Mould is prolific in Cape winters. Removing embedded mould from curtains is especially challenging. Here’s a DIY guide to tackling mould on curtains.
Remove stubborn spore build-up
The first step is to loosen the build-up of mould on the window coverings. A few brisk strokes with a hard-bristle scrubbing brush should do the trick.
Perform this step outside. If that’s not possible, lay a couple of sheets of newspaper across the window sill or on the floor below to catch any detritus.
Spot-treat mould stains
Mould typically leaves black or dark green stains on curtaining fabric. A suitable home remedy is a solution of one part bleach to four parts water, lightly sprayed onto the affected areas.
To avoid bleaching the fabric, apply the spray from a distance of about 20 to 25 cm.
Machine wash and air dry
Check the labelling of the curtains for any special cleaning treatments or techniques. If they’re machine-washable, pop the curtains into the washing machine.
For the best results:
- use a good quality washing powder and fabric softener
- add half a cup of baking soda into the drum to remove nasty odours
- wash the curtains using a cold wash setting to minimise the risk of shrinkage.
Once the cycle is complete, hang the curtains in a well-ventilated area to air dry.
When specialist curtain cleaners are required
If the stains persist, a specialist curtain-cleaning service will be necessary.
Mould can cause irreversible damage to curtain fabric. Even professional domestic cleaning companies like Chelsea Cleaning can’t undo this.
That said, professional cleaning is by far the best bet for killing mould spores and removing dark, unsightly stains without damaging the curtaining material.
Why use Chelsea Cleaning to remove mould from curtains
Chelsea Cleaning offers a thorough, offsite curtain-cleaning service tailored for individual curtain styles and materials. Drapes are removed, transported to our warehouse and given the appropriate treatment and care.
Clean, fragrant and mould-free window coverings are re-hung. If necessary, they’re steamed onsite to remove wrinkles and creases.
