How to Remove Mould on Curtains and Blinds?

There’s nothing worse than noticing mould or mildew on your blinds or curtains. Not only does it look unattractive, but it is also harmful and can cause serious health problems if not dealt with correctly. Yet even the most house proud may experience mould on their curtains or blinds at one point or another.

How to Get Rid of Mould on Curtains and Blinds?

The truth is that mould is a very common problem for  curtains or blinds in our homes. When the sun pours through our windows and hits the cold surface of the glass this causes condensation to form on the inside of the window. Our curtains or blinds that are covering that window then soak up this moisture making them the ideal habitat for mould to develop.

Fortunately, we have a number of tips and tricks for removing mould from your blinds or curtains. The process of removing mould from blinds is very similar to how you would treat your curtains. Treating blinds can often be easier as you can simply unclip vertical blinds from their slats and treat them one by one.

Here's how to remove mould on curtains and blinds:

• Step 1. Vacuum or brush them
• Step 2. Wash them
• Step 3. Dry them
• Step 4. Use cleaning solution

Step 1. Vacuum or brush them

Begin by vacuuming or brushing your curtains to remove the mould or mildew. You may want to do this outside or wear a mask to prevent the harmful spores from being inhaled. If you choose to use your vacuum instead of a brush then remember to dispose of the vacuum bag after use.

For blinds, start by vacuuming or brushing the blinds with a soft brush to remove any dry mould.

Step 2. Wash them

Once you have removed as much of the mould with your vacuum or stiff-bristled brush you can begin the washing process. If your curtains are machine washable this should be a relatively easy task. Ensure you follow the washing instructions correctly, it’s also recommended that you wash each curtain separately to stop any contamination.

If your curtains are dry clean only, then take them to a professional. Make sure you inform your chosen dry cleaner about the mould or mildew. This is extremely important as some dry cleaning processes could make your problem worse.

When it comes to blinds, make up a mild solution using detergent, lemon juice with salt, or bleach (if your blinds are light in colour). Using a soft cloth, gently wipe down each blind with your chosen solution. Leave for a few minutes before wiping the solution away with a clean cloth and water. For more stubborn areas you may need to repeat this process a number of times. Try to avoid saturating the blinds whilst cleaning or applying too much pressure as this could damage the material.

Step 3. Dry them

Once washed it’s then time to dry your curtains and blinds. If you’re lucky the above steps should be all that's needed to rid your curtains of any mould spots. However, just to be on the safe side it’s recommended that you let the curtains and blinds air dry on a washing line. Don’t risk putting your curtains through the dryer just in case there’s still mould present as blasting the mould with hot air could make it harder to remove.

Step 4. Use cleaning solution

If you feel your mould problem is going to be a little tougher to tackle there are a number of solutions or products that can be used prior to putting your curtains in the machine wash. Be sure to spot test any product prior to use.

Citrus solution

Saturate the affected area with lemon juice, then cover the area with salt. Using a soft cloth work the solution into the area, then rinse thoroughly before washing.

Oxygen Bleach

If your curtains are light in colour you may be able to use oxygen bleach to remove mould spots. Either soak your curtains in a mild bleach solution overnight or add a bleach solution to your washing machine. Always follow the directions listed on harsh chemical products such as bleach and perform a spot test prior to treating your curtains.

Commercial anti-mould products

If you have tried everything mentioned above with no success then there are a number of products specifically designed to treat mould on your curtains. Be aware that such products will contain harsh chemicals so ensure you stick to the manufacturer's directions at all times.

The Final Word

Hopefully, these tips and tricks will ensure your blinds and curtains stay in tip-top condition. If your mould problem continues or is becoming out of hand you may want to enlist the help of a professional. 

Interested in more curtain cleaning tips?

Read the following articles:

• Washing blockout and triple weave curtains
• How To Wash and Iron Curtains