Is Mould on Curtains Dangerous?

• What causes mould to grow on curtains?
• The signs of mould on curtains
• The dangers of mould growth on curtains
• How to get rid of mould on curtains
• Get in touch

Mould is more than just an eyesore. Should you spot it growing on your curtains or fabric blinds, it could be causing serious health problems for people in the property and may damage your decor. 

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer our long-lasting mould removal services nationwide. Our Dewpoint-accredited technicians have many years of experience removing mould from domestic and commercial facilities, and can even eliminate it from the air.  

Continue reading to learn more about why mould grows on curtains and the dangers of exposure to it. 

What causes mould to grow on curtains?

Mould thrives in damp, warm conditions. It is usually caused on curtains because of how damp and mouldy windows can get. 

Condensation often forms on windows when there is a difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures. This moisture can easily transfer onto your window-side curtains, creating the perfect breeding ground for mould.

Curtains also attract dust and dirt particles which provide nutrients that encourage mould growth. 

Curtains in poorly ventilated rooms or areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens, are more prone to mould. Not all types of fabric resist moisture equally - some materials like silk or velvet may be more susceptible than others due to their natural fibres absorbing water easier. 

You can find out more about what causes mould to grow in the home in this blog. 

The signs of mould on curtains

Mould is often hard to spot until it's well-established. But there are clear indicators you can look out for.

Firstly, visual changes may occur on your curtains like discolouration or dark spots which could indicate mould growth. These marks might be black, green, or even white. You should regularly check for mould on the curtain lining and curtain. 

A stale, musty odour could be around your windows, too. This odour comes from the mould releasing microbial volatile organic compounds into the air as part of its life cycle. The smell will not dissipate even with frequent cleaning.

Lastly, if your allergies start acting up when you are near the window area then this is a sign that you are inhaling mould spores. Persistent cold symptoms like sneezing and coughing also indicate a mould problem. 

Should you spot any of these signs of mould, you must bring in mould removal professional immediately. Left unchecked, mould can cause damage not just to fabrics but, more importantly, to your health.

The dangers of mould growth on curtains

Mould releases allergens, irritants, and occasionally toxic substances. Being exposed to it can trigger an allergic reaction like sneezing, eye irritation, and skin rashes.

Prolonged exposure can cause more severe health issues like respiratory problems and immune system suppression. Some people are particularly vulnerable to mould exposure including children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions or a weakened immune system. 

Fabric items like curtains offer an ideal environment for mould spores to grow rapidly, too, so a small problem can quickly become a major issue in your home. 

Mould can cause damage to your curtains, as well. The fungus feeds off of organic material so it can degrade fabric, and leave behind stains and a musty smell that is hard to get rid of. Mould also has a nasty habit of discolouring fabrics, leaving them looking old and faded.

If neglected, the harm could be unalterable and your curtains might need replacing entirely due to an extensive mould infestation.

How to get rid of mould on curtains

Removing mould from fabric can be challenging, particularly as it is a porous material so mould can grow deep in its pores and evade treatment. 

You might think using bleach or other household cleaners would do the trick, but this is not always effective, and can even damage or discolour your curtains.

Beyond that, trying to clean mould yourself exposes you to harmful spores which could cause respiratory issues or allergic reactions. It's a risky job best left to professionals who have the right protective equipment to safely get rid of the mould. 

Professional mould cleaners are also well equipped for such tasks - they use advanced techniques and equipment specifically designed to eliminate mould safely from various surfaces, including delicate fabrics, without causing any harm.

They will even be able to identify the specific cause of the mould on the curtain and then advise on how to prevent it returning in the future. 

Get in touch

We offer a lifetime guarantee* with every mould removal so if the mould comes back our technicians will return to remove it for free. No matter where you are in the UK, our technicians can be on site within hours of your call. 

Book your mould remediation today by calling 0208 066 0360 or emailing enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. Our team will be happy to schedule a free site survey and provide you with a no-obligation quote. 

*subject to advisories