How To Remove Mould From Fabric

Mould on clothing, upholstery and curtains is more than a nuisance. It can trigger allergies, stain fibres and leave musty odours that linger. The quick answer is simple: brush off loose mould spores outdoors, pre-treat the affected areas, wash on the hottest safe cycle, then dry completely with strong airflow. Use oxygen bleach for most washable fabrics, white vinegar for deodorising, and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for stubborn spots that survive the first wash. The sections below show you exactly how to remove mould from fabric safely, plus how to get mould out of curtains so your window treatments look fresh again.

Mould Growth

Mould thrives in damp, humid environments. Fabrics trap moisture around hems, seams and folds, so condensation near windows and damp areas like bathrooms are common trouble spots. Poor ventilation, wet towels left in a hamper and laundry forgotten in the washer create excess moisture that fuels mould growth. Aim to keep indoor relative humidity between 30 and 60 percent, improve ventilation, open windows when weather allows and use a dehumidifier in basements, laundries or any room with chronic moisture.

Safety And Preparation

Before you get fabrics wet, contain the spores and protect your health.

• Work outside or in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves and a mask.
• Remove curtains from the rod before cleaning and vacuum with a soft brush attachment to lift dust and loose mould spores.
• For heavy surface growth, a hard bristled brush used outdoors helps dislodge visible mould before washing.
• Keep items away from clean laundry to avoid cross contamination.
• Always spot test in a hidden area to check colourfastness before you apply any stain remover or solution.

Choose The Right Method For Your Fabric

Pick one method per item. Using multiple chemicals at once can damage fibres.

• Colour-safe washable fabrics: Oxygen bleach soak, then machine wash.
• White, durable cotton and linen: Oxygen bleach first. If stains persist and the label allows, use a chlorine solution on whites only.
• Colourfast synthetics: Oxygen bleach or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide dab, then wash.
• Wool, silk and delicate fabrics: No chlorine. Use pH-neutral detergent, cool water and patience.
• Upholstery and fabric blinds: Dry removal, light misting with a suitable cleaner, blot, then air dry.

Step-By-Step Methods For Common Fabrics

Cotton And Linen

Best method for most washable, coloured or white fabrics.

1. Brush Or Vacuum outdoors to remove loose spores.
2. Soak in oxygen bleach dissolved in warm water following the label rate. Typical home mixes use 1 to 2 tablespoons per 5 litres for 30 to 60 minutes.
3. Wash on the hottest water the care label permits with a small amount of quality detergent to help remove lingering mould spores.
4. Check before drying. If a grey shadow remains, repeat the soak.
5. Dry in sun for whites or air dry colours in the shade with strong airflow until completely dry.

Synthetics (Polyester, Nylon, Blends)

Good for quick-dry fabrics that resist water.

1. Dry Removal with a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment.
2. Pre-Treat stains by dabbing 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with a clean cloth for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse.
3. Wash warm with mild detergent.
4. Dry by air. Heat from a dryer can set stains if they have not lifted.

Wool, Silk And Delicate Fabrics

Gentle care to prevent damage.

1. Dry Removal with light brushing only.
2. Soak in cool water with pH-neutral detergent for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not wring.
3. Spot Work only if colourfast. Dab a tiny amount of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, wait 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse.
4. Rinse And Dry thoroughly and lay flat on a towel to air dry away from sun.

Upholstery And Soft Furnishings

When the cover is not removable.

1. HEPA Vacuum seams and creases to capture spores.
2. Light Mist a fabric-safe cleaner in a spray bottle. Avoid soaking.
3. Blot with a clean cloth, changing sides often.
4. Air in indirect sun or near moving air until completely dry.
5. Repeat light treatments rather than one heavy soak.

Curtains And Blinds: Specific Fixes

Curtains and blinds often retain moisture around the heading tape and hem where water can trap moisture after condensation. This is where you will most often find mouldy areas and stubborn mould. Here is how to remove mould from curtains without harming the fabric.

