Clean mould off curtains in 10 simple steps:
1. Grab the Equipment You Need:
- Rubber gloves, safety glasses, and a face mask
- A small bowl or bucket
- Mould cleaner (DIY or store-bought cleaner)
- Cleaning cloths or sponges
- A spray bottle
- A soft-bristled brush
- Large sheets or towels (to cover nearby surfaces and furniture)
- A vacuum cleaner (handheld is best)
- A stable step ladder
2. Prepare the space
Place large sheets or towels underneath the curtains to protect floors and furniture. Open windows and doors to provide proper ventilation. Remove any tripping hazards from the floor and ensure you have a sturdy step ladder if removing curtains
3. Protect yourself
Shield yourself from airborne or loose mould spores by wearing rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask.ย ย
4. Brush/Vacuum Away Obvious Mould
Begin with a quick spot cleaning process. Use a soft-bristled brush to clear any large patches of mould off curtains. Gently scrub in circular motions to help remove stubborn mould stains without damaging curtains during the cleaning process.ย
If mould growth is widespread, consider vacuuming the curtains. Use a small handheld vacuum with a soft bristle brush attachment and start on a low setting when cleaning mould off curtains.
5. Select a Mould Cleaning Solution
A DIY mould cleaner is a budget-friendly option and an easy way to address mould growth on curtains. Instead of going out to buy curtain mould removers, you can utilise items in your laundry or kitchen. Baking soda, white vinegar and bleach are highly effective against different types of mould.ย
How to make a DIY mould cleaner:
White Vinegar:
- Combine equal parts of warm water and white vinegar (a 1:1 ratio)
Baking Soda:
- Stir 1 tablespoon of baking soda into 2 cups of water
Diluted Bleach Solution:
- Mix 1 part bleach into 10 parts cold water (a 1:10 ratio)
Bleach can assist with advanced mould removal. But remember to use cold water when diluting a bleach-based solution.
6. Spot Test the Cleaning Solution
Different types of curtains have different care requirements. If you are concerned the mould remover you have chosen will mark or discolour your curtains, apply a small amount on a tiny corner of the curtain. Leave it for 10 mins and wipe it away. If nothing happens, keep going. If the mould cleaner has affected your coloured curtains, try an alternative cleaner.
7. Apply the Mould Cleaner
Using a damp cloth:
- Pour the cleaning solution into a bowl or bucket
- Dip a clean cloth into the mould cleaner
- Squeeze out any excess liquid.
- Dab the damp cloth onto any mould growth.
Using a spray bottle:
- Pour your cleaning product into the spray bottle.
- Spray the entire curtain from top-to-bottom
- Squirt extra mould removal spray onto any obvious signs of mould.
8. Give the Cleaning Solution Time
Wait for at least 30 minutes after applying the cleaning solution. This will give the curtain mould cleaner time to break down the mould and deep clean your curtain material.ย
9. Rinse Off Excess Mould Cleaner
Apply clean water to your curtains using a spray bottle or a damp cloth. Gently wipe away any cleaning solution, excess moisture, and remaining mould on curtains.
10. Let the Curtain Dry
Make sure the curtains are left to dry in an area with proper airflow and ventilation.
Everything You Should Know About Curtain Mould
Follow our step-by-step process and cleaning mould off curtains is fast and easy! Do you want to know more about mould and cleaning curtains? Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions.
What causes mould on curtains?
Mould thrives in damp and humid conditions. Frequent exposure to moisture and a build-up on condensation on windows can cause rapid mould growth on curtains, especially in a humid climate. Poor ventilation is also a serious factor. If your curtains or window surrounds donโt receive adequate airflow, they will likely be trouble areas for unsightly mould and mildew. Remember to clean windows regularly to help keep mould at bay.
What are the common types of mould in New Zealand?
4 common curtain moulds in New Zealand are:
- Aspergillus
- Cladosporium
- Fusarium
- Stachybotrys
Black mould (Stachybotrys Chartarum) is the most infamous because it is highly toxic. If you spot black mould on curtains in your house, consider calling a professional cleaner. Even with personal protective gear on, cleaning black mould off curtains poses serious health risks.
However, mould & mildew can appear in a variety of colours including green, brown, yellow, black and more. Black spots on curtains may not be Stachybotrys, so trying to identify mould based on its colour alone is not always effective. If you are concerned about what type of mould is on your curtains, consider contacting a professional cleaner to help deal with it.
Is mould on curtains dangerous?
Yes, mould on curtains will negatively affect your health if itโs left to fester. The most dangerous moulds produce toxic substances called mycotoxins, which are harmful to humans. Even if you have a healthy immune system and no existing health conditions, curtain mould can cause symptoms similar to allergies. Whether you have mould on curtains in your living room, bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or some other room in your home, leaving those nasty growths to spread is a serious health risk.
Mould on curtains is especially dangerous to people with asthma, weakened immune systems, or dust allergies. Minor symptoms of moderate mould contact include coughing and sneezing, skin conditions, and eye irritation. In serious causes, mould can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, respiratory complications, or even severe lung infections.
A homemade cleaning solution or store-bought product: which is better?
Homemade or DIY curtain mould remover is a great pick for people who prefer cost-effective and gentle solutions. Vinegar and baking soda are safe to use in households with pets and small children. But store-bought mould cleaners can also eliminate stubborn traces of mould. A more powerful cleaner will also reduce chances of mould formation in the future. Consider which would work the best in your situation and on your type of curtains.ย
What are the best curtain cleaning companies?
Are you struggling against tough mould? Get in contact with a professional cleaning service like The Local Guys. If you have any health issues or respiratory conditions that make you extra sensitive to mould particles, then leave curtain cleaning to the experts. The Local Guys are a mobile service and provide all the necessary equipment for mould removal. In extreme cases, our cleaners can also apply extra-strength cleaning chemical products to reduce the chances of mould growth in the future.
Final Thoughts
When you spot mould growing on curtains in your home, you should always act fast. Not only is curtain mould unsightly, it is also unhygienic and poses serious health concerns. Remove mould from curtains by following our easy step-by-step guide. But if you have any current health complications or symptoms related to mould, then book a professional for curtain mould cleaning. The Local Guys have efficient and experienced cleaners who can remove mould from curtains safety and quickly. Why wait? Keep your home a clean, hygienic, and welcoming place to be, and call The Local Guys today.