Mould on fabric? Here's how to remove it in 5 simple steps

If you've noticed mould on curtains, tapestries, or any other type of fabric in your home, it's important to know how to remove it, as it can cause serious damage to your belongings while reducing your indoor air quality.

Mould growth releases harmful spores into the air, which can pose a significant risk to your respiratory health, while also creating unpleasant odours and staining materials.

For children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, this can be particularly dangerous, so knowing how to carry out mould removal effectively is essential. Below, we look at how to remove mould from fabric.

How do I remove mould from fabric?

Here's how to remove mould from fabric, according to Damian Wallis CSSW, Technical Manager for Safeguard Europe. Ideally, you should be wearing gloves, a mask, and eye protection.

1. Stop the spread: To control exposure and stop the spread of mould spores in your house, keep the item away from any clean laundry. Damian says you’ll need to handle it gently, avoid shaking it, and put it inside a bag before moving it through your home.
   
2. Apply a pre-wash treatment: Apply a suitable laundry pre-treatment or a colour-safe oxygen bleach stain remover – but double-check the label first to see if it’s allowed.
   
3. Wash the fabric: Next, wash the fabric using the warmest possible temperature that the care label allows.
   
4. Dry the fabric: "Air dry until you feel confident you have removed the mould. If the care label allows tumble drying, you can finish the item in a dryer after washing. Full drying matters because moisture drives mould," says Damian.
   
5. Clean and dry your surfaces: Finally, clean and dry any surfaces that the affected fabric has touched, including the washing machine’s door seal, drum rim, door glass, detergent drawer housing and filter cover. To do this, you can either use hot, soapy water or a suitable machine cleaner, then wipe it dry. However, if you notice that your washing machine smells musty, Damian recommends running a suitable maintenance clean and leaving the door and detergent drawer open between washes.

Damian Wallis CSSW

Damian is a specialist in damp and mould diagnosis and remediation, with over 21 years of industry experience. A consumer champion in the field of protecting and maintaining the home, he is a valued source of practical knowledge for contractors and customers alike.

Can mould be washed out of fabric?

Yes, it is possible to wash mould out of fabric, but this depends on how long it has been there and the type of fabric, according to Wesley Blackburn, Director at Allerton Damp.

He explains that while light mould on cotton or polyester will usually come out in the wash, it can be more challenging with delicate materials (like wool or silk), as the spores tend to penetrate deeper and weaken the fibres.

For the best chance of removing the mould, wash the fabric at the highest temperature possible (60°C is ideal) and use a good-quality detergent to kill the spores.

Wesley adds that drying the items properly is key, and you should hang the wet fabric in sunlight or in a well-ventilated spot to prevent the mould from growing back.

When it comes to choosing a pre-wash treatment, avoid using chlorine bleach on coloured fabrics, as this can cause damage. Instead, use an oxygen-based bleach or a specialist mould remover.

"Even after all this, some fabrics might still smell a bit musty. Sometimes it takes a couple of washes to completely get rid of the smell," he concludes.

Wesley Blackburn

Allerton Damp Proofing is led by Director Wesley Blackburn, a seasoned specialist with over 10 years of hands-on experience in the damp proofing and property preservation industry.

Does vinegar kill mould on fabric?

Yes, the mild acidity of vinegar can help to kill mould spores and stop new growth on lightly affected fabrics, confirms Wesley Blackburn. If you decide to give this method a go, spray or soak the area in white vinegar for an hour before washing.

However, Wesley warns that it isn’t a magic fix and it might not kill all of the spores in the fabric – particularly if it is thick or porous, or has stubborn stains. In these cases, a proper wash with detergent will be necessary.

"The most common reason people see regrowth is ongoing dampness, such as in a humid room, a slow drying cycle or damp storage conditions," concludes Damian Wallis.

If you found this helpful, you may also want to read our guide to the types of mould found in the home, which details how to get rid of each one.