1. Take Down And Prep: Remove from the rod, take off hooks and weights. Shake or vacuum outdoors to remove dust and loose spores. Inspect seams, folds and hems for heavy build-up before cleaning.
2. Choose A Method:

• Machine-washable, colour-safe curtains: Oxygen bleach soak for 30 to 60 minutes, then machine wash warm with mild detergent.
• Whites only: For durable white fabrics, prepare a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 3 parts water, soak for 30 to 60 minutes, then scrub stained areas lightly and rinse thoroughly. Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia.
• Delicate or lined curtains: Hand wash in cool water with pH-neutral detergent and avoid soaking the lining separately.

1. Targeted Spots: For track-side hems or heading tape, dab 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with a clean cloth, wait 5 minutes, then rinse.
2. Dry Thoroughly: Hang outside in direct sunlight for whites to help kill remaining spores. For colours, dry in bright shade to minimise fading. Rehang only when completely dry.

People often ask how to get mould out of curtains when the label says dry clean only. In that case, perform the dry preparation steps, then book dry cleaning and tell the cleaner where the affected areas are. If you need a quick tidy before drop-off, a vinegar solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can manage surface odour on the affected areas. Do not soak a dry-clean-only fabric.

If you are dealing with heavy spotting, here is how to get mould off curtains without spreading it. Keep the fabric flat, work from the outside of each spot towards the centre, and change to a fresh section of cloth often. Never scrub aggressively, as this can push spores deeper and cause fabric pilling.

Blinds Mould And Fabric Blinds

• Hard Surfaces: For aluminium or PVC slats, spray a vinegar solution, wait 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe. Use a microfibre cloth on PVC to prevent streaks. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry.
• Fabric Blinds: Vacuum, then spot clean with a mild detergent or vinegar solution when machine washing is not possible. Avoid soaking to prevent damage and warping of backing.
• Wooden Blinds: Avoid excess water. Wipe lightly with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately.
• Final Check: Ensure blinds are completely dry before rehanging to prevent mould returning.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps with odour control and light cleaning, and many households prefer it as a natural option. Use it in one of two ways:

• Deodorise: Sprinkle dry baking soda on a musty garment, leave for 15 minutes, then vacuum and wash.
• Paste: Mix baking soda with warm water to form a paste. Apply to small mould stains on colourfast cottons for 15 minutes, then rinse and wash.

Note: Do not combine baking soda and vinegar in the same soak. They neutralise each other and reduce cleaning power. If you use vinegar, mix it with water in a spray bottle and apply as a separate treatment.

Natural Cleaning Solutions For Mould

White vinegar is effective for tackling mould on appropriate fabrics and for cleaning hard surfaces. A vinegar and water mix applied for 10 to 30 minutes can help kill mould spores and reduce odour. Drying the item in direct sunlight is also useful, as sunlight acts as a natural mould-killer for whites. Both vinegar and baking soda are safe options for many fabrics when used correctly. Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia, and always rinse thoroughly after any treatment.

Mould Removal

Here is a quick materials list for effective cleaning:

• Oxygen bleach for stain removal and sanitising on colour-safe fabrics
• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for targeted spots
• White vinegar for odours and surface cleaning
• Mild detergent suited to the fabric type
• Spray bottle, rubber gloves and a clean cloth or two
• Optional steam cleaning on hard surfaces only, keeping moisture time short

Select one approach, treat, then machine wash. Repeating a single safe method is better than stacking multiple chemicals.

How To Remove Mould From Fabric

Mould on clothing, upholstery and curtains is more than a nuisance. It can trigger allergies, stain fibres and leave musty odours that linger. The quick answer is simple: brush off loose mould spores outdoors, pre-treat the affected areas, wash on the hottest safe cycle, then dry completely with strong airflow. Use oxygen bleach for most washable fabrics, white vinegar for deodorising, and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for stubborn spots that survive the first wash. The sections below show you exactly how to remove mould from fabric safely, plus how to get mould out of curtains so your window treatments look fresh again.

