Mould and old stains can turn your favourite couch or upholstered furniture into an unsightly mess. Whether it’s the result of spills, dirt, or damp conditions, getting rid of mould and stains from fabric can seem daunting. However, you don’t need harsh chemicals like bleach to restore your upholstery. There are easy and effective ways to clean it using safe, natural methods.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best techniques for removing mould and old stains from your upholstery. Whether you’re dealing with mould patches or old stains that just won’t go away, these professional couch cleaning methods will help restore your fabric furniture to its original look.
Why Do Mould and Stains Appear on Upholstery?
Mould and stains develop on upholstery for a few reasons. Mould thrives in warm, moist environments, making your furniture a prime spot for growth if it’s in a damp room or subjected to high humidity. Fabrics that remain wet for too long—whether from spills, leaks, or sweat—can easily attract mould spores.
On the other hand, old stains often come from spills or dirt that were not cleaned properly when they first occurred. Over time, these stains sink deeper into the fabric and become harder to remove.
Let’s look at how to deal with both of these problems and restore your upholstery.
1. White Vinegar: The Natural Mould Killer
White vinegar is one of the most effective natural remedies for mould. It’s affordable, safe for most fabrics, and works well without damaging the upholstery.
How to remove mould from fabric: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the mouldy areas of your couch or upholstery. Let it sit for an hour, allowing the vinegar to break down the mould spores. Afterward, blot the area with a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
Why it works: Vinegar’s acidity kills mould spores and removes the musty smell that mould leaves behind. It’s a safe, non-toxic way to clean without using harsh chemicals.
Best for: Removing mould from fabric furniture, such as couches, chairs, and other upholstered items.
Once the vinegar has done its job, allow the upholstery to air-dry completely. You can use fans or open windows to speed up the drying process. This method is perfect for those looking to remove mould from fabric furniture without bleach.
2. Baking Soda: The Odour Absorber and Stain Remover
Baking soda is another household staple that is great for both mould and stain removal. It’s non-toxic and can be safely used on almost any type of fabric.
How to get stains out of a couch: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the stained area. Leave it for a few hours (or overnight if possible) to allow it to absorb moisture, dirt, and odours.
How to remove stains from couch: After letting the baking soda sit, vacuum it up with a clean vacuum cleaner attachment. This helps remove the stain and freshen up the fabric.
Why it works: Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which helps lift dirt and stains from the fabric’s surface. It also neutralises odours, making it ideal for upholstery that has absorbed unpleasant smells.
Best for: Upholstery that has light stains, recent spills, or a lingering smell from mould.
Baking soda works particularly well when paired with vinegar for tougher stains and odours.
3. Lemon Juice and Salt for Natural Stain Removal
Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent, and when combined with salt, it can be an effective remedy for removing stains from upholstery, especially on light-coloured fabrics.
How to get old stains out of couch: Squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the stained area, then sprinkle a small amount of salt over the top. Use a clean cloth to gently rub the mixture into the stain. Let the lemon juice and salt sit for 30 minutes before blotting it up with a damp cloth.
Why it works: Lemon juice’s acidity helps break down the stain, while the salt works as a gentle abrasive to lift dirt and stains from the fabric.
Best for: Light-coloured upholstery that has stains from spills, drinks, or grease.
Lemon juice can also be used to treat smaller mould patches on fabric, making it an all-around natural cleaner.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide for Tough Stains
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong cleaner for old, set-in stains. It has mild bleaching properties, so it’s best suited for light-coloured upholstery.
How to get old stains out of couch: Pour 3% hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes before blotting the area with a clean cloth. Afterward, use warm water to rinse the area and absorb excess liquid.
Why it works: Hydrogen peroxide breaks down the stain’s particles, making it easier to lift the stain from the fabric. It also helps to sanitise the area, making it perfect for deep cleaning.
Best for: Light-coloured upholstery and tougher stains that haven’t responded to other cleaning methods.
Be cautious when using hydrogen peroxide on coloured fabrics, as it can cause lightening or bleaching. Always test a small hidden area first before using it on the main part of the upholstery.
5. Steam Cleaning for Deep-Cleaning Mould and Stains
If you’re dealing with mould that has deeply embedded into the fabric or old stains that have been around for a while, steam cleaning is one of the most effective methods.
How to remove mould from fabric furniture without bleach: A steam cleaner uses hot steam to kill mould spores and loosen dirt or stains in the fabric. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your steam cleaner and work over the affected areas thoroughly.
How to remove stains from couch: Steam cleaning is ideal for lifting deep, set-in stains that won’t come out with regular cleaning. The hot steam penetrates deep into the fabric, loosening the dirt so it can be easily wiped away.
Why it works: The heat from the steam not only cleans the fabric but also sanitises it by killing mould spores, bacteria, and dust mites.
Best for: Large areas of mould or heavy, deep-set stains on fabric furniture.
After steam cleaning, make sure the upholstery is completely dry to prevent further mould growth.
6. Rubbing Alcohol for Spot-Cleaning
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) can be very effective for spot-cleaning mould patches or greasy stains on your couch.
How to get mould out of fabric: Dip a clean cloth in rubbing alcohol and gently dab the mouldy spot. The rubbing alcohol will kill mould spores and dry out the affected area.
How to remove stains from couch: For greasy or oily stains, apply rubbing alcohol directly to the stain using a cotton ball or cloth. Blot the stain, and it should start to lift. Be sure to clean the area with a damp cloth afterward to remove any remaining alcohol.
Why it works: Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly and helps break down grease and mould, making it easy to lift them from the fabric.
Best for: Small mould spots or greasy stains on upholstery that need spot treatment.
Use rubbing alcohol in moderation, as too much can dry out or damage the fabric if overused.
7. Cornstarch for Grease and Oil Stains
Grease stains can be particularly stubborn, but cornstarch is a simple and effective solution for removing them.
How to get stains out of couch: Sprinkle cornstarch directly onto the greasy or oily stain. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes to absorb the grease. Afterward, vacuum the cornstarch off the couch and check if the stain has lifted.
Why it works: Cornstarch absorbs oil and grease, making it easier to remove without scrubbing or damaging the fabric.
Best for: Greasy or oily stains on fabric upholstery.
This method is perfect for treating fresh grease stains, but it can also be helpful for older, set-in stains.
Tips for Preventing Mould and Stains on Upholstery
Once you’ve successfully cleaned your upholstery, it’s important to take steps to prevent future mould and stains. Here are a few easy ways to keep your furniture clean and fresh:
Keep your home dry: Mould thrives in damp environments. To prevent mould from returning, keep the humidity level in your home under control by using a dehumidifier and ensuring proper ventilation.
Clean spills immediately: When a spill happens, clean it up as soon as possible to avoid setting stains. Blot liquids with a clean cloth and treat the stain quickly to prevent it from sinking deeper into the fabric.
Vacuum regularly: Dust and dirt can build up on upholstery, leading to stains and unpleasant odours. Vacuum your upholstery regularly to keep it clean and prevent debris from getting embedded in the fabric.
Conclusion
Dealing with mould and old stains on your upholstery doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By using these best techniques—such as white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and steam cleaning—you can easily clean and refresh your couch or fabric furniture. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to remove mould from fabric furniture without bleach or how to get stains out of a couch, these methods are simple, effective, and safe for your home.
