As the East coast of Australia has been receiving record amounts of rain over the last few months, we have been seeing more and more instances of mould & mildew in our homes.
Care needs to be taken when cleaning mould, however clove oil will kill the spores.
Mix a 1/4 teaspoon of clove oil into a litre of water — no more clove oil is necessary as it can discolour surfaces.
Using a spray bottle, very lightly mist it onto the mould, then leave it for 24 hours. Too much water mixture will damage shutters & blinds (& void any warranties) so make sure to only lightly spray or dab the affected area. Discreetly try a small area first to make sure the fabric is not damaged or discoloured in any way.
After a day, wipe the surface over with a damp cloth using a white vinegar and water mixture (three parts vinegar to two parts water). Always use a clean, white cloth on fabrics so not to transfer any colour. Avoid using the kitchen sponge as this will more than likely transfer cooking oils and dirt onto your blinds.
A 1-litre bottle of the formula should last about a year for the whole house.
NEVER USE BLEACH on any blind, shutter or awning fabrics. Bleach does not kill mould spores and will only discolour your fabric.
If the mould has already got into the fibres of the fabric, it may be difficult to remove which is why consistent cleaning can help keep on top of the issue.
There are some roller blind and awning fabrics which are advertised as mould & mildew resistant however if you have moisture issues and condensation build up on your windows, mould will eventually start appearing on these fabrics. Fabrics need to be kept clean & dry to ensure mould isn't encouraged to grow.
Removing the dampness and humidity is the key to stopping mould, as it needs moisture and nutrients to grow. Many people find a dehumidifier or the air conditioner set to the dry cycle to be helpful, however for more serious water issues, it may be time to contact a builder to establish the cause of any damp & water issues in the house.
If in doubt, call a professional!
Mould is toxic, so it is advisable to speak to a professional if you feel the mould is out of control or keeps returning.
There are also professional blind and awning cleaning companies that will do the dirty work for you if you are in any doubt as to how you should clean them. For curtains, take them to a dry cleaner who specialises in curtain cleaning.