How to Clean Mold on Upholstery

Mold spores float through the air. They are invisible to the naked eye, but they are part of your everyday environment. As floating spores they are harmless. However, when spores land on wet or damp surfaces they begin to grow. Mold needs moisture to survive. Remove the moisture and you inhibit its ability to thrive. If mold has made a home on your upholstery, you need to act quickly before it works its way into the tiny spaces and padding in your upholstered item. If left untreated, the item may not be salvageable; mold can stain and rot fabric if left to survive for extended periods of time.

Things You'll Need

• Stiff broom
• Vacuum with upholstery attachment
• Rubber or plastic gloves
• 1/4 cup vinegar and 1 quart water solution in spray bottle (if necessary)
• Dry foaming upholstery cleaner (if necessary)
• Clean damp cloth

Instructions

1. Remove the item from your home to an outside area where you can work on it, preferably in direct sunlight. Taking it outdoors for cleaning will prevent putting mold spores back into the air inside your home.

2. Sweep away visible mold from the surface of the item using a stiff-bristled broom. Use short, swift, outward sweeping motions. Sweep away from you, so you won't inhale any spores. Do not press down or apply heavy pressure; light whisking strokes will brush mold away. Pressure will push them deeper into the upholstery.

3. Vacuum the entire item thoroughly with upholstery attachment. Now is the time to apply some pressure. Push the upholstery attachment into the fabric firmly so any spores that have dug their way into the fabric or padding can be vacuumed up.

4. Set the item out in direct sunlight, if possible, to dry completely. If the item is not given ample time to dry, mold will only begin to grow again.

   If all the mold has not been entirely removed, or it has stained the fabric, continue to Steps 5 and 6.

5. Wipe area with a clean damp cloth wearing rubber or plastic gloves. Spray area generously with vinegar and water solution. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. With gloved hands, use cloth to soak up the solution, applying pressure to the area. Rinse cloth in fresh, clean water and ring out as needed until little or no more solution saturates the cloth.

6. Spray the infected area with a dry foaming upholstery cleaner. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper stain removal.

Tips & Warnings

• Mold can be harmful to those with asthma and allergies if spores are breathed in. Mold has been known to worsen some medical conditions. Consult a health care professional if you believe mold might be a concern.

References

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website
• MSU Cares Website