How to Get Mould Out of Curtains

Mould can be a common occurrence on the curtains in your household. Mould is attracted to humid, moist places and the fact that curtains are found right next to windows is an explanation for why mould gathers there so easily.

Mould can be highly detrimental to your health and can cause breathing problems, sore throats, and fever, which can worsen after long-term exposure. That’s why it is very important to clean your curtains properly and ensure that all traces of mould are destroyed.

An important first step in the cleaning process would be to check what type of curtains you have and whether they are safe to be machine washed. If not, make sure you can hand-wash them in water that is as hot as possible.

1. Choose and Apply Your Cleaning Products

Before you start breaking out the chemicals, try to remove as much of the mould as you can with a vacuum cleaner or scrubbing brush. 

This task is best completed while wearing a mask if possible, and ideally in an outdoor environment so that you don’t spread the mould spores inside. 

There are various cleaning options for mould, including bleach; three tablespoons of borax alternative mixed with a cup of vinegar and three cups of water; and diluted rubbing alcohol.

Choose the solution that works best for you and rub it carefully into your dry curtains. One of the most effective ways to attack all the mould is by using a spray bottle. Try not to damage the curtains by using any kind of harsh scrubbing brush.

 

2. Wash the Curtains

If your curtains are machine-washable then the next step would be to put them into your machine for a hot wash cycle. 

If the label on the curtains indicates that they cannot be washed in a machine, then try hand washing them in very hot water. Alternatively, you could have the curtains dry cleaned.

 

3. Hang the Curtains Out to Dry

The final step in the process is to ensure that the curtains dry properly. If you do not have a tumble dryer, try to hang the curtains out in direct sunlight as that is the most effective way to properly kill mould.

Make sure that the curtains are fully dried before you bring them inside and hang them back up. If there is any dampness remaining, it’s likely that it won’t be long before mould starts to appear again.

How to Prevent Mould from Occurring Again

There are five key ways to prevent mould from returning to your curtains.

1. Household Temperature

The most important of these ways is to keep the internal temperature of your house as even as possible. If there is no moisture in the air, then the mould cannot grow.

2. Good Ventilation

Keeping your house well-ventilated is a key step to stopping mould from returning to your curtains. Clean, non-moist air is a much harsher growth environment for the mould and is better for your general health as well.

3. Dehumidifier

Another option would be to invest in a dehumidifier, which has been shown to have various health benefits. In addition to being good for your health, a dehumidifier will also take away the humidity that mould relies on to grow.

4. Window Cleaning

Cleaning your windows regularly can also prevent the growth of mould and also mildew. If the windows are clean, they are less likely to have a build-up of mould on them, and any moisture that was accumulating will also be removed.

5. Pure Sunlight

Finally, it’s a great idea to try to hang your curtains out in direct sunlight as regularly as possible. Direct sunlight is known to be highly effective in killing mould, and if your curtains are regularly aired out, it’s unlikely that mould will be able to settle in them.

 

Conclusion

There is always the option of trying to clean the curtains without taking them down, but in this case, it’s not advisable to use any harsh chemicals if you’re not able to fully wash them out. 

If you feel that the mould on your curtains has grown out of control and is beyond your at-home cleaning capacities, there will always be the option to hire a trusty professional to do it for you.