How to remove mould from net and fabric curtains
Damp and mould appearing on curtains is unfortunately a far too common occurrence within UK properties. Not only does it provide an eyesore, but more importantly, it can cause a significant impact on the health of tenants if not removed properly.
If you’re struggling to remove mould from your curtains, then it could mean there are more in-depth reasons as to why it may be reappearing. In this health and safety guide, we outline the methods on getting rid of mould spores on your fabric and net curtains, as well as how to prevent it from reproducing.
Contents:
- Removing mould from curtains
- Preventing further mould growth on your curtains
- How to stop mould from growing on curtains
Removing mould from curtains
Mould spores are simple microscopic organisms that are virtually present on all curtains, but to grow and reproduce (where they are visible to the human eye), they need a food source. Such sources can be fabric and net curtains.
Windows and other areas where your curtains will be, often collect condensation, and as a result of this, they are prime locations for mould, damp and mildew to grow. General household activities such as drying clothes, cooking, bathing and breathing can also introduce high levels of moisture into the property, which will lead to black mould and other spores to appear on your curtains.
Removing mould from your curtains is a temporary solution to a potentially dangerous scenario, which is why you need to get rid of mould at its source and put in measures to prevent further growth.
Whilst not recommended, if you do attempt to temporarily remove black mould from your curtains, here are 3 steps on how you can do so – we advise you to source a professional mould remediation company in order to deal with the problem professionally.
1 – Take the curtains outside
Before you attempt to clean the mould off of your curtains, you MUST take them outside as you may spread mould spores inside your property.
2 – Hand wash your curtains
Many people often put their curtains in the washing machine to remove mould, however you should NOT do this. Putting mould curtains in the washing machine can lead to spores staying within the main drum, which will contaminate your house, clothes and other items
Instead, you can gently hand wash your mouldy curtains in a warm tub of water with a mild detergent or baking soda and vinegar mixture. From here, gently hand-wash the fabric until sparkling clean.
3 – Ensure your curtains are completely dry
As mould thrives and grows in damp conditions, it’s vital to ensure the curtains are completely dry before rehanging them on your rails. Choose a sunny and windy spot outside (try not to dry them indoors unless it’s not possible), and leave them there until they are entirely dry.
Preventing further mould growth on your curtains
While there are multiple causes of condensation and mould growth on curtains, the leading factor is often a lack of sufficient air ventilation. In modern housing, increased insulation, draught excluders, and double/triple glazing inadvertently lead to the confinement of moist air. As a result, the trapped dampness can create a musty, mildewy, and unhealthy result on fabric and net curtains.
Considering this information, if you were to remove mould from your curtains without tackling the root cause of its growth, it will simply grow back – you’ll be reading this guide again in a couple of months!
How to stop mould from growing on curtains
When your property suffers from poor ventilation, high humidity levels, excess moisture, and water ingress, along with common occupational activities like drying clothes, cooking, and bathing, these signs collectively indicate an ongoing issue with your mouldy curtains.
To effectively tackle the root cause of your mould-infested curtains, it is crucial to manage atmospheric moisture production and surface temperatures within the affected room – hence, a damp and mould investigation (potentially report too) is of utmost importance.
Methods to detect mould growth impacting curtains
- Structural and atmospheric survey
- Moisture profiling and mapping
- Ventilation survey
- Thermography
- Insulation analysis
- Salts testing
- Gravimetric testing
- Leak detection
- Occupancy moisture generation assessment
Trusted curtain mould removal company
Thousands of tenants across the UK are living in unsuitable conditions ranging from damp to extreme cases of mould with many not receiving adequate help, even when contacting their landlords and letting agents. Your property may be experiencing a more serious issue when you notice dampness, condensation, or mould growth on your net and fabric curtains.
Utilising SMART knowledge, our industry-leading experts employ cutting-edge technology, to offer comprehensive solutions for tackling penetrating damp, black mould, and various condensation problems on curtains. If you work in the public sector, overseeing social housing for local councils and striving to meet the requirements of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, or if you are a private landlord bound by law to ensure your tenants’ safety from internal atmospheric issues, our expert team can assist you in curtain mould removal and creating a healthy living space.