How to remove mould from upholstery

June 26th, 2024 | Disaster Restoration

All How To How to remove mould from upholstery

Mould on upholstery is a common problem. However, upholstery is a delicate substrate that needs to be cleaned with much caution.

It doesn’t take a lot to discolor or damage the fibers. That is why we recommend staying away from bleaches and other home remedies as often they haven’t been tested on these fabrics. Rather use a professionally formulated product designed for these delicate substrates.

What Causes Mould on Upholstery?

Understanding the causes of mould on upholstery is crucial for effective removal and prevention. Mould thrives in damp, dark environments and feeds on organic materials.

Upholstered furniture, often made from natural fibres and padding, provides an ideal habitat. Common sources of moisture that can lead to mould growth include spills, high humidity, and flooding. Identifying and addressing these causes can help prevent mould from recurring.

Preparation: Safety First

Wear Protective Gear:

Always wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection to avoid inhaling mould spores or having them come into contact with your skin.

Delicate Fabrics:

Some upholstery is comprised of delicate fabrics including rayon, viscose, natural fibres and sensitive dyes. The process and products discussed in this guideline may not be suitable for such fabrics. Furthermore, mould growth and moisture conditions may have damaged or destabilised fibres and dyes. Always pretest in an inconspicuous location. Mould removal on these delicate fabrics should only be attempted by trained personnel.

Vacuum the Upholstery:

Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove loose mould spores from the surface of the upholstery. Dispose of the vacuum bag or contents immediately after use to prevent the spread of spores.

Equipment

To remove mould on upholstery, you will need:

The Actichem RG615 Mould Remover. Always pretest in a small, inconspicuous location to check for fabric chemical sensitivity.
Upholstery scrubbing brush. A toothbrush is handy for detailing.
Wet extraction equipment (or wet & dry vacuum)
PPE including eye protection and gloves.

Ensure that you have read and understood the safety data sheet and technical information for all chemical products used. This includes a thorough understanding of directions for use and the limitations and capabilities of each product.

All methods and procedures should be according to the IICRC S300-2000 Standard And Reference Guide For Professional Upholstery Cleaning. Including requirements for PPE, personnel safety, containment systems and documentation requirements.

The Process

Before

1. Apply Conquer O2

2. Agitate

3. Dwell for 10 mins

4. Extract

After

Apply Solution
Spray apply the Mould Remover to the affected area. You will see the Mould Remover begin to fizz where there is mould. This is the peroxide reacting with the organic mould matter. It is an excellent visual aid to indicate where mould is present, as mould isn’t always visible to the eye.
Agitiate
Agitate the affected area with the scrubbing brush. This will ensure the solution penetrates into the surface. Although some areas are unable to be reached, where possible agitation will make a big difference.
Dwell Time
Leave the Mould Remover to dwell for at least 10 minutes. Dwell time is very important to ensure the greatest result is achieved. It will allow the solution to fully reach and eradicate the mould spores.
Extract
Extract the solution with a wet & dry vacuum cleaner. Extraction ensures the solution and mould is thoroughly removed from the substrate.
Open windows and doors to ensure good air circulation, which helps to reduce mould spores in the air and speed up the drying process.
Prevention
Once substrate is free of solution, allow to dry. Then apply a light spray of the Mould Remover to act as a preventative measure to ensure regrowth of the mould spores is minimal.

Tips

Alternative product
If the Mould Remover is unavailable or not removing the mould then try Percide diluted 1:1 or 500ml Percide to 500ml water.
Pre-treatment process
Scope out the area to be treated. Remove items that may be damaged by the process and set-up any protective sheeting to protect adjoining and surrounding surfaces (e.g., carpets, benchtops, furniture, etc). Shut down mechanical ventilation systems including air-conditioning systems.
Thoroughly HEPA vacuum the area to be treated where possible.
Previous surface damage
Please note these treatment directions assume that the host surface is not damaged by the mould.
Washing Equipment
Clean all washing equipment used in a fresh solution of Mould Remover and rinse in clean water.

Where To Buy

Mould Remover – Find a stockist

Environmentally responsible mould remover and sanitiser for washrooms.

The Actichem Responsibly Green Mould Remover is an innovative and powerful solution to removing mould and mildew in washrooms and changerooms/locker rooms. Mould Remover will quickly and effectively kill mould and remove the staining left behind to leave the surface clean and germ free. Mould Remover can also be used as a high performance sanitiser for hard surfaces. Mould Remover provides premium performance in mould removal and sanitisation without the risk of damaging sensitive natural stone surfaces in bathrooms.

Additional Resources

Download Blog

Disaster Restoration Handbook

Actichem Brochure

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Manufacturing & Head Office
11 Gamma Close
Beresfield NSW 2322
Newcastle, Australia

(02) 4966 5516
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Commercial Cleaning

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How to remove mould from upholstery

What Causes Mould on Upholstery?