turn to professional cleaners instead. They will have the advanced tools designed specifically for tackling the tough, deep stains caused by fungal growths without damaging the fabric itself. 

Dry cleaners offer gentle yet effective mould removal solutions that can restore your curtains to pristine condition, too. Dry cleaning methods use special solvents rather than water-based processes to protect curtains' appearance and insulating abilities.

How to prevent mould on curtains

Keep windows open when possible or use fans to get air moving around the property, and around curtains and windows. This helps reduce moisture build-up and lowers the chances of condensation forming. 

If you are worried about losing heat during the colder months while trying to ventilate, consider purchasing dehumidifiers which will remove excess moisture from the air. 

Another useful tip is to clean your curtains regularly to remove any dust and dirt that mould can feed off of as it grows. Don't forget to clean the windows and surrounding areas to reduce the chances of mould growth there, too. 

Move the curtains so they are a little further away from the window. This will allow more air flow between the window and curtain, and stop condensation making the curtain wet. 

You should also take measures to reduce condensation on the windows in your home. This includes putting lids on pans and pots while you cook, using exhaust fans, and shutting doors to the kitchen and bathroom when washing and cooking. 

Don't forget to always keep the heating on or make sure your home does not get too cold as this can make the surfaces cold enough so condensation can form. Double-glazing can greatly reduce the chances of condensation, as well. You can find out more about how to prevent mould here

Contact us today

With every mould removal we offer a lifetime guarantee* so in the unlikely event the mould returns, our technicians will remove it again for free. 

To book your mould remediation, contact our team today on 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk

*subject to advisories

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Zoe Dunning

Zoe Dunning

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