7 Easy Methods to Remove Mold and Deep Stains from Upholstery

Upholstered furniture, such as couches and chairs, brings comfort and warmth to our homes. However, over time, these items can become prone to mold and stains. Whether it’s due to a humid environment or accidental spills, mold and stains can make your furniture look dirty and even pose health risks. The good news is that you can easily tackle both problems with a few effective methods. In this blog, we’ll walk through seven easy methods to remove mold and deep stains from upholstery and how to get old stains out of couch, helping you keep your furniture clean and fresh.

1. Using White Vinegar to Remove Mold from Fabric

Mold can develop on your upholstered furniture, especially if it’s left in a damp environment. One of the simplest and most effective methods for how to remove mold from fabric is by using white vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that kills mold and helps prevent it from returning.

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray the solution directly onto the moldy areas of your upholstery.
3. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes so it can work its magic.
4. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the mold.
5. Allow the fabric to air dry completely, ideally in a well-ventilated space or in the sun to prevent any moisture buildup.

Vinegar is great because it’s natural, affordable, and doesn’t damage most fabrics. It also neutralizes odors caused by mold, leaving your furniture smelling fresh.

2. Baking Soda for Mold Removal and Odor Absorption

If you’re searching for how to get mold out of fabric, baking soda can be a powerful ally. It’s known for its odor-absorbing properties and works well at pulling moisture from fabric, which is a crucial step in preventing mold from thriving.

Steps:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the moldy spots on your couch.
2. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to absorb moisture and neutralize odors.
3. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the baking soda into the fabric.
4. Vacuum the area to remove the baking soda and any remaining mold particles.

Baking soda is a gentle and natural option, making it perfect for upholstery that can’t handle harsh chemicals.

3. Lemon Juice and Salt: A Natural Mold Solution

For those who prefer natural cleaning methods, lemon juice and salt offer an excellent way to remove mold from fabric furniture without bleach. Lemon juice acts as a mild natural bleach, while salt helps scrub away mold spores.

Steps:

1. Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the moldy spots of the upholstery.
2. Sprinkle salt over the lemon juice to create a natural scrubbing agent.
3. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Gently scrub the area with a soft brush to remove the mold.
5. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to clean off the residue, and let the fabric air dry completely.

This method is particularly effective for light-colored fabrics, as lemon juice can naturally brighten the fabric while eliminating mold.

4. Rubbing Alcohol: A Quick Solution for Mold

If you’re looking for how to remove mold from fabric furniture without bleach, rubbing alcohol is a great alternative. It works quickly to kill mold without the need for strong, harmful chemicals.

Steps:

1. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle.
2. Lightly spray the solution onto the affected areas of the fabric.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the rubbing alcohol to kill the mold.
4. Wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove the mold and alcohol solution.
5. Allow the furniture to air dry fully.

Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, making it a great choice for fabrics that need a fast solution without leaving behind a strong odor.

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5. Dish Soap and Warm Water for Fresh Stains

Sometimes, fresh stains happen, and the key to how to get stains out of a couch quickly is using dish soap and warm water. This method is simple but effective for removing common stains like coffee, juice, or food spills before they set in.

Steps:

1. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
2. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently blot the stained area (avoid scrubbing, as this can spread the stain further).
3. After blotting, use a separate damp cloth to remove any soap residue from the fabric.
4. Allow the couch to air dry completely.

Dish soap is a gentle option that won’t harm your fabric while still being tough on stains.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide for Deep, Old Stains

If you’re dealing with older, stubborn stains, hydrogen peroxide can be an excellent option for how to get old stains out of a couch. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild bleach, which helps break down the stain without causing significant damage to most fabrics.

Steps:

1. Dampen a clean cloth with hydrogen peroxide.
2. Blot the stained area gently with the cloth, allowing the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate the fabric.
3. Let the solution sit for about 5-10 minutes.
4. Blot the area with a damp cloth to rinse away any remaining peroxide.
5. Allow the upholstery to air dry fully.

Hydrogen peroxide is especially effective on light-colored fabrics and can be a lifesaver for older, set-in stains. However, always test it on a hidden area first to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

7. Baking Soda for Greasy Stains

Baking soda isn’t just good for mold—it’s also fantastic for greasy stains. If you’ve spilled something oily on your couch, baking soda can absorb the grease, making it much easier to clean.

Steps:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the greasy stain.
2. Let the baking soda sit for 30 minutes to an hour to absorb the grease.
3. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the baking soda into the fabric.
4. Vacuum the area to remove the baking soda and absorbed grease.

This method is particularly helpful for oil-based stains like food grease or makeup, and it’s safe to use on most upholstery fabrics.

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Tips for Preventing Mold and Stains on Upholstery

Now that you know how to remove stains from couch fabrics and how to tackle mold, it’s essential to take steps to prevent these issues from recurring.

1. Keep Furniture Dry: Mold thrives in moist environments, so it’s important to keep your upholstery dry. If you spill something, clean it up immediately and dry the area thoroughly. Use fans or place the furniture in a sunny spot if necessary.
2. Use Fabric Protectors: Applying a fabric protector can help repel stains and spills, making it easier to clean your upholstery in the future.
3. Control Humidity: In humid environments, consider using a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of moisture in the air. This will help prevent mold from forming on your furniture.
4. Regular Cleaning: Vacuum your upholstery regularly to remove dust, dirt, and other debris that can lead to stains or mold over time.

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Conclusion

Mold and stains on upholstery are common problems that can make your furniture look and smell unpleasant. Luckily, there are several simple, affordable methods for how to get mold out of fabric and how to get old stains out of a couch. Whether you’re using natural products like vinegar and lemon juice or household staples like baking soda and di