What to Do When Your Furniture or Clothes Are Affected by Mold?

Mold isn’t just unsightly — it’s a health hazard that can damage your belongings if left untreated. Whether it’s a beloved sofa, a favorite dress, or your wardrobe’s hidden corner, mold thrives in damp and humid conditions, and it spreads fast. 

Here at Shoppiverse PH we will help you to how to properly handle and make the right approach, you can save your items and prevent mold from coming back.

1. Protect Yourself First

Before handling anything moldy, prioritize your safety by wearing gloves, a face mask, and, if possible, protective eyewear. Work in a well-ventilated area or take the items outdoors to reduce the risk of inhaling mold spores. Remember, mold spores are microscopic — even if you can’t see them, they can still impact your health.

2. Isolate the Affected Items

Move small furniture or clothes outside immediately to prevent mold spores from spreading inside your home. Avoid shaking or brushing the items indoors, as this can release spores onto other surfaces. If large furniture cannot be moved, create a containment area by covering the surrounding floor with plastic sheets to limit contamination.

3. How to Remove Mold from Clothes

To remove mold from clothes, start by brushing off any loose mold outdoors to prevent spores from spreading inside your home. Next, soak the garments in a mixture of water and either white vinegar or baking soda for 30–60 minutes to help kill the mold. After soaking, wash the clothes in hot water, if the fabric care label allows, using a quality detergent. Finally, dry the items under direct sunlight, as UV rays naturally help kill any remaining mold spores.

4. How to Clean Mold from Furniture

Wood Furniture:

• Wipe with a mix of 1 cup vinegar and 1 gallon of water or mild soap solution.

• Avoid soaking wood to prevent warping.

• Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Upholstered Furniture:

• Vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap spores.

• Spot clean with a vinegar-water mix or upholstery cleaner.

• If mold has reached the padding, professional cleaning might be necessary.

Leather Furniture:

• Leather Sofa or Leather items need to be Wipe first with a damp cloth and mild soap in order to remove the molds. After that dry, then apply leather conditioner to prevent cracking.

5. Prevent Mold from Returning

Keep indoor humidity below 60%, using a dehumidifier if necessary, to discourage mold growth. Ensure proper ventilation in closets, storage rooms, and living areas to maintain airflow. Whenever possible, let sunlight in, as natural light helps keep spaces dry and less inviting for mold.

As a precautionary measure you can buy a dehumidifier to regulate the humidity inside your home. If you dont have a budget for a dehumidifier you can buy a disposable dehumidifier for the meantime.

6. When to Let Go

If the mold has penetrated deeply into fabrics, foam, or padding, it might be safer to discard the item. Your health should always come first.

Final Thoughts

There are some commercial product that can also remove molds and mildew just spray it on the affected area and it can effectively kills the mold in your house.

Mold damage can feel overwhelming, but acting quickly makes all the difference. With the right cleaning methods and prevention habits, you can protect both your home and your health. Remember: moisture control is the key — no dampness, no mold.