Mould Growth

Mould thrives in damp, humid environments. Fabrics trap moisture around hems, seams and folds, so condensation near windows and damp areas like bathrooms are common trouble spots. Poor ventilation, wet towels left in a hamper and laundry forgotten in the washer create excess moisture that fuels mould growth. Aim to keep indoor relative humidity between 30 and 60 percent, improve ventilation, open windows when weather allows and use a dehumidifier in basements, laundries or any room with chronic moisture.

Safety And Preparation

Before you get fabrics wet, contain the spores and protect your health.

• Work outside or in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves and a mask.
• Remove curtains from the rod before cleaning and vacuum with a soft brush attachment to lift dust and loose mould spores.
• For heavy surface growth, a hard bristled brush used outdoors helps dislodge visible mould before washing.
• Keep items away from clean laundry to avoid cross contamination.
• Always spot test in a hidden area to check colourfastness before you apply any stain remover or solution.

Choose The Right Method For Your Fabric

Pick one method per item. Using multiple chemicals at once can damage fibres.

• Colour-safe washable fabrics: Oxygen bleach soak, then machine wash.
• White, durable cotton and linen: Oxygen bleach first. If stains persist and the label allows, use a chlorine solution on whites only.
• Colourfast synthetics: Oxygen bleach or 3 percent hydrogen peroxide dab, then wash.
• Wool, silk and delicate fabrics: No chlorine. Use pH-neutral detergent, cool water and patience.
• Upholstery and fabric blinds: Dry removal, light misting with a suitable cleaner, blot, then air dry.

Step-By-Step Methods For Common Fabrics

Cotton And Linen

Best method for most washable, coloured or white fabrics.

1. Brush Or Vacuum outdoors to remove loose spores.
2. Soak in oxygen bleach dissolved in warm water following the label rate. Typical home mixes use 1 to 2 tablespoons per 5 litres for 30 to 60 minutes.
3. Wash on the hottest water the care label permits with a small amount of quality detergent to help remove lingering mould spores.
4. Check before drying. If a grey shadow remains, repeat the soak.
5. Dry in sun for whites or air dry colours in the shade with strong airflow until completely dry.

Synthetics (Polyester, Nylon, Blends)

Good for quick-dry fabrics that resist water.

1. Dry Removal with a vacuum cleaner and brush attachment.
2. Pre-Treat stains by dabbing 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with a clean cloth for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse.
3. Wash warm with mild detergent.
4. Dry by air. Heat from a dryer can set stains if they have not lifted.

Wool, Silk And Delicate Fabrics

Gentle care to prevent damage.

1. Dry Removal with light brushing only.
2. Soak in cool water with pH-neutral detergent for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not wring.
3. Spot Work only if colourfast. Dab a tiny amount of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, wait 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse.
4. Rinse And Dry thoroughly and lay flat on a towel to air dry away from sun.

Upholstery And Soft Furnishings

When the cover is not removable.

1. HEPA Vacuum seams and creases to capture spores.
2. Light Mist a fabric-safe cleaner in a spray bottle. Avoid soaking.
3. Blot with a clean cloth, changing sides often.
4. Air in indirect sun or near moving air until completely dry.
5. Repeat light treatments rather than one heavy soak.

Curtains And Blinds: Specific Fixes

Curtains and blinds often retain moisture around the heading tape and hem where water can trap moisture after condensation. This is where you will most often find mouldy areas and stubborn mould. Here is how to remove mould from curtains without harming the fabric.

1. Take Down And Prep: Remove from the rod, take off hooks and weights. Shake or vacuum outdoors to remove dust and loose spores. Inspect seams, folds and hems for heavy build-up before cleaning.
2. Choose A Method:

• Machine-washable, colour-safe curtains: Oxygen bleach soak for 30 to 60 minutes, then machine wash warm with mild detergent.
• Whites only: For durable white fabrics, prepare a solution of 1 part chlorine bleach to 3 parts water, soak for 30 to 60 minutes, then scrub stained areas lightly and rinse thoroughly. Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia.
• Delicate or lined curtains: Hand wash in cool water with pH-neutral detergent and avoid soaking the lining separately.

