Moist weather caused notorious mold growth on fabric blinds. Molds are harmful to the respiratory system and can affect your health. These not only damage your interior structure but also cause a bad odor. Along with this, they cause fabric brittling and light blockage. One of the common dangers is causing health damage, such as skin allergies and asthma. Thus, you need to remove this mold as soon as possible. Most people suggest using DIY methods to address this problem. Keep a closer look at the cleaning tips below to eliminate the stubborn mold growth.
Why Mold Grows On Fabric Blinds
Generally, fabric shades are placed near windows to block light and incoming air. Continuous dampness causes mold to grow on the fabric and destroy the appearance of the blinds. These spots look like small grey or green dots and become darker as time passes. Rooms with zero airflow lead to mold growth. By knowing the reasons provided by Roller Blinds Dubai why mold grows on the fabric blinds, you can take preventive measures to stop this from happening.
Step-By-Step Guide: How To get Mold From Fabric Blinds Safely
To begin the process, you need to consider the following things to perform an effective mold removal. Recheck your material to determine whether it requires hand-washing or machine washing. Next, check whether it requires spot cleaning. Make sure to read the instructions carefully to avoid fabric damage.
The Toolkit You Will Need
To remove stubborn mold from fabric blinds, you need a specialized toolkit. Look at the supplies listed below for your convenience.
- Mild soap
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Detergent
- Vinegar
- Spray Bottle
- Sponge
- Brush
- Plastic bag
- Microfiber Cloth
- Cleaning Gloves
- N-95 Mask
Step 1: Pre-Dusting & Spore Containment
Before you begin cleaning, remove the blackout blinds from the headrail. Placing them in the sun would kill the germs and bacteria in the mold. To protect your respiratory system, wear an N95 mask and gloves to avoid skin allergies. Use a brush to remove surface dust to start the cleaning process. Utilizing the HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner to get rid of hidden dirt. Gather all the dirt and put it in a disposable plastic bag.
Step 2: Choosing The Right Cleaning Solution For Fabric Type
While getting rid of mold from blinds, you need an excellent cleaning solution. That is necessary to avoid fabric damage and discoloration. From the versatile cleaning method, here are the most common methods to remove mold from blinds.
Vinegar & Water
It is one of the most affordable cleaning methods; the ingredients used in this method are readily available at home. All you need is white vinegar and water. Take equal portions of both and make a strong solution. Add this solution to a spray bottle and spray it all over the mold. Vinegar is acidic and readily kills stubborn spores. That is why it is the most effective and affordable option.
Mild Detergent
To vanish the long-standing mold, you need a strong cleaning solution. To prepare it, add 1 teaspoon of detergent to warm water. After that, read the label and add bleach-free detergent to prevent discoloration and fabric damage.
Hydrogen Peroxide
If your blinds have mold that has been present for a long time, use a strong acidic solution. Prefer to use 3% hydrogen peroxide in normal water. Use this non-chlorine beach to avoid the mold spores. Due to the strong chemical properties of hydrogen peroxide, there will be no tougher mold.
Mold Cleaner
To quickly remove the mold from your precious shades, commercial cleaner is the best option. Mold cleaners are readily available and affordable. Use a small amount of cleaner on the affected area and spread it evenly.
Lemon Juice
To reduce lighter mold spots, you can use household ingredients such as lemon. You can prepare the mixture by squeezing the lemon juice with the help of your hands. Add it over the mold portion and let it dry.
Step 3: Spot Treatment & Scrubbing
You need step-by-step methods to get rid of surface mold spots. In order to carry out the procedure, wear the safety gloves and mask. Use chemical or DIY solutions that are prepared above. Make sure to only spray the cleaning solution instead of dipping it. After that, let it settle for at least 20 minutes. Use a soft microfiber cloth and scrub the mold gently to remove it. Fabric blinds are delicate in nature and require careful handling. After that, remove excess dirt and let it dry in the natural air.
Step 4: Washing Techniques
There are various washing techniques for fabric blinds. Among them, here are the best methods that you need to carry on.
Machine Washing
To carry out the mold removal process, you need a strong chemical detergent. Add that cleaning solution to the washing machine. Add warm water to the machine and mix in detergent by running the cycle. Set the timer to 30 minutes, put the fabric blinds in the machine, and wash them. Now remove the fabric and wash it with water, and let it dry. Fabric such as polyester and linen is washed in machines.
Hand-Washing
Take a bathtub, add lukewarm water to it. Add mild detergent and white vinegar into water. After that, insert your curtains into it, and scrub it using your hands. Rinse off the excess water and put it in the air to avoid moisture. For delicate fabrics, lined fabrics, silk, and organza are washed by hand. Because they are delicate, they are kept damage-free and hand-washed.
Step 5: The Vertical Steam Clean
To kill the stubborn germs and bacteria from fabric blinds, steam cleaning is an ideal option. Use the hand steamer in case you do not own one, then rent it for some hours. Use a nozzle steamer to begin the mold removal process.
First try on a small area and keep the temperature low. Temperature settlement is important because high temperatures can cause fabric damage and wrinkles. Now hold the steamer and place it near the fabric. Slide it on the fabric from top to bottom. After that, use a dry cloth and absorb the excess moisture.
Open the windows and doors to dry the blinds. You can also turn on the fan to reduce dampness. Finally, hang the blinds to dry completely.
How To Prevent Mold From Returning To Your Windows
Here are some useful tips that you need to consider to prevent mold growth.
- Make sure to add a proper ventilation system.
- Use dehydrators in your home.
- Install exhaust fans to keep the bathroom moisture-free.
- Open the windows and doors during the day to let the air circulate.
Wrapping Up
Mold growth is common in fabric blinds due to excess moisture in the space. Using the versatile cleaning technique, such as DIY and chemical solution, you can avoid it. Also, some fabrics are machine-washed, while some expensive fabrics are hand-washed. Sheer blinds are delicate in nature and are washed by hand. You need to control the level of humidity in your space to avoid mold growth.
Proper ventilation causes an airy space and gives a moisture barrier that protects against molds. With the right deep-cleaning methods, this stubborn mold can be completely removed. By following the expert tips listed above, you can prevent the mold from happening again and again.
