Will Vinegar Remove Mould From Curtains?

• What is mould?
• Why does mould grow on curtains?
• Will vinegar kill mould?
• How to remove mould from curtains
• How to prevent mould on curtains
• What to do when you see mould
• Get in touch

When mould penetrates fabrics like upholstery or curtains, it can be difficult or almost impossible to remove. It is natural to want to try less costly alternatives and DIY solutions like mould, but whether it removes the mould permanently is more complex.

We are the UK’s leading company for mould remediation services. Here at ICE Cleaning, our technicians are Dewpoint-accredited cleaners who can identify the source of mould, removing it efficiently. We use innovative tools and solutions to ensure mould never returns to your property.

Read on to learn how mould affects curtains and how to remove it.

What is mould?

Mould refers to a type of fungus that grows on the exterior and interior of many homes across the UK. It is well-recognised by its appearance of a green or black slime that grows around window sills or in bathrooms. However, mould can grow anywhere in a home if the environment allows it.

If a property suffers from damp, humidity, or poor ventilation, mould is more likely to begin growing there. This happens quickly due to the presence of mould spores which lingers all around us. Therefore, mould is preventable with the appropriate measures and consistent cleaning methods.

Why does mould grow on curtains?

It is common for mould to begin growing around windows in the colder months, and you may have seen mould growing in these areas before. This is because of the build-up of condensation and the warmth in the home, both encouraging moulds to grow and spread.

If there are curtains around an affected window, then the mould will eventually spread to curtains through contact or airborne spores. Once mould has matured, it produces airborne mould spores, which combine with water vapours that fabrics absorb.

Once mould starts to grow on a fabric material, it becomes harder to remove as it grows deeply in porous materials. Without prompt intervention, the mould will eventually spread across the fabric and damage it permanently.

Will vinegar kill mould?

Although vinegar is proven to have antifungal properties, this does not mean it can effectively kill mould. Because of the consistent presence of mould spores, the fungus cannot be killed, but it may be removed and prevented from returning.

Vinegar is effective in removing some moulds like Penicillium chrysogenum, but is ineffective against Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus is a more common household mould than the penicillium form, but both can grow in a house.

Despite the properties of vinegar removing some moulds, this is not a permanent solution to the problem at hand. If your home remains humid and damp, the mould will only return and grow again.

Vinegar might remove surface moulds, but spores and growths that embed deeply in fabrics cannot be removed without the help of a mould removal service.

How to remove mould from curtains

When mould grows on your curtains, it will stain the material deeply. Do not attempt to do this yourself with your own washing machine, as mould could spread to the drum. If mould grows in your washing machine, it can damage the core components and cause other issues.

The best remedy for mould removal from fabrics is to take them to a professional dry-cleaning service. These services work with powerful solvents and high temperatures that kill various bacteria, removing stains effectively.

Although this method cannot 100% guarantee your clothes are mould free, next steps involving professional mould removal will help kill any lingering spores.

How to prevent mould on curtains

Because your curtains are already in a vulnerable area, you need to reduce moisture and humidity in that area. A way to do this is to use a dehumidifier or a moisture absorber. The latter is less costly and focuses more on moisture, preventing the curtains from absorbing them.

Another way of preventing mould on your curtains is to purchase mould-resistant fabrics if you are redecorating. These may be more expensive than average curtains, but you will prevent future costs that come with mould removal. Other ways to prevent mould are:

• Regularly cleaning your curtains
• Drying the curtains outside
• Ventilating the area with an open window
• Regulate the temperature in your home
• Installing double-glazed windows

What to do when you see mould

If mould is growing around your window and curtains, you must remove the curtains immediately and take them to a professional dry-cleaning company. This will remove any further production of mould spores and kill the remaining bacteria.

Do not try to clean any surface or residue mould as you could expose yourself to spores and allergens that trigger respiratory illnesses. Instead, you must try to ventilate the area as much as possible and contact a mould removal company.

Get in touch

If you are struggling with mould in your home, it is time to bring in the experts from ICE Cleaning. Our mould remediation services will guarantee a thorough removal of all mould traces. If the mould returns, our lifetime guarantee* promises that we come back free of charge for a second clean.

To find out more, you can talk to our helpful customer service team who will answer all your questions. Our lines are open 24/7, 365 days a week, including bank holidays, where we could send a technician to your location wherever you are as soon as possible.

*subject to advisories