How to remove mould from natural fabric upholstery

January 9th, 2025 | Carpet

All How To How to remove mould from natural fabric upholstery

Removing mould from natural fabric upholstery can be particularly challenging, as natural fibres like cotton, linen, and wool can act as a food source for mould, enabling it to penetrate deep into the fabric and cause irreversible damage.

This process may not only remove the mould but also expose or highlight the extent of any pre-existing damage to the upholstery, such as weakened or discoloured fibers. Additionally, natural fibers often have delicate dye characteristics that can be highly sensitive to both moisture and cleaning chemicals.

Improper treatment may lead to fading, colour bleeding, or fabric distortion. Given these complexities, it is crucial to use professional fine fabric upholstery techniques and equipment to ensure the mould is effectively removed without further harming the fabric’s appearance, texture, or structural integrity.

Equipment

To remove mould from synthetic fabric upholstery, you will need:

The Actichem RG615 Mould Remover. Always pretest in a small, inconspicuous location to check for fabric chemical sensitivity.
Wet Extraction Machine – Larger mould infestations should be treated using a wet extraction machine. This will minimise the risk of regrowth.
Upholstery Brush – When agitating the upholstery, don’t use the brushing motion as it will damage the fabric. The best method is to tamp or firmly roll the brush over the mould.
PPE – All the necessary PPE needs to be use when working with chemicals.

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

Pretest the Mould Remover & Process
Before beginning, always pretest Actichem RG615 Mould Remover in a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric. This ensures that the upholstery’s fibers and dyes are not sensitive to the product. Testing also helps identify any hidden damage that may be exposed during the cleaning process.
Apply Actichem RG615 Mould Remover
Apply Actichem RG615 Mould Remover directly to the affected area, using a soft cloth. Avoid over-applying, as excess moisture can affect the fabric. The key is to lightly saturate the mouldy area for effective removal.
Agitate with an Upholstery Brush
Using a soft upholstery brush, gently agitate the area to help the Mould Remover penetrate the fibres. This action loosens the mould and mildew, making it easier to clean. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as delicate fabrics can be easily damaged.
Allow 10-15 Minutes Dwell Time
Let the solution dwell for 10-15 minutes to fully break down the mould and mildew. This allows the product to deeply penetrate the fabric, tackling the stains and contamination effectively. Avoid letting the solution dry completely during this time.
Extract Rinse Using Wet Extraction Equipment
After the dwell time, use wet extraction equipment to rinse and remove the Mould Remover solution from the fabric. This step is essential to ensure all residues are cleared away, leaving the upholstery clean and free of any remaining contaminants. Use additional vacuum only strokes to dry the area.
Note: If the fabric is sensitive to moisture, then do not add rinse water but perform vacuum only strokes.
Repeat Steps 1 to 4 if Required
If mould or staining remains, repeat Steps 1 to 4. Multiple applications may be necessary for particularly stubborn stains. Each repeat application should be followed by agitation and adequate dwell time.
Apply a Light Solution of Actichem RG615 Mould Remover
For any remaining moisture or staining, apply a light solution of Actichem RG615 Mould Remover and blot with a clean, dry, white absorbent towel. Allow the upholstery to air dry completely to ensure no excess moisture is left in the fabric.

Further Notes

Suitable for Natural & Synthetic Upholstery
This cleaning process is ideal for natural and synthetic upholstery, as well as synthetic rugs and fabrics. It’s gentle enough to prevent damage while effectively removing mould and mildew.
Substitute with Actichem Percide
If Actichem RG615 Mould Remover is unavailable, you can substitute it with Actichem Percide, diluted 1:1 with water. Follow the same steps for mould removal, as Percide provides similar cleaning power without compromising fabric integrity.
Avoid Over-wetting Fabric
Throughout the cleaning process, avoid over-wetting the fabric to prevent excess moisture from soaking into the upholstery. Excess moisture can lead to prolonged drying times and potential mould re-growth, so always aim to use minimal moisture while ensuring thorough cleaning.
Air Dry Thoroughly
Ensure the treated area is left to air dry completely after
cleaning. Using fans or increasing airflow in the room can help speed up the drying process and prevent the development of new mould growth.

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

Share this product

Email Facebook Linkedin twitter

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

(02) 4966 5516
[email protected]

Subscribe to updates

All

Commercial Cleaning

Stone & Tile Care

Connect

Certifications

This website requires Javascript. Please enable javascript in your browser.

It appears you're using an old version of Internet Explorer which is no longer supported, for safer and optimum browsing experience please upgrade your browser.

Commercial Cleaning

Stone & Tile Care

How to remove mould from natural fabric upholstery

Equipment

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.