How to Kill Mildew in an Antique Sofa

With proper care and cleaning, the antique sofa will last for years.

Mildew typically occurs on an antique sofa when the fabric becomes damp or you have stored the furniture improperly. While mildew will not eat away at the fabric as mold will, it can permanently stain the surface and cause the sofa and the surrounding area to develop a musty aroma. Once you've killed the mildew on your antique sofa, take the necessary precautions to keep the fungus from returning.

Things You'll Need

• White, lint-free cloths
• White vinegar
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antibacterial spray

Instructions

1. Dampen a white, lint-free cloth with undiluted white vinegar. Pat the surface mildew with the vinegar-dampened cloth.

2. Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with 1 cup of water. Dampen a clean cloth in the diluted rubbing alcohol mixture and blot any mildew stains on the upholstery. Rinse the mixture off the surface by blotting with a clean, damp cloth.

3. Move the antique sofa carefully outside on a warm, sunny day.

4. Spray the sofa completely with an antibacterial spray designed to kill fungus such as mold and mildew. Mist the entire sofa lightly with the spray.

5. Let the antique sofa sit outside in the sunlight for several hours. The sunlight will dry the couch as well as kill any lingering mildew and its spores.

Tips & Warnings

• Before attempting to clean the antique sofa with any mixture, test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric. If damage or discoloration occurs, discontinue use.

References

• Keene State College: Green Cleaning
• "Good Housekeeping" magazine: How to Clean Mildew
• "Reader's Digest" magazine: 150+ Household Uses for Vinegar