Mold and mildew are undesirable bacteria often found around housing and businesses. They form primarily in the damp, so when furniture gets wet and isn’t dried off, it’s easy for these two substances to form. First, however, it’s critical to know the difference between mold and mildew when dealing with them.
Mildew is milder, whereas mold can be actively dangerous. Some common household items that work against mold include bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. When cleaning mold, take all necessary precautions, including safety equipment, to protect yourself.
Let’s take a closer look at how to clean mold and mildew off furniture effectively, as well as what works and the precautions you need to take.
What is the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?
Although the terms mold and mildew are often used interchangeably by those who don’t know the difference, these two are separate things.
If you’ve ever walked away from the washer and left towels in there overnight rather than transferring them to the dryer immediately, you’ve likely experienced mildew. It appears in gray or yellow patches where dampness hasn’t been caught and has been left to spread into mildew. It’s the generic name for mold growth.
Mildew also has a distinct musty smell and can often be found in bathrooms and kitchens, where water may have spilled and been left.
Mold isn’t just found in damp areas, although it can be found there. You may have seen mold in a building, or you may have seen it on fruit that’s started to go off. It’s darker in color and may also have a fabric-like texture.
The main difference is that while mildew can irritate humans (particularly those with existing respiratory conditions which are sensitive to the environment), mold can be downright dangerous, depending on the type. So if you spot mold growing in your home, it’s vital to get rid of it ASAP.
Which Household Products are the Most Effective at Cleaning Mold?
Mold is notoriously tough to kill, but a few household products can do the job, including the following.
Bleach
Bleach is one of the most popular products for killing mold. However, you’ll want to mix one cup of bleach with a gallon of water for the job, and you should never mix bleach with ammonia-based products, as they will produce toxic fumes and can become dangerous quickly.
If using bleach, be careful about the surface. Bleach tends to work better on wood or hard surfaces.
Vinegar
Although not as harsh as bleach in its approach, vinegar is also a solid choice for killing mold. Again, it’s good to use on wood, as it can get under the surface and kill mold growing out of sight.
Unlike bleach, you don’t need to make up a cleaning solution. Instead, you can apply vinegar directly to the mold and watch it do its job.
Baking Soda
You can make a paste of baking soda and water to kill mold. Baking soda has a pH higher than most molds can deal with, so with some patience, it can be very effective at killing off the bacteria that allow mold to spread. Of course, you’ll want to use equal parts baking soda and water for the best results.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Another effective chemical you don’t need to dilute is hydrogen peroxide (on Amazon). It’s not as strong as bleach, but it will do the job if the mold hasn’t had a chance to grow very much yet.
Ammonia
Many cleaning products use ammonia for a reason: it’s potent and good at killing bacteria. You can mix equal amounts of ammonia and water as a mold cleaner.
How to Clean it Off Your Furniture
Step 1: Prep the Area
You’ll first want to prep the area and get rid of any loose dirt or spores. Then, you can get a handheld vacuum (or a larger one, if the furniture requires it) and run it over the area to suck away any dirt. Finally, when applying your mold cleaner, you want the area to be as clear as possible.
Step 2: Scrub the Mold with Your Cleaner of Choice
After that, you’ll want to scrub the mold with your chosen cleaner.
This very much depends on the strength of the mold. A little mold, for example, may disappear with some hydrogen peroxide, but if you have a lot of it and need a more robust cleaner, ammonia or bleach is a good idea.
If in doubt, start with the lighter product and work your way up if necessary.
Step 3: Sand the Area if Needed
You may need to gently mold parts of wood where the mold won’t come off with a cleaning solution. You should do this while the wood is still damp, as well as ensure that you clean the area gently again after sanding.
Safety Tips Before Starting
There are a few safety tips to bear in mind before starting to clean mold.
Don’t Breathe in Spores
Since mold can be toxic, it’s critical not to breathe in the spores. A good way of avoiding this while cleaning is to wear an N-95 mask (on Amazon). Ensure the mask fits properly, so spores don’t sneak in around the edges.
Wear Safety Gloves
You should never touch mold with your bare hands, so ensure you wear safety gloves. This is also important because you may work with potent substances like bleach and ammonia, which should never touch your hands.
Ideally, the gloves should be up to your elbows, and the rest of your arms should be covered, as you can never be too careful about keeping mold away from your bare skin.
Wear Goggles
Because mold spores can rise into the air, it’s also critical to protect your eyes with safety goggles. These should be snug around the eyes so mold spores can’t creep around the edge, just like with the masks.
Protect Kids and Pets
You should keep kids and pets away from the area while you clean. Mold can wreak havoc on kids’ respiratory systems, and pets often don’t know what to stay away from.
Also, ensure no one has access to the area that might not be aware of the property safety precautions to take around mold, as it’s impossible to stress how dangerous the substance can be.
When to Hire a Pro
Suppose you’re not confident in your ability to clean the mold safely. There are contractors available who specialize in cleaning mold and mildew. They have the equipment to do so and the training in all proper safety precautions, so you can rest assured that you and your family will be safe as they do their work.
To Wrap Up
Overall, it’s perfectly possible to clean mold and mildew off furniture yourself, and many household items can do the job.
However, ensure you take the appropriate safety precautions, including wearing safety gear and ensuring kids and pets stay away from the area as you clean.