How to Get Rid of Mold on a Fabric Couch (Easy Steps to Take)

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Mold on your couch isn’t a sign that you’re not cleaning properly, though it could be one of the reasons. However, even if you clean regularly, your furniture may still end up with mold stains.

Mold is hazardous and can cause several health issues. That’s not to mention that it’s not the most pleasant sight to be seen. So, how to get rid of mold on fabric couch?

There are a few home remedies that work successfully on furniture mold. The materials used are easily found in any household, like rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and baking soda.

Read on to learn more about mold, why it appears inside your house, and how to get rid of it.

Some Precautions First

Before attempting to clean mold off your fabric couch, there are a few precautions to consider:

• Airing Out the Couch: It’s essential to move your couch outside for a few hours before cleaning, preferably in the sun. That’s to air it out and get rid of the musty odor.

Drying out your couch prevents mold from further growth because mold and mildew usually thrive in moist environments.

• Wearing Protective Gear: When handling moldy objects in any context, it’s rather crucial to wear protective gear, like gloves, goggles, and a face mask.

Mold spores can travel airborne, and if inhaled, they can cause respiratory irritation and infections. You also need to wear long sleeves and pants that you don’t mind throwing away later. That’s because coming into contact with mold may cause an allergic reaction.

• Performing a Spot Test: This is a tip that goes for all stain removals, not just couch mold. So as not to ruin any of your possessions, it’s important to do a spot test.

A spot test ensures that whatever solution you’re using isn’t going to discolor or wear out your couch’s fabric.

• Evaluating the Damage: It’s necessary to perform an overall assessment of the damaged couch. You can use these home remedies for small mold spots.

That said, if your couch has severe water damage, then it might be beyond repair. It’s better to get rid of the whole couch to avoid any health complications.

• Proceeding With Caution: As mentioned before, having protective gear on keeps you out of harm’s way. However, don’t attempt cleaning mold if you have any medical issues.

If you suffer from a weak immune system, mold sensitivity, or allergies, you should never handle cleaning products or come near any mold spores.

How to Remove Mold From a Fabric Couch

For less severe cases, mold is actually something that’s easy to get rid of, and it doesn’t need to be the end of your couch’s life. If treated properly, your couch will live to see another day.

Here’s what you need to do:

Tools and Materials You Need

Here’s a list of all the tools and materials you potentially need for cleaning mold off your couch. Some of them are optional. So, decide first which method you’re going to follow:

• A face mask, gloves, and eye protection
• Stiff brush, broom, or vacuum cleaner
• Newspapers, if you’re cleaning indoors
• A sponge
• An empty spray bottle
• A medium-sized container
• Water
• White vinegar
• Rubbing alcohol
• Liquid hand soap
• Fungicide spray

Steps for Cleaning Mold Off Your Couch

Prepare the place where you’re going to perform the cleaning process. It’s highly recommended to do it outside the house.

If the weather isn’t suitable, or if you’re unable to take your couch outside for any reason, you should use newspapers. Lay them on the ground below the couch to catch any fallen debris.

In addition, if the couch is too heavy, try to bring outside any detachable pieces. The dry wind and sun rays make a substantial difference in preventing mold spread.

Step #1: Brush It Out

Depending on how large the affected area is, use a hard brush or stiff broom to remove the visible mold off the couch.

Then, an optional step is to use a vacuum cleaner with a fabric attachment. It’s vital to get into all the gaps and creases to make sure the mold is completely removed.

If you decide to use the vacuum cleaner, get rid of the vacuum bag right after you finish. In case it’s a bagless vacuum cleaner, make sure to clean it and let it dry well before the next use.

Step #2: Clean With a Solution

Now that you brushed off all the visible mold spots, it’s time to kill the remaining mold, clean the fabric, and disinfect.

There are a few remedies you can try, and in most of them, you use products that are available in any kitchen pantry or cleaning supply closet. For best results, test one of the following methods:

1. Rubbing Alcohol

• Soak the mold-stained fabric in rubbing alcohol by pouring a small amount on the affected areas.
• Allow the fabric to absorb the alcohol, and let it settle in for a few minutes.
• Use a brush to scrub the mold stains from the fabric.
• Wipe away any remaining mold using a wet cloth.
• Allow it to completely dry, preferably outside under the sun.

2. Hand Soap and Water

• Mix a quarter of a gallon of water with a teaspoon of liquid hand soap in a medium-sized container.
• Keep mixing until the mixture forms foam.
• Use a sponge to scoop the foam and apply it to the couch.
• Rub the couch fabric with the sponge and focus on the affected areas.
• Rinse and wring the sponge frequently as you go.
• Wipe the excess foam with a wet cloth.
• Allow the couch to dry before bringing it in.

3. White Vinegar and Baking Soda

• Fill the spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar.
• Spray the vinegar all over the affected couch.
• Make sure you don’t get the couch too damp; just a light spray.
• Let it settle into the fabric.
• Make a paste out of baking soda and water.
• Spread the mix over the affected areas.
• Allow to dry out completely before vacuuming the remaining paste.

4. Bleach

• Use bleach only on white fabric.
• Create a solution of one part detergent, ten parts bleach, and twenty parts warm water.
• Apply to the affected areas.
• Scrub using a sponge or a brush.
• Wipe the couch with a clean, wet towel.
• Leave it out to fully dry.

5. Mold Cleaner

• Purchase a commercial mold cleaner.
• Make sure that it’s manufactured for use on fabric.
• Use as instructed on the packaging.
• Wipe with a wet cloth.
• Let dry out completely.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

• Use a hydrogen peroxide solution with a 3% concentration (it’s usually sold as a 3% solution).
• Soak the affected areas with the solution.
• Rub the cleaned areas with a damp cloth or sponge.
• Wipe the couch using a dry towel.
• Repeat the process until you completely remove the mold stains.
• Leave the couch out to dry.

Step #3: Prevent Future Growth

Normally, mold spreads and increases in areas with high moisture levels. So, whatever method you choose for cleaning mold, try the following tips to prevent any future growth:

• Expose your furniture to air and natural sunlight.
• Make sure to keep your couch in a well-ventilated room.
• Leave a space between your couch and the wall for proper airflow.
• Try using a dehumidifier in the room where your couch is, especially if you live in a region with above-average humidity.
• Avoid leaving your couch wet under any circumstance.
• Clean and dry your couch immediately after any spill.
• Use a fungicide spray.
• Discard any piece of furniture if it’s severely affected by mold.

What Causes Mold on Fabric Couch?

The main cause of mold on your fabric couch is moisture. As mentioned before, excess indoor humidity is one of the reasons behind mold formation

Here are a few of the other reasons that can cause mold to appear on your fabric couch:

• Poor ventilation
• Condensation on exterior walls
• Food and drink stains
• Dust and dirt accumulation
• Plumbing problems
• Floods
• Water damage

Final Thoughts

Mold is an annoying thing to have on your furniture. Not only does it stink and look unappealing, but it’s also considered a health hazard.

Unfortunately, it’s a common problem in regions with above-average humidity, which leads many to wonder how to get rid of mold on fabric couch.

As long as it’s just a small area, it’s nothing to be worried about. A simple alcohol, vinegar, or hand soap can get the job done. However, it’s better to discard your couch if the case is severe.

The most important thing is to address the main issue causing mold to spread on your couch to be completely sure that it’s gone forever.

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