1. Targeted Spots: For track-side hems or heading tape, dab 3 percent hydrogen peroxide with a clean cloth, wait 5 minutes, then rinse.
2. Dry Thoroughly: Hang outside in direct sunlight for whites to help kill remaining spores. For colours, dry in bright shade to minimise fading. Rehang only when completely dry.

People often ask how to get mould out of curtains when the label says dry clean only. In that case, perform the dry preparation steps, then book dry cleaning and tell the cleaner where the affected areas are. If you need a quick tidy before drop-off, a vinegar solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can manage surface odour on the affected areas. Do not soak a dry-clean-only fabric.

If you are dealing with heavy spotting, here is how to get mould off curtains without spreading it. Keep the fabric flat, work from the outside of each spot towards the centre, and change to a fresh section of cloth often. Never scrub aggressively, as this can push spores deeper and cause fabric pilling.

Blinds Mould And Fabric Blinds

• Hard Surfaces: For aluminium or PVC slats, spray a vinegar solution, wait 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe. Use a microfibre cloth on PVC to prevent streaks. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and dry.
• Fabric Blinds: Vacuum, then spot clean with a mild detergent or vinegar solution when machine washing is not possible. Avoid soaking to prevent damage and warping of backing.
• Wooden Blinds: Avoid excess water. Wipe lightly with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately.
• Final Check: Ensure blinds are completely dry before rehanging to prevent mould returning.

Baking Soda

Baking soda helps with odour control and light cleaning, and many households prefer it as a natural option. Use it in one of two ways:

• Deodorise: Sprinkle dry baking soda on a musty garment, leave for 15 minutes, then vacuum and wash.
• Paste: Mix baking soda with warm water to form a paste. Apply to small mould stains on colourfast cottons for 15 minutes, then rinse and wash.

Note: Do not combine baking soda and vinegar in the same soak. They neutralise each other and reduce cleaning power. If you use vinegar, mix it with water in a spray bottle and apply as a separate treatment.

Natural Cleaning Solutions For Mould

White vinegar is effective for tackling mould on appropriate fabrics and for cleaning hard surfaces. A vinegar and water mix applied for 10 to 30 minutes can help kill mould spores and reduce odour. Drying the item in direct sunlight is also useful, as sunlight acts as a natural mould-killer for whites. Both vinegar and baking soda are safe options for many fabrics when used correctly. Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia, and always rinse thoroughly after any treatment.

Mould Removal

Here is a quick materials list for effective cleaning:

• Oxygen bleach for stain removal and sanitising on colour-safe fabrics
• 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for targeted spots
• White vinegar for odours and surface cleaning
• Mild detergent suited to the fabric type
• Spray bottle, rubber gloves and a clean cloth or two
• Optional steam cleaning on hard surfaces only, keeping moisture time short

Select one approach, treat, then machine wash. Repeating a single safe method is better than stacking multiple chemicals.

Identify Mould

Identify mould by sight and smell before you begin. Look for irregular dark, green or grey patches on fabrics and materials, especially along window edges, seams and folds. Even without visible mould, a strong musty smell is a reliable indicator. People with asthma, sensitive skin, weakened immune systems or other health problems may react strongly to spores, so take precautions and minimise direct contact.

What Not To Do

• Do not soak coloured items in chlorine bleach.
• Do not scrub weakened fibres with stiff brushes.
• Do not tumble dry until stains have fully lifted. Heat can lock in mould stains.
• Do not mix chemicals. Never mix bleach with vinegar or ammonia.
• Do not over-wet fabric blinds or wooden blinds.

If Stains Or Smells Remain

• Shadow Stains: Repeat an oxygen bleach soak for another 30 to 60 minutes, then wash.
• Spot Treatment: For whites, a light peroxide paste made from 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and a little baking soda can help. Apply for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse and wash.
• Persistent Odours: Rewash and air dry in moving air. Place garments in sunlight for whites or in bright shade for colours.
• Severe Cases: Heavily mould-infested fabrics can be difficult to salvage. Choose professional cleaning or mould removal services for extensive growth or valuable items.

