How to prevent and remove mould on your furniture

Ever stripped your sofa covers only to find mould growing in the depths of your cushions? Unfortunately, mould is particularly tenacious in the tropics like Singapore. High humidity, warm temperatures, and frequent rain are all weather conditions that mould thrives in. 

But all hope is not lost! There are materials you can choose that will make it more difficult for mould to grow. And of course, proper maintenance is half the battle won, so glean our top defence tips below and learn how to keep mould at bay for longer.

Synthetics are on your side

Mould often grows in spots that are easily overlooked, like the cotton interlining of seat or cushion covers.  Synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic are less prone to mould growth compared to natural fibres like cotton and linen because they are more moisture-resistant and dry quickly. Instead of cotton, ask for polyester interlinings, which is what Blafink uses across all our upholstered sofas.

Use treated fabrics

Amp up your defence against mould with upholstery fabrics treated with anti-microbial coatings. These fabrics can help inhibit the growth of mould, bacteria, and other shady microorganisms. Our favourite high performance collection from Aquaclean comes treated with a SAFE FRONT® component and has achieved ISO certification for reducing bacterial activity by 99.99% after 24 hours.

Store your furniture correctly

Have furniture you’re not using? Avoid keeping your furniture in plastic as this can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for mould. Instead, drape a loose, breathable furniture cover or blanket to protect your furniture from dust. A dehumidifier or desiccants (e.g. silica gel), particularly in an enclosed space, can also help to remove excess moisture from the space.

Clean regularly

Yes, some elbow grease will always be needed to help prolong the life of your furniture.  To prevent mould, follow these three golden rules:

1. Vacuum regularly: Mould can feed on dust, dirt, and organic materials. Vacuum with a static fabric brush attachment to keep your furniture clean. Make sure to get into the crevices!

2. Clean up spills quickly: Blot liquid spills as promptly as possible to prevent moisture from seeping into the upholstery. We love Cloversoft Baby Wipes for mopping up spills in a flash. Make sure to dry the area quickly too — turn on the fan or air-conditioner to help air circulation.

3. Rotate, sun, air: Regular rotation and fluffing can help promote better airflow, which prevents moisture from getting trapped in the same area for too long. Occasionally sunning your cushions can help kill mould spores and dry out residual moisture, but be sure to not leave this in direct sunlight for extended periods as this can cause fading. Finally, placement is important: avoid pushing your upholstered sofas up against the wall as the lack of circulation can trap excess moisture.

Ready to mould-proof your upholstered furniture? Make an appointment at the Blafink Guideshop to get started.