Mould is a common problem that can affect your curtains, especially if they are exposed to moisture, humidity, or poor ventilation. Mould can cause unpleasant odors, stains, and health issues for you and your family. If you notice any signs of mould on your curtains, you should act quickly to remove it and prevent it from spreading. Fortunately, there are some natural ways to remove mould from curtains without using harsh chemicals or damaging the fabric. Here are some of the best methods you can try at home.
How to remove mould from curtains naturally: You can remove mould from curtains naturally using vinegar, baking soda, citrus seed extract, tea tree oil, or hydrogen peroxide. These natural ingredients can kill mould spores and remove stains and odors from your curtains. You need to spray or soak the affected area with the solution of your choice, leave it for some time, and then scrub and wash it off. You also need to dry your curtains thoroughly and improve the ventilation in your room to prevent mould from coming back.
Use Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most effective natural mould removers you can find in your kitchen. Vinegar can kill 82 percent of mould spores and also remove stains and odors from your curtains1. To use vinegar, you need to spray it directly on the mouldy area and leave it for a few hours. Then, wipe it off with a brush or a cloth. You can also add some essential oil to mask the vinegar smell if you don’t like it.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is another natural ingredient that can help you get rid of mould from your curtains. Baking soda can neutralize the acidity of mould and also deodorize your curtains2. To use baking soda, you need to dissolve two teaspoons of it in two cups of water and spray it on the mouldy area. Leave it for an hour and then wipe it off with a brush or a cloth
Use Citrus Seed Extract
Citrus seed extract is a natural antifungal agent that can kill mould spores and prevent them from growing back. Unlike vinegar and baking soda, citrus seed extract has no odor and is gentle on your curtains. To use citrus seed extract, you need to dilute 20 drops of it in two cups of water and spray it on the mouldy area. Do not rinse it off, just wipe it off with a brush or a cloth3.
Use Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful natural antiseptic that can kill mould spores and bacteria on your curtains. Tea tree oil also has a pleasant smell that can freshen up your curtains. However, tea tree oil can be toxic to pets, so be careful if you have any furry friends at home. To use tea tree oil, you need to dilute two teaspoons of it in two cups of water and spray it on the mouldy area. Do not rinse it off, just wipe it off with a brush or a cloth
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural oxidizer that can bleach out the stains and kill the mould spores on your curtains1. Hydrogen peroxide is also safe for most fabrics and colors, but you should test it on a small area first to make sure. To use hydrogen peroxide, you need to spray three percent hydrogen peroxide on the mouldy area and leave it for 10 minutes. Then, scrub it off with a brush or a cloth
FAQs
- How do I prevent mould from growing on my curtains?
To prevent mould from growing on your curtains, you need to keep them dry and well-ventilated. Avoid hanging wet or damp curtains and dry them thoroughly after washing them. Open your windows regularly to let fresh air circulate in your room. You can also use a dehumidifier or an exhaust fan to reduce the moisture level in your room.
- How do I know if my curtains have mould?
Some signs of mould on your curtains are black, green, or white spots or patches, musty or sour smell, discoloration or fading of the fabric, or allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, or itching.
- Can I wash my curtains in the washing machine if they have mould?
Yes, you can wash your curtains in the washing machine if they have mould, but you need to pre-treat them with a natural mould remover first. You can also add some vinegar or baking soda to the washing cycle to boost the cleaning power. Use hot water and a gentle cycle and dry your curtains completely before hanging them back.