What's the difference between Mould and Mildew?
by Eddy Thursday March 3rd 2022
A Complete Guide to Cleaning Mould and Mildew from Furniture and How You Can Prevent It from Happening Again
Mould and Mildew on wood is a particularly challenging undertaking. The rain bombs and el Nina we have been experiencing make every surface, from clothing, shoes and bags to furniture and other household surfaces.
When it comes to Mildew and Mould, the most obvious way to tell them apart is colour. Mildew appears as a white, grey, or yellowish substance on fabrics and paper materials, while Mould grows in shades of black or green.
What is Mould?
Mould is a fungus that grows in damp and humid environments. It can cause a range of health problems and can be dangerous for people with asthma, allergies or immune deficiencies.
Moulds are microscopic fungi that grow in damp, humid environments. It's important to know what types of Mould you may come into contact with at home or work so you can take appropriate action to prevent them from growing on your property.
Moulds thrive in warm, moist environments where there isn't much air circulation, such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Moulds are invisible to the naked eye, but they produce spores that can float through the air, which is how they spread from one surface to another very quickly.
Mould can be found anywhere in the home but is most common on porous surfaces such as furniture, carpets, wallpaper and shower curtains.
What is Mildew
Mildew is a fungus that can grow on various surfaces and is usually found in high humidity and moist areas.
Most commonly found on fabric, such as clothes, curtains, and carpets, Mildew can also be found on wallpaper or paper products, such as books or magazines.
The best way to prevent Mildew from growing is to use a dehumidifier, air conditioning, or dryer sheets in humid areas to reduce the amount of moisture available for the fungus to grow.
How to Remove Mould and Mildew from Furniture
Removing Mould from furniture is a challenging task. The Mould can be very stubborn and cling to the furniture's surface. It is not easy to remove it manually with a cloth or brush.
The good news is, you can eliminate the Mould yourself using everyday household cleaners.
It's essential to clean Mould before any mould colony has a chance to expand. Prolonged exposure can be harmful to your health.
7 Steps to Cleaning Mould and Mildew from Furniture
Clean all items thoroughly, so the Mould doesn't come back. Here are some methods that you can try to remove Mould from the furniture.
- Remove all the items on your furniture, make sure you wear gloves & a mask, and remove any furniture in the room to prevent exposure. Open the windows and set up your filtering fans for 24 hours or until spores have been removed.
- If you live in a warm climate, use the air-conditioning to keep your home cool and don't wet items hanging up or sitting on surfaces. Keep furniture away from the walls to help circulate air and keep ventilated.
- Vacuum all infected the areas first to suck up any loose mould spores on or near the affected part of the wood. if you can, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Empty the vacuum contents outdoors, Making sure the vacuumed material is tightly sealed in a plastic bag, as you don't want any spores to escape.
- Use a vinegar solution or borax solution for tough Mould on wood, see below or bleach (don't use on wood)
- Let the solution dry for one hour, then wipe down the surface with a moistened cloth, followed by a dry towel.
- Allow each piece to dry completely in the sun is preferable; otherwise, use a dehumidifier or strong fans in a ventilated, isolated space like a garage.
Clean with vinegar:
Vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent that will help remove the Mould from your furniture efficiently. Pour some vinegar on a clean cloth and then wipe the furniture's surface thoroughly with it. You can also use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for this purpose. This method will remove the Mould and leave behind a beautiful shine on your furniture as well.
Clean with borax:
Borax is an alkaline mineral salt cleaner that's safer to use than bleach.
Combine a tablespoon of borax with a cup of water, then apply this solution to the Mould with a soft-bristled brush.
Clean with bleach:
Bleach is another good option that you can use for removing, then vacuum the area around where you are cleaning.
5 Steps to Remove Mildew from Leather and Soft Furnishing
- To clean Leather and soft furnishing like mattresses, brush away all mould particles.
- Now you have thoroughly prepped your Leather, it's time to use a gentle soap-free of all additives like bleaching agents, fragrances, or dyes.
- Apply a little soapy water to a soft cloth or sponge first and then smooth over the surface of your Leather. Avoid soaking your item, as this will not help save the Leather and may cause permanent damage. After every swipe of the damp cloth, use another clean one.
- A highly effective disinfectant is a Vinegar solution used to clean and kill most kinds of Mildew and Mould. Do not spray the Leather directly. Instead, spray your cleaning cloth with the solution, then gently dab at the area until the Mould is gone.
- As with soap, absorb the cleaner with a dry cloth before setting it somewhere to air dry.
Ingredients for a DIY Disinfectant - Vinegar solution
- 60 MLS of cheap vodka
- 60 MLS of vinegar
- 295 MLS of water
- 15 drops of lemon or peppermint essential oil
Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle
How to Prevent Mould on Furniture and Keep Your Home Clean and Mould-Free
As they say, prevention is better than cure.
Many factors can contribute to mould growth, including environmental conditions and the presence of water. To prevent Mould and Mildew growing on furniture and other surfaces, take the following steps:
- It is essential to dry any items that have been wet for more than 24 hours.
- If you live in a warm climate, use the air-conditioning to keep your home cool and don't wet items hanging up or sitting on surfaces. Keep furniture away from the walls to help circulate air and keep ventilated, especially with poor insulation.
- Wood and Leather are more prone to get Mould, so dust and regularly disinfect, especially after rain or very humid conditions. Plastic, glass and metal are naturally resistant to mould. If you can't resist the call of a beautiful wooden piece,
- When painting or refinishing furniture, choose a mould prevention product designed to prevent Mould. There are many on the market. XX
What if you're dealing with Black Mould?
It can be challenging to distinguish toxic black Mould, called Stachybotrys Chartarum, from other species that are black in colour. Hence, it's best to call in a professional in this situation. Toxic black Mould is particularly harmful when inhaled, so you shouldn't touch it.