How to get rid of mold and mildew from walls, clothes, and more

Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions. This means that musty-smelling growth can be found just as easily on damp clothing as it is on carpets and upholstered furniture. (Uh!)

To avoid this situation, TODAY Home asked cleaning professionals how to remove mold from fabric, how to remove mold from fabric, how to remove mold smell, and how to remove mold from other surfaces in your home.

Here are their tips on how to remove mold from:

How to remove mildew from white cotton clothes

Olivia joyce, cleaning professional with Move Out Mates, offers two effective strategies for removing mold and mildew from clothing, depending on the fabric used.

Bleach is the most effective way to remove mold and mildew from white cotton clothing, says Joyce. Apply a solution of one part bleach to three parts water to the stain and let the solution sit for a few minutes, then wash the clothes as usual.

How to remove mold from unbleached clothes

If the item cannot be bleached, try removing the mold with lemon juice or white vinegar. Dip a cotton ball in lemon juice or vinegar and place it on the stain. Let it soak for several minutes. Remove the swab and sprinkle the area with salt to further enhance the effect of the acid. If possible, place the item in a sunny place to dry. The sun’s rays also whiten the spots. Repeat as needed, then wash as usual.

If you’ve tried removing mold from the fabric, but the mold stain persists, take the item to a professional dry cleaner.

How to remove mold from grout and walls

To effectively clean mildew from walls and grout, Joyce suggests that you mix a solution of one part bleach to three parts water. Dampen (do not soak) a sponge with the solution and apply it to the moldy areas. (Remember to wear protective gear such as goggles, gloves, and even a face shield, advises Joyce.) As the mold goes away, dry the area with an old towel. . The mold itself isn’t that hard to clean, but it can get messy if you don’t wring out excess water from the sponge.

How to remove mildew and mildew from upholstery

Jack WhiteRainbow International Vice President of Technical Services explains what really happens when you see mold on your comfy sofa.

Mold must have the right conditions to grow on the upholstery. First, there must be a source of organic food – mold cannot grow on synthetic materials – but it can grow on soil encrusted with synthetic materials. (A good reason to vacuum the furniture!) There must also be humidity. Organic matter needs to stay moist for a while for mold to start growing. (Make sure spills are wiped up immediately and fabric is completely dry before replacing cushions.)

Based on this knowledge, here are White’s recommendations for controlling mold and mildew on upholstery:

1. If your upholstered furniture has water damage and a significant amount of mold, it should be replaced.
2. If there is only a small patch of mold, you can try using a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Sponge it on the mold and let it sit for about a minute. Rinse the solution from the area by alternately dabbing it with a damp cloth or sponge and a dry cotton cloth. It probably won’t remove mold, but it can help alleviate the stain.
3. Consult a professional furniture cleaner if the stain persists or reappears.

White also adds that silk, wool, antique or vintage upholstery fabrics should be cleaned by a professional.

How to remove mildew and mildew from a carpet

Be very careful with mold, advises Dean Carter, an expert in carpet cleaning. Silk and wool rugs should always be cleaned by a professional. Likewise, only a certified mold expert should remove any substantial amount of mold from the carpet. However, if this is a very small area and it is safe to use bleach on the carpet, you can try this.

1. “Do not use bleach without first testing an inconspicuous area of ​​the carpet to make sure there is no loss of color,” Carter cautions. “You can get away with some rugs, but not others. Although some loss of color is always better than mold in the house.”
2. Clean the carpet using a steam cleaner if possible. If you don’t have access to a steam cleaner, scrub the moldy area using a sponge dipped in a mixture of 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent (I prefer Blue Dawn) and 1 liter of water.
3. After the initial surface cleaning is complete, mix 1 cup household bleach (hypochlorite solution) with 1 gallon of water and blot the affected area directly. Let the solution sit and soak in the carpet for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Using a steam cleaner (or shop vacuum), vacuum any remaining moisture from the carpet.
5. It is important to dry the carpet as much as possible to prevent mold growth. To absorb the residual moisture, place a folded towel over the wet area and stand on it. Move to a cool area of ​​the towel while the moisture is absorbed. Make sure to wash the towel well after using it.

This story was originally published on January 24, 2018.