Keep Fabrics Mould Free

Prevention is the cheapest solution. Use these rules to keep curtains fresh and clothing mould free.

• Dry laundry the same day you wash it and store only when completely dry.
• Vent bathrooms and laundries. Run exhaust fans for at least 15 minutes after showers.
• Open windows when weather allows to flush out moist air.
• Use a dehumidifier to maintain 30 to 60 percent indoor humidity.
• Inspect curtains regularly for dampness or mould and schedule regular cleaning for window treatments.
• Treat window condensation. Wipe frames, improve insulation and keep curtain hems off wet sills.
• Keep air moving to disperse dust and reduce moisture pockets.

Health Risks Of Mould

Mould can pose health risks if not addressed promptly. Asthma sufferers are prone to wheezing, sensitive individuals may experience skin irritation and anyone can develop breathing difficulties after exposure. Always wear gloves and a mask, work with good ventilation and clean up thoroughly to minimise exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Mould To Grow On Fabric?

Excess moisture plus poor airflow. Damp fabric, window condensation and closed closets create ideal conditions. Keep indoor humidity around 30 to 60 percent and dry items quickly after washing.

Is Mould On Fabric Dangerous?

It can be for sensitive people. Mould may trigger allergy and asthma symptoms and cause skin irritation. Handle items with rubber gloves and a mask and work in fresh air.

How Can You Tell If Fabric Has Mould?

Look for a musty odour and irregular dark, green or grey spots along seams, hems and folds. Treat odorous items as mould even if you cannot see spots.

What Does Mould On Fabric Look Like?

Speckled or fuzzy patches that spread in clusters. A pale shadow may remain after a first wash if spores penetrated fibres.

Can Mould Grow On Clothes In A Closet?

Yes. Closets can trap humid air. Recently worn or slightly damp items can develop mould within 24 to 48 hours. Improve ventilation, add moisture absorbers and avoid storing anything until completely dry.

What Types Of Fabric Are Prone To Mould?

Natural fibres like cotton, linen, rayon and wool absorb moisture and feed mould more readily. Synthetics such as polyester and nylon resist moisture better but still mould if left damp.

Is Mildew The Same As Mould?

They are related fungi. Mildew is usually lighter and powdery. Mould is darker and patchy and can penetrate fibres. Treat both promptly.

Can You Wash Mould Out Of Fabric?

Yes if the care label allows. Brush or HEPA-vacuum outdoors, soak in oxygen bleach for 30 to 60 minutes, then machine wash on the hottest safe cycle. Check before drying because heat can set stains.

What Kills Mould Spores On Fabric?

Oxygen bleach for colour-safe fabrics, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for small colourfast spots, chlorine bleach for solid whites only, hot water at or above 60 °C where permitted, and sunlight for whites.

How To Prevent Mould Growth On Fabric?

Dry items fully before storage, ventilate wet rooms, use a dehumidifier to hold 30 to 60 percent humidity, wipe window condensation and keep curtain hems off wet sills.

How To Remove Mould From Curtains?

Take curtains down, vacuum outdoors, soak colour-safe fabrics in oxygen bleach for 30 to 60 minutes, then machine wash warm with mild detergent. Dry outdoors and rehang only when completely dry.

How To Get Mould Out Of Curtains If The Label Says Dry Clean Only?

Do the dry prep steps, then book dry cleaning and point out the affected areas. For odour control before drop-off, lightly mist a vinegar and water mix and allow to air dry.

How To Get Mould Off Curtains Without Spreading It?

Keep the fabric flat, work from the outside of each spot toward the centre, dab with a clean cloth and change sections often. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.

Summary

To remove mould from fabric, contain spores with outdoor brushing or a HEPA vacuum, choose a single safe treatment for the fabric type, then wash and dry completely. Use oxygen bleach on colour-safe items, 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for spots and white vinegar for odour control on appropriate materials. For window treatments, the steps above explain how to remove mould from curtains, how to get mould out of curtains and how to get mould off curtains without damaging the fabric. Finish with ventilation and humidity control so mould growth does not come back and your home stays healthier.