How To Remove Mould From Fabric

• What causes mould?
• What are the dangers of mouldy fabrics?
• Can you remove mould from fabric?
• How to prevent mould on fabric
• Contact us today

Mould is a common household problem that can usually be found between tiles, on the bathroom ceiling, and on windowsills. But did you know it could also grow on fabrics, like your clothes, curtains, and upholstered furniture?

Here at ICE Cleaning, we provide effective mould remediation services. Our technicians can eliminate all the mould spores from your property, and make your clothes fresh and safe to wear, again. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year, and can be on site in several hours in an emergency.

Keep reading to find out how to clean mould on fabrics.

What causes mould?

Mould is caused by excess moisture. It can normally be found in areas of the home that are humid and poorly ventilated, like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. You can find out more here.

It grows on organic materials, like leather, cotton, and linen and often appears as green, blue, or black spots and stains. Mould can destroy fabrics, especially materials made of natural fibres.

One of the first signs of mould on fabric is a musty smell coming from your closet or wardrobe, washing machine, or upholstery. It is typically caused by mould elsewhere in your property, but there are several other potential triggers:

• Washing machines are a breeding ground for black mould
• Clothes that are not fully dried out may release moisture into the air
• Closets are normally poorly ventilated

What are the dangers of mouldy fabrics?

Exposure to mould puts yours and others’ health at risk. It produces allergens which, when inhaled or touched, can trigger an allergic reaction and may cause sneezing, red eyes, or a skin rash.

Prolonged exposure could cause more serious problems, like respiratory issues. Some groups are more vulnerable than others, such as those with asthma, very young children, and elderly people.

If you wear clothes with mould on them, or if it is growing on your furniture, you will be exposed to it for longer periods of time and your skin may be in contact with it.

Should any affected clothes be in your closet or in drawers, it might spread to rest of your belongings. You can find out more about how harmful mould is here.

Can you remove mould from fabric?

It is possible to remediate mould on clothing yourself with hot water, bleach, vinegar, or other cleaning chemicals. However, you must always bring in professional cleaners to get rid of it.

When you scrub at the stains, you will release spores up into the air, and may inhale them or spread them around the property. You will also come in close contact with the mould when trying to clean it, which is dangerous without the right personal protective equipment (PPE).

DIY cleaning solutions and techniques might not remove all the mould, either. You could continue to wear mouldy clothes, and put yourself and others at risk without knowing it. You might even damage or discolour the fabric.

It is very hard to clean upholstery and curtains yourself, as well. Mould can settle deep into the porous surfaces, and you probably will not be able to tackle all of it.  

Mould removal specialists have the equipment and products to remove all of the spores quickly and effectively in your property. They will have PPE to keep themselves safe while treating the affected areas, too.

How to prevent mould on fabric

Once the mould in your property has been remediated and the cause fixed, you must take measures to stop it coming back.

• Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to make sure humidity levels stay below 50%
• Should you spot any leaks or damp, you must get them repaired and the affected area dried out as soon as possible
• Ensure your property is well ventilated, including the rooms and areas where you dry and store clothes, such as closets
• After you wash your clothes, make sure they are not crumpled during drying so they are not damp when put away
• Regularly check the washing machine for mould, especially around the rubber seal

Our technicians are mould experts who can diagnose the root cause of it and advise on how to prevent it in the future. You can find out more about preventing mould in this blog.

Contact us today

Our Dewpoint-accredited mould spore removal specialists are fully trained in how to eliminate mould, and can improve the air quality in your property significantly.

Get in touch to book our technicians for mould remediation by calling 0208 066 0360 or sending us an email at enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk.