How To Get Mould Out Of Curtains
Mould is an unpleasant fungus that thrives in warm, moist conditions and if not properly maintained, it can appear in a range of areas in the home.
One area that can often fall victim to mould growth is curtains or areas where curtains are located. This is particularly the case if the curtains have been in place for many years or their cleanliness has become neglected.
Not only is mould unsightly and can ruin the appearance of a space, but in severe circumstances, it can even be detrimental to our health.
With this in mind, it’s essential to remove mould as soon as you notice it appear.
Whether you’re wondering how to get mould out of net curtains or any other curtain type, in this article we’ll explain how to get mould out of curtains, outlining the various methods you can use.
Read on to find out more…
How Does Mould Form In Curtains?
You should always make sure you’re monitoring your curtains to check for mould growth, especially if you’ve noted it as a problem area in the past.
As mentioned above, mould thrives in areas where there is excess moisture in the air. So, if you don’t have enough ventilation in the corner of a room, and curtains are present, then mould can quickly form. Curtains tend to attract large amounts of condensation due to their proximity to windows, especially during the colder months of the year.
Mould can also use dust, dirt and debris in the air as a food source, and this is another thing that may be present near curtains. If mould has started to grow, your senses of sight and smell will likely confirm it to you.
An unpleasant, musty odour will likely be accompanied by black, grey or even green spots on the curtains themselves and walls nearby.
Health Risks Of Mould
Mould in your home can lead to a variety of health problems, especially for individuals who suffer from respiratory conditions, allergies or who have weakened immune systems.
The main health problems mould can cause include:
Respiratory problems: Mould growth can cause a whole host of respiratory problems. For example, it can trigger and worsen asthma attacks, causes allergies with symptoms including sneezing, runny noses, coughing and itchy eyes, and even hypersensitivity pneumonitis – an inflammation of the lungs which is caused by an allergic reaction to mould spores.
Infections: People with weakened immune systems may develop fungal infections such as aspergillosis – a condition that can affect your lungs and other major organs.
Toxic reactions: In some cases, mould can produce toxic and hazardous substances known as mycotoxins, which can lead to more severe health issues, including neurological problems and immune system suppression.
Specific health conditions: Mould can also lead to some specific health conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sinusitis, which can be triggered or worsened by mould exposure.
Other symptoms: Other unpleasant symptoms that mould exposure can lead to, include: headaches, irritation of the eyes, skin, nose and throat, and fatigue.
If you have mould in your home and are suffering from persistent coughing or wheezing, have developed a severe allergic reaction or you notice that symptoms are worsening overtime and not going away, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How To Get Mould Out Of Curtains
If your curtains have become mouldy, then you should follow the steps below to clean them.
This includes the following:
Hand Wash The Curtains
The first thing you can try is handwashing your curtains.
While you may be tempted to throw the curtains inside a washing machine, this should be avoided as the spores can spread into the machine’s main drum which will contaminate anything (such as your clothes) that is put inside it in the future.
Instead, you should hand wash the curtains. To do this, you can use a hard bristle brush to remove as much of the mould as possible. If the mould has not been completely removed, then you should create a cleaning solution to help with those stubborn areas.
To do this, mix together warm water with a mild detergent or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Slowly soak the curtains in the solution, gently hand washing the affected areas. You should always make sure you wear gloves when doing this, and wash the curtains outside so mould spores do not spread to other areas of the property.
Machine Wash The Curtains
Once the curtains have been properly hand washed, you can then utilise your washing machine. Pop them in the machine at a low temperature of 40 degrees or lower. You should also use a powerful detergent, fabric softener and, if necessary, baking soda.
This will help to remove any musty smell that has been caused by the mould, and remove any additional spores that have been missed.
Hang The Curtains To Dry
Don’t use a machine dryer to dry the curtains.
Instead, hang them outside to give them the space they need to breathe and dry.
Once you are satisfied that the curtains are completely dry, you can rehang them on your curtain rails.
How To Prevent Future Mould Growth
Prevention is always better than cure, and once you have cleaned the curtains and removed all of the mould, you’re going to want to make sure it doesn’t return any time soon.
While mould can occur for several reasons, the main cause is a lack of sufficient ventilation. Manage the air flow of your property by opening windows when possible, even in the winter months when it is colder it is worth opening windows for a short while to allow fresh air into the property and to stop condensation or moisture from turning into mould.
Mould is particularly prevalent in bathrooms and on bathroom curtains due to the environmental conditions in these rooms, so after you’ve showered or bathed make sure windows are opened.
Likewise, if possible, dry wet clothes outdoors to stop the moisture turning into mould.
