Will Dry Cleaning Remove Mould from Curtains?

Finding mould on curtains can shock homeowners, particularly when it comes to expensive types of curtains. The unattractive patches destroy visual appeal while presenting health risks.

Many wonder if professional dry cleaning offers salvation for fungus-infested drapery. This guide will provide answers and cover everything about addressing this widespread household issue. You’ll discover whether professional cleaning justifies both cost and effort.

Is mould on curtains dangerous?

Mouldy curtains exceed aesthetic problems—they significantly affect health and home environments. There are different types of mould you can find growing on your curtains and other areas of the house. Black mould is among the most common ones, which also happens to be the most dangerous.

It spreads by producing harmful spores. These microscopic travellers provoke diverse symptoms, especially in people who are more sensitive, like kids and older folks. Persistent coughing, trouble breathing, irritated eyes, and skin reactions are all fairly common when coming into contact with these spores.

Furthermore, those with weak immune systems are more at risk of infections. Long-term contact with mould-contaminated textiles can initiate lasting lung conditions.

Identifying what attracts fungi to window coverings establishes the groundwork for effective solutions. From that point on, it becomes clearer how certain conditions give mould the green light to settle in.

Once the air gets too damp—think steamy bathrooms, simmering kitchens, or stuffy bedrooms—it’s practically an open invitation for fungal trouble.

If the windows remain closed, condensation takes up residence on glass and nearby textiles, setting the stage for unwelcome growth. Think of it as a damp laundry abandoned in washers that quickly develops that characteristic musty odour.

Also, what the curtains are made of has a lot to do with how quickly they can turn into a magnet for mould spores. Those spun from natural sources soak things up far too easily, while synthetic materials tend to be less susceptible to mould.

Cellulose within organic fabrics serves as prime nourishment for fungal invaders. Imagine a lavish banquet laid out specifically for mould colonies! Even chemically-treated natural materials can be susceptible to dampness.

Does dry cleaning remove mould?

The good news is that dry cleaning does kill mould in most cases. Knowing how fabric restoration works helps explain how mould can be removed. Ironically, professional ‘dry’ cleaning can involve substantial liquid components but avoids water entirely.

Professionals use strong dry powders, as well as special cleaning solvents. These specialised compounds dissolve both cosmetic blemishes and deeply embedded contaminants. The cleaning solvents are typically quite effective at breaking down the organic matter that comprises mould colonies.

That’s what makes this approach especially handy for anything marked “dry clean only”. It’s the go-to option when dealing with fragile pieces that need careful handling.

That said, you also need to be aware that it doesn’t always clear things up entirely, especially when the problem runs deep. Several factors influence how effective the dry cleaning treatment is:

The dry cleaning process for mouldy curtains typically involves inspection, treatment of all visible patches with solvents, which are rubbed into the fabric with the help of rotating brushes. All of this is followed by a thorough vacuuming to extract the cleaning agent along with the dirt. The specialists could do multiple treatments on your curtains or blinds to reach an effective result.

Even though different cleaning products could be applied to tackle both the active mould and the stubborn stains it leaves behind, you should keep in mind that certain constraints affect even professional fabric restoration techniques.

There’s potential colour fading with certain fabric types, and some especially delicate materials might experience slight changes in texture or appearance. If you wait too long to seek treatment, dry cleaning will likely remove the mould, but stains could still linger on your beloved curtains.

How much does it cost to dry clean curtains?

Dry cleaning costs in the UK typically range between £6 to £18 per square metre. These fees are significantly affected by factors like:

For heirloom or costly draperies, paying for professional cleaning makes a lot more sense than having to treat them yourself or replace them completely.

The specialists will implement safe treatments which have proven their effectiveness. Different solvents work together to eliminate both living fungi and their annoying stains without affecting the material or even without having to take the curtains down. The professionals can treat them on the spot.

The worth of dry cleaning curtains goes beyond the immediate expense, offering extended lifespan and health benefits from properly treated window coverings.

Alternative methods for removing curtain mould

If you are looking for other ways to treat mouldy curtains, several DIY alternatives can be useful. However, it all depends on the type of fabric you are dealing with. This is where the care labels come in handy. They should contain all the information on whether the curtains can be machine-washed and at what temperature, whether they are dry-clean only, etc.

When selecting DIY solutions, consider the underlying causes of your mould problem. For curtains affected by condensation-related mould, treatments containing drying agents work particularly well.

For organic-matter-based mould growth (often found near kitchens), enzymatic cleaners that break down protein structures offer superior results. The best products to remove mould from curtains contain either hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium compounds. These can effectively kill spores without excessive bleaching.

For those wondering how to remove mould from curtains without a thorough washing, there are several spot-treatment options that can help:

Tackle stubborn spots by carefully brushing affected areas outdoors while masked to remove spores before treatment. Gentle spot cleaning with one of the cleaning solutions from the list may help with the mouldy patches—always test on a small spot first, though, to avoid colour fading or other fabric damage. When considering methods to remove mould from dry-clean-only curtains, though, professional curtain cleaning services are your safest bet.

And finally, if your curtains can go in the washing machine, just use hot water and some detergent that fights mould. Add a cup of white vinegar to create a hostile environment for spores. Its ability to remove mould from curtains proves remarkably effective. This natural fungicide disrupts mould structure at its core. Just expect your laundry area to briefly smell less than pleasant after the cleaning.

Tips that can help prevent mould from reappearing

If you take some smart precautions, you can create conditions where mould has a hard time growing.

Proper ventilation is your primary defence against mouldy curtains. Fling windows open regularly and activate exhaust fans in humid zones like kitchens and bathrooms.

Pull curtains back during the day to encourage air circulation around windows. This practice minimises condensation. Battling moisture issues? Get a dehumidifier and keep your indoor humidity between 30-50%.

The way your curtains are placed also matters when it comes to keeping mould away. Windows facing north hardly ever get any sunlight or warmth. This means moisture tends to build up on these surfaces, and mould growth could easily follow.

For these trouble spots, it’s best to use curtain materials that resist mildew. Textiles like polyester discourage moisture absorption, while natural alternatives are not as strong in fighting dampness. The newest curtains and blinds on the market now come with special anti-mould treatments built right in. They fight those tiny spores before they can spread and turn into an actual mould problem.

Maintenance schedules should intensify for curtains hanging in these problematic zones, so it’s always important to stay vigilant. These maintenance steps will play a crucial role in preventing mould on curtains:

Installing trickle vents above windows or using moisture-absorbing window sill products can dramatically reduce condensation on glass surfaces that eventually transfers to nearby curtains.

If you need to store your curtains for a significant period, then you need to do it right. Just make sure they’re completely dry before you pack them away. When putting your curtains in storage, opt for breathable fabric bags as opposed to plastic containers, and don’t forget to add silica gel packets to absorb moisture.