How To Remove Black Mould From Fabric

• What causes black mould on fabric?
• The dangers of mould on fabric
• How to get black mould out of fabric
• How to prevent mould growing on fabric
• Book your mould remediation service

Mould on your clothes, curtains, blinds, and upholstery can put your health at risk and damage your property. Unfortunately, it’s particularly challenging to remove mould from these surfaces so you must bring in mould removal professionals to get rid of it.

Here at ICE Cleaning, we offer our mould remediation services nationwide, 24/7, 365 days a year. Our fully trained technicians are accredited by Dewpoint Professional and can remove all the mould from your property, including mould in the air.

Keep reading to find out why black mould grows on fabric and how to eliminate it.

What causes black mould on fabric?

Mould is a type of fungi that grows in environments that contain high humidity, moisture, and organic matter. It is usually caused by leaks, faulty plumbing, condensation, and poor ventilation.

Black mould in particular usually grows on very wet surfaces. There are several different types of black mould that can grow in your home including Cladosporium, Alternaria, and Stachybotrys chartarum.

There are lots of different reasons why black mould can start growing specifically on the fabric around your home such as:

• You don’t take damp clothes out of the washing machine straight away
• You are not fully drying out your clothes after they have been washed
• Your closets and wardrobes are poorly ventilated with no gaps between clothes
• There is damp in the area you store your clothes
• Mould growing on or around windows has spread to your fabric blinds and curtains
• Your furniture has not been fully dried out quickly enough after it has gotten damp following a spillage, leak, or flood

The dangers of mould on fabric

Mould releases allergens and irritants, and some kinds can even produce toxic chemicals. When you inhale, ingest, or touch mould spores, it can cause an allergic reaction like sneezing, skin rashes, and eye irritation, and might lead to respiratory infections.

Certain groups can suffer more serious consequences from exposure like people with asthma and other respiratory problems, weakened immune systems, and skin conditions. You can find out more about the dangers of mould exposure here.

Some types of black mould which can grow in your home may also release toxic substances and have more serious effects. Cladosporium and Alternaria, for example, can trigger severe asthma attacks, and Stachybotrys chartarum is linked to sick building syndrome.

Mould is particularly harmful when it grows on fabric, like clothes, as you will be in close contact with the mould and could touch it while you wear them.

How to get black mould out of fabric

As fabric is a porous surface, mould is challenging to remove from it. The mould can grow deep inside the pores and evade treatment. Any left behind will soon grow back.

Some fabrics can also be very delicate and get damaged by the wrong mould removal method. Bleach, for example, is often used to kill mould but it can cause colours to fade and is harmful if used without personal protective equipment (PPE) or in a poorly ventilated space.

Some clothes should not be washed in hot water, either, which is another popular way to kill mould. Mould removers can be too harsh for certain garments, as well, like silk and lace.

Cleaning mould in general is hazardous, too. Without the correct PPE, you could easily inhale or touch the mould. Scrubbing it on the other hand can aggravate the mould and cause it to release spores.

You should always bring in specialist cleaners to remove mould. They will have the equipment, training, and PPE to eliminate all the mould in your home safely and thoroughly. Our technicians can give you peace of mind that your property is safe.

They will even know how to remove black mould from fabric blinds and other difficult to clean surfaces.

How to prevent mould growing on fabric

• Keep humidity levels in your home below 50%
• Regularly ventilate your property to stop humid air building up
• Make sure your closet and wardrobe is ventilated
• Leave gaps between stored clothes to allow air to circulate
• Open blinds and curtains to stop humidity building up and reduce condensation
• Make sure there is a gap between furniture and the wall for air circulation
• Have leaks repaired immediately by professionals
• Clean up and dry out your property and possessions within 24 to 48 hours after a flood

Book your mould remediation service

Our nine stage mould removal process can quickly restore your home to a safe environment. With every mould cleaning service we offer a lifetime guarantee* so if the mould returns we will remove it free of charge.

Get in touch with our friendly team on 0208 066 0360 or send them an email at enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to find out more.

*subject to advisories