Don't let mouldy curtains ruin the beauty of your home or jeopardize your well-being! The unsightly appearance of mould growth is bad enough, but the potential harm it can cause to your health is even worse. It's time to take action and reclaim your living space.

We're here to lend a helping hand by providing you with expert guidance on how to clean mould off curtains. We’re covering safe and efficient methods for getting mould out of curtains and simple yet powerful cleaning solutions for removing mould. Plus, we've gathered easy-to-follow tips to make this task a breeze.

Table of contents:

  1. What are the dangers of mould growth, and how soon should you remove mould?
  2. How can you identify if you have mould on your curtains?
  3. What are the best ways for safely cleaning mould from curtains?
  4. How should you dry and rehang your curtains to maintain their appearance and prevent mould?
  5. How do professional services treat mould and preserve your curtains?
  6. What can you do to safeguard your curtains against future mould growth?
  7. What are the common mistakes to avoid when removing mould?
  8. How can you safely remove mould from curtains and create a healthy living environment?
mould sign in front of curtains
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What are the dangers of mould growth, and how soon should you remove mould?

Mould thrives in damp conditions. If your curtains are constantly exposed to moist air or poor ventilation, they become the perfect breeding ground for mould. And trust me, you don't want that.

Apart from the obvious aesthetic issues, mould on curtains can also harm your indoor air quality. When mould and mildew spores are released into the air, they can trigger allergies and respiratory problems, leading to discomfort and potential health issues for you and your loved ones.

Unfortunately, mould grows rapidly, so the longer you ignore it, the harder it becomes to eliminate. However, there are simple steps you can take to tackle the problem head-on.

lady scared, mouldy wall

How can you identify if you have mould on your curtains?

Since mould and mildew left untreated can cause health issues, inspect your curtains for a few signs to spot this pesky fungus and stop mould growth before it gets out of hand.

Keep an eye out for any discolouration on your curtains. Black mould can cause dark spots to appear. Also, a musty odour is a telltale sign of mould growth. If you notice any unpleasant smells emanating from your curtains, it's worth investigating further.

And don't be fooled. Sometimes, mould can be mistaken for stains or other types of discolourations. While a stain results from a spill or dirt, mould has a distinct fuzzy or slimy texture.

mouldy curtains

What are the best ways for safely cleaning mould from curtains?

Depending on the fabric of your curtains, try one of the following methods.

  • If your curtains are machine washable, you can toss them in the washing machine on a gentle wash cycle using a mild detergent.
  • For curtains requiring a more delicate touch, gently hand-wash them in a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of detergent. Gently scrub the curtains, paying close attention to mould-infected areas.
  • Try spot-cleaning. For a simple stain-remover, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly spritz the vinegar solution on the affected areas.
  • Take the curtains outside and use a hard bristle brush to gently scrub away as much mould as possible from the affected area, being cautious not to damage the fabric.
3 ways to wash curtains

How should you dry and rehang your curtains to maintain their appearance and prevent mould?

If possible, completely dry your curtains in the sun, as the natural sunlight helps disinfect and remove lingering odours. Once the curtains are dry, minimize wrinkles by giving them a gentle shake before hanging them up again. For extra stubborn wrinkles, try misting them with water and then using a hand-held steamer or iron on a low setting to smooth them out. Remember to check the care label to see if ironing or steaming the fabric is safe.

When rehanging the curtains, ensure all the hooks or rings are securely in place. Then, adjust the curtains to ensure they hang evenly and touch the floor gracefully. Finally, double-check that you’ve removed all signs of mould and mildew.

How do professional services treat mould and preserve your curtains?

Entrusting your curtains to professionals gives you peace of mind, knowing they'll be cleaned and preserved correctly. These experts can help you get rid of mould through steam cleaning on-site. Their powerful equipment can effectively remove mould spores and stains from your curtains.

However, if your curtains are dry-clean only, professional mould removal services can take them to dry cleaners, who have the knowledge and expertise to handle delicate fabrics and ensure thorough cleaning without causing damage.

Curtain Steam Cleaning technician London

What can you do to safeguard your curtains against future mould growth?

Once you've successfully cleared the mould from your curtains, you'll want to ensure it never returns. So, here are some handy tips to help you prevent future mould growth on your curtains.

  • Ensure your curtains stay moisture-free by keeping them away from sources of moisture, such as leaky windows or damp walls.
  • Maintain humidity levels between 40-60% in your home by using a dehumidifier or an air conditioner
  • Use moisture-absorbing products in your home, such as silica gel packets or moisture absorbers
  • Improve ventilation by opening windows regularly or using exhaust fans in areas prone to humidity
dehumidifier, air conditioning, silica gel

What are the common mistakes to avoid when removing mould?

To ensure effective and safe mould removal, here are a few common mistakes that people often make.

Using Bleach

While it seems like a quick fix for removing mould, bleach can exacerbate the problem by only killing mould on the surface and damaging your curtains. Instead, choose mould-specific cleaners or natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda for a more effective solution.

Not Checking the Care Label

Before attempting to clean any mouldy items, always check the care label. Some materials, such as delicate fabrics or leather, may require special treatment or professional assistance.

Brushing Off Mould Inside Your Home

The agitation will send mould spores airborne, spreading them to other areas of your home. Always brush off mould outside.

x sign in front of bleach, care label

How can you safely remove mould from curtains and create a healthy living environment?

If you've ever had to deal with mould on your curtains, you know how frustrating and unhealthy it can be. To safely remove the mould, try spot-cleaning them first. Or, they can be sent out for dry-cleaning, machine-washed, or hand-washed in warm water and mild detergent, rinsed thoroughly, and dried in direct sunlight. When you rehang them, check if you've removed all the mould.

Regularly inspecting your curtains for signs of mould or mildew prevents it from spreading. Remember, a little effort now can go a long way in creating a healthier and happier living environment for both you and your loved ones.