There are many advantages of living in a humid climate, including comfortable warm temperatures most of the year, and lush green surroundings. But it brings some questions, which can appear when you try to maintain the house for example. The continuous issue most homeowners who reside in areas that are relatively humid deal with is mould and mildew. It grows especially on upholstered furniture exposed to moisture and once it has infested upholstered furniture it produces not only bad odour but also destructive effects.
In this blog, we shall focus on the causes of mould and mildew on upholstery in humid climates, what havoc they bring into the homes and the most crucial parts, the prevention techniques.
How to Prevent Mold and Mildew on Upholstery In Humid Climates
Mould and mildew formation on upholstery is a big problem in areas that experience high levels of humidity, but avoiding this problem is simple, you need to minimize the use of the furniture but also take great care not to expose it to moisture. Here are some practical strategies you can implement to keep your furniture safe:
1. Control Humidity Levels
If one wants to avoid mould and mildew formation in your house, then the main factor of consideration must be indoor humidity. The optimal humidity is 30% to 50%. By ensuring that your home falls within this range it becomes hard for mold and mildew growth to occur.
- Use a Dehumidifier: This is an appliance that is used in the home to reduce humidity levels within the home space. It is especially useful in such areas as the basement area, bathroom or kitchen since humidity is usually high in these areas.
- Air Conditioning: Cooling the room and removing moisture from the air are among the things air conditioners assist in doing. In especially wet climates people should include air conditioning in the building to be able to regulate the indoor climate and keep the humidity within reasonable levels.
- Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial in any home and is even more important, especially in areas of high humidity. Ensure window allowance whenever possible, use the exhaust fan in the course of cooking and taking a bath, and it is also advisable to install air vents where there is the provision of none.
2. Choose Mold-Resistant Fabrics
When it comes to buying new furniture or refurbishing old ones, it is possible to choose more specific fabrics that are less prone to the creation of mould and mildew. Certain types of materials are more susceptible to water absorption than others while others are even developed to fight mold.
- Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester, acrylic and nylon fabrics that are common in upholstery have less tendency to absorb water than natural fibres. These fabrics are more resistant to mould and mildew and also easier to wash compared to natural fabrics.
- Mould-Resistant Treatments: A few materials used to make upholstery fabrics are treated with anti-mould or waterproofing material. They are designed not to promote the growth of mould and mildew which will be useful in areas with high humidity.
3. Clean and Maintain Upholstery Regularly
This scientific evidence shows that one of the most effective ways of dealing with mould and mildew is by washing. Cleaning can assist in getting rid of dirt, dust and moisture that favours mould formation.
- Vacuum Upholstery Frequently: Dust and dirt accumulate moisture on furniture and hence vacuuming of furniture is necessary to remove accumulated dust and dirt. This will not only maintain the cleanliness of your furniture but will also help avoid the formation of mould and mildew.
- Quickly Clean Spills: Accidental spillages should be wiped as soon as possible to eliminate exposure of the fabric to moisture. To try and get rid of the wetness first, you should dab it with a clean piece of cloth and make sure you do not rub it all over. When cleaning, ensure all the upholstery dries off completely.
- Deep Cleaning: Once in a while, it is recommended that you over-clean your upholstered furniture and related items. Either, you may use a fabric-safe cleaner or seek professional help to clean your furniture as dust, dirt, and moisture damage fabric upholstery.
4. Keep Furniture Dry
The main culprit of mould and mildew is moisture, therefore the first key to success in protecting your furniture is making sure that it is as dry as possible.
- Use Furniture Covers: In your furniture which is placed in an area that is in contact with the moisture sometimes you should use a cover. Fine covers will protect the furniture from getting wet and thus avoid the building of fungi.
- Allow Proper Air Circulation: Do not position furniture against walls or in areas that can be vulnerable to high humidity, say near windows or air conditioners.
5. Address Leaks and Water Damage Immediately
Wear and tear and water damage should be acted on swiftly so that water does not get to your seats.
- Fix Leaks Quickly: It is also important to from time to time check if your home is leaking around the plumbing area, the windows, and the roof. In case you discover any of them, it is wise that you repair them right away to avoid water penetrating your furniture.
- Dry Wet Furniture Thoroughly: If your furniture has gotten wet, it remains wet, thus, one should ensure that all the furniture gets dried. Take off cushions or covers and let the remaining part of the furniture air dry on the balcony.
6. Remove Mold and Mildew as Soon as You Notice It
Once you start to identify mould or mildew around the upholstery, you ought to take prompt action and clean it. The longer you let it progress, the harder it will be to excise the growth and the higher the risk of harm.
- Vinegar Solution: Fill a spray bottle and one part water, and one part diluted white vinegar. Apply a slight spray on the area of pigmentation then wash with a soft brush or sponge. Make sure you are through with the cleaning process then allow the upholstery to degrade completely.
- Baking Soda: Add baking soda over the affected areas and allow the mixture to work for about 15 minutes. Suck up afterwards, then wipe with a damp wipe afterwards. Baking soda is also known to reduce the amount of moisture and thus can be used not only in fighting mould formation.
Conclusion
In using upholstered furniture for any house, especially those places that experience high humidity, avoiding the formation of moulds and mildew should be achieved by providing adequate air circulation, the use of a dehumidifier and proper regular washing. The couch and sofa materials should be protected with moisture-resistant covers and any spillage or dampness dealt with immediately. In particular, by maintaining low humidity and enhancing air circulation you can minimize the chance of forming a mold or mildew on the upholstery.