Unilever logo
Cleanipedia UK logo

How to remove mould and mildew from curtains

It's easy for mildew and mould to end up growing on curtains. Fortunately, even the most unsightly mould can be removed! Read on for useful cleaning tips.

Updated

Reading Time: 2 minutes

By Cleanipedia Team

dark curtains
Advertisement
Cleanipedia-Mobile-Leaderboards OP2b-2 new product info and offers

How to Remove Mould from Net Curtains

Mould can give net curtains a tired, grubby look, as well as a dank smell owing to the presence of potentially harmful spores. The good news is that this very common cleaning dilemma can easily be addressed with a tactical approach and a little perseverance.

As some curtains may be dry clean only, be sure to check the care label prior to trying any of these home washing remedies. Follow any safety directions and application instructions on product labels for the best results. You can find out more about washing net curtains

  1. Apply a shop-bought stain pre-treatment solution to the affected areas. Alternatively, mix one part bleach with four parts water in a spray bottle, and spritz the affected areas from a distance of 15-20 cm to avoid whitening the fabric.

  2. Machine wash on a low temperature (less than 40 degrees) to avoid shrinkage – add half a cup of baking soda to the wash to banish unpleasant odours, and use a high quality fabric conditioner.

  3. Hang the curtains outside if possible, or full length in the shower to let the fabric air (using the dryer may result in shrinkage).

How to Remove Mildew from Curtains

Advertisement
Cleanipedia-MPU-banners OP2b new product info and offers

Although mould and mildew are both types of fungi, there are subtle differences between the two, necessitating a change in approach. First, scrub the curtains with a tough bristled brush to remove stubborn mildew spots. Next, machine wash as detailed above – or check out this article on curtain cleaning methods and products.

Preventative steps

As mould and mildew in the home are usually caused by excessive dampness, there are some preventative measures you can take to protect your curtains:

  • Dryness: Use a dehumidifier periodically to remove excess humidity from the house. For a more wallet-friendly solution, try hanging a specially formulated drying agent such as a silica gel near the curtains.

  • Ventilation: Make sure the house is well ventilated: leave windows open from time to time to give fresh air a chance to circulate. This will help stop the build-up of moisture that attracts mould and mildew.

The Poll

When buying dishwasher tablets, which of these is most important to you?

0 Votes

Nothing ruins an invigorating shower like worrying about damp or mould. Keep a good disinfectant bathroom spray around to tackle problems on the spot.

Safety Warning

Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

Originally published