Due to the porous nature of upholstery, during the colder months, your couches and chairs can become prone to mold. But, how do you remove mold from upholstery, and prevent it coming back?
In colder months, when the heating is on and we're less likely to have our doors and windows open, humidity can be higher and lead to condensation in the home. This raises the risk of mold. Here, cleaning pros reveal how to clean mold from upholstery and stop it coming back using what they call 'miracle' items you likely have in your pantry already.
These brilliant cleaning tips will help keep your couches spotless and mold-free all season long.
How to remove mold from upholstery
What causes mold on upholstery?
'Mold thrives in environments with excess moisture, which is why it is often more noticeable during the colder months,' says Monika Puccio, expert at Sofa Club. 'Due to their fabric being able to absorb moisture easily, mold can infiltrate soft, upholstered furnishings like couches, especially if they're exposed to damp conditions over extended periods, or placed against surfaces already affected by mold.'
This is also a problem which can arise if you prefer to source sustainable furniture by shopping secondhand, which is a brilliant way to be more sustainable in your interior design.
If you have identified mold on your upholstery, here's how to remove it, and prevent it coming back.
What you will need
- A vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter: Such as the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum available at Amazon.
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- A spray bottle: Such as the Equate 8 oz Plastic Spraybottle available at Walmart.
How to remove mold from upholstery in 5 simple steps
Step 1: Ventilate
'Mold spores can become airborne,' explains Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless, 'so it's important to work in a well-ventilated area to reduce inhalation risks and limit spore spreading.'
First, remove the moldy item outside to reduce the exposure in your home. To improve ventilation in your home overall, open windows regularly, turn on fans and dehumidifiers.
Step 2: Vacuum the area
Next, act fast to prevent the spores from spreading further.
'Vacuum the upholstery to remove any loose mold spores,' says Vanessa Terra Bossart, owner at Green Terra Cleaning. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure spores aren’t spread to other areas.'
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If using one with a bag, cleaning expert Toner recommends disposing of it immediately after vacuuming up mold to seal the spores tightly inside and avoid spreading them around your home.
This vacuum features three cleaning modes and up to 70 minutes of powerful run time. It also has a no-touch bin emptying feature, and washable parts to remove dust build-up, mold spores, and optimize performance.
Step 3: Clean with baking soda and vinegar
As a common pantry staple, there are many things around the home you can clean with baking soda. It can be used to remove mold from the rubber seal on a washing machine, to get rid of black mold, and to remove mold from upholstery, too.
'If I had to recommend two miracle products for cleaning, it would be white vinegar and baking soda – chances are you already have them in your cupboards at home,' begins upholstery expert Puccio.
'For mold removal on a sofa, start by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda (such as the ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda available at Amazon) with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the affected area and gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush to lift the mold,' such as the Laundry Scrub Brush available at Amazon.
You can also add vinegar to this solution, suggests cleaning expert Terra Bossart, by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water, and adding a tablespoon of baking soda. 'Vinegar is a natural mold killer and safe for most fabrics,' she says, but always test the solution on a small, hidden area to ensure it doesn't discolor the fabric first.
'Avoid over-saturating the upholstery, as excess moisture can lead to further mold growth,' adds Terra Bossart. Again, scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush.
If your upholstery is badly affected by mold, a stronger, commercial cleaner may be needed. Cleaning expert Toner recommends the Concrobium 25326 Mold Control Spray available at Amazon, 'This non-toxic formula kills mold without bleach and prevents regrowth,' she says. Lightly spray without over saturating, and use as directed.
This white vinegar is distilled to a 5% acidity and ultra-filtered, making it safe for your upholstered furniture, and effective at successfully killing mold.
Step 4: Dab with clean cloth
Next, gently and lightly rinse your upholstery. This isn't done by pouring water over the area as this will encourage mold growth in deepers areas of upholstery.
'Rinse by dabbing with a clean, damp cloth to remove the vinegar solution,' says cleaning expert Terra Bossart. We recommend the bestselling Mainstays Microfiber Assorted Solid Colors Dishcloths available at Walmart, as they're multi-purpose, ultra-soft, lint-free and machine washable. You might then wish to follow up by lightly spraying the area with white vinegar, as you can use vinegar to kill mold and ensure it is disinfected and sanitized.
Step 5: Dry
'Dry thoroughly by placing the item in direct sunlight or using a fan,' says cleaning expert Terra Bossart. 'Proper drying is essential to prevent mold from coming back.'
Because of this, upholstery expert Puccio recommends removing mold during the day, to allow the sofa plenty of time to dry out.
You can also use one of the best dehumidifiers to help with the drying, as well as opening windows in winter to reduce condensation.
How to prevent mold from reoccuring
Once you have successfully removed mold from your upholstery, you will want to prevent it from returning. As mold grows in humid environments, keeping your upholstery dry and away from damp is key.
'Always aim to leave a gap between your sofa and the wall to allow for good air circulation around the room,' says upholstery expert Puccio. 'If placing your sofa against a wall is unavoidable, then opt for an interior wall rather than an exterior one, as exterior walls tend to be colder and more prone to condensation.'
Our content editor Chiana Dickson tried a dehumidifier and it changed her home and life. These nifty appliances are also an effective tool in the battle of mold prevention.
'They help reduce moisture levels in the room, making it less likely for mold to reappear,' adds Puccio. 'Beyond mold prevention, dehumidifiers also work to improve air quality by reducing dust and allergens, which can benefit your health, especially those who suffer from allergies.'
The best place to put a dehumidifier is in a central location with adequate airflow, so consider these factors. Cleaning up spillages promptly will also reduce the chances of mold regrowth, as well as regularly vacuuming upholstered furniture to keep it dry and clean.
'If upholstery is in a room prone to moisture such as a basement, use mold-resistant fabric sprays or covers for added protection,' says Toner.
Toner recommends this fabric guard, which restores water and stain repellency to factory new levels, is safe for use on all fabrics, and dries residue-free.
FAQs
Can mold be washed out of fabric?
As you can wash mold out of clothes, if your upholstered furniture has removable covers which have become moldy, you can wash them in the washing machine. Pre-soak in vinegar, use baking soda in your laundry, and leave to air-dry outdoors.
Wondering why you have reoccurring mold in your home? Bad habits that increase the risk of mold could be the problem.
Ensure you don't allow wet items to stay damp, increase ventilation in your home, particularly in your bathroom, and store food correctly. Creating an achievable cleaning routine will also help to keep mold at bay.
