Mould - v bad, I want to cry- can anyone help?

jennybb

Have had visitors on and off since just before Christmas. I had some foam seat cushions made with fitted covers - at great expense, which converts cleverly into a guest bed. I have just dismantled it and the underside of the cushions has got v damp (condensation - i should have aires them :mad:)

The covers are REALLY mouldy. What's the best way to deal with it? My washing ,machine has just died, so it's a launderette run tomorrow, but the I am scared the mould spots will not come out. Also don't want to wash too hot - as they have not been washed before (and seeing as most of the time they are meant to be the equivilent to sofa covers, I hadn't planned to wash them - maybe an occasional dry clean). Will dry cleaning get mould out?

Any advice much appreciated - having a small panic.:eek:

PoshPaws_3

Without a washing machine, I'd send them off to be dry cleaned. Mind you, I'd have a word with them at the cleaners and explain what it is you're trying to achieve. Then they'll be able to use their experience to do the best job for you.

Good luck!

squeaky

There are a couple of suggestion in this thread that may help:-

- Top - mould stains

furndire

I think another question to ask is why they got mouldy in the first place? I know you didn't air them, but they seem to have gone mouldy very quickly

lil_me

Could hand wash with Borax, or take some with you to the laundrette, that got the mould stuff off my friends sofa covers when it had been in storage. Brush what you can off first.

If you google 'Remove mould laundry' will come up with some suggestions.

Would check the foam while you are on, mould may have been something spilt on them, could hand wash them also and air dry them before replacing covers.

jennybb

Thanks, I'll try the above.

As to why - condensation - not enough ventilation, like I said I should have aired them. On a normal bed there are slats so that air can circulate. I know better, really.

Just miffed because they are new and were expensive.:mad:

jen

sophiesmum_2

Hi Jen
Found this, don't know if it is any help.

Cleaning Mildew From Mattresses, Rugs, Upholstery

---

First, remove loose mold from outer coverings of
upholstered articles, mattresses, rugs, and carpets by
brushing with a broom. Do this outdoors, if possible, to
prevent scattering mildew spores in the house. Wash broom
before re-using.

Run a vacuum cleaner attachment over the surface of
the article to draw out more of the mold. Remember that
the mold spores are being drawn into the bag of the vacuum
cleaner. If the vacuum has a disposable bag, remove and
dispose of it immediately. If not, empty the bag carefully
(preferably outdoors) to avoid scattering mold spores in
the house.

Do everything conveniently possible to dry the
article--use an electric heater and a fan to carry away
moist air. Sun and air the article to stop mold growth.

If mildew remains on upholstered articles or
mattresses, sponge lightly with thick suds of soap or
detergent and wipe with a clean damp cloth. In doing this,
get as little water on the fabric as possible so the
filling does not get wet.

Another way to remove mildew on upholstered furniture
is to wipe it with a cloth moistened with diluted alcohol
(1 cup denatured or rubbing alcohol to 1 cup water). Dry
the article thoroughly.

Sponge mildewed rugs and carpets with thick suds or
a rug shampoo. Then remove the suds by wiping with a
cloth dampened with clear water. Dry in the sun if
possible.

Use a low-pressure spray containing a fungicide to
get rid of mildew. Respray frequently, especially in
localities where mildew is a major problem.

If molds have grown into the inner part of an article,
send it to a reliable disinfecting and fumigating service.
Such services are often listed under "Exterminating and
Fumigating" or "Pest Control" services in the yellow pages
of the telephone directory.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with reference from the USDA
bulletin, Mildew.


sophiesmum

jennybb

Thanks, Sophie's mum - gosh, that's in depth - goodbye weekend! . The americans have a way of making anything sound scary - I mean, mould not very pleasant, but I feel like we should quarantine the place now. :eek: LOL

The covers are not dry so I'm going to get the woodburner cranked up. Then tackle tomorrow when dried out. Spoke to drycleaners on 'phone - may take them in tomorrow.

Have a good weekend.

Jen

lil_me

Mould can be nasty and the Americans have a lot of it and get a bit paranoid by it, but I agree with the steps on cleaning the vacuum and the brush after dealing with it. Fungicides not something I am keen on using personally, extreme cases only I think.

If you have a Vax mine worked a treat on an interior for a car we bought that had been stood a while forgot about that.

jennybb

Thanks for tips. Just want to share this in case it helps anyone.

We dried and vacumed the covers - took them to dry cleaners, but they were not keen and didn't think they could shift it, but suggested oxiclean.


We got some and soaked the covers twice for six hours. The spots were then scrubbed with a nail brush and rinsed. I have just coaxed the dodgy washing machine to spin them and they are sitting on the radiators - the result is not bad at all - not perfect, but better than I expected. So although it's harsh on your hands and not the sort of product I normally go for (more of an ecover girl), I'd recommend it to anyone with the same problem.

:T

Pooky

For future reference, we've got pull out foam sofa beds and I always put a couple of towels underneath when I lay them out and make sure I strip all the bedding off and air them everyday - the towels are normally soaked just after one night. It's amazing how much the human body sweats, it's even more amazing how much we just take it for granted that our slatted bed bases do all that airing work for us (just remember not to load to much stuff under the bed for a good air flow)