How to clean mouldy furniture in the garden? Step by step guide

Do you have problems with damp and mould on your outdoor table and chair sets? If so, you know how unpleasant this situation is: it causes unpleasant odours, deteriorates the appearance of the furniture and can even be harmful to your health. That’s why it’s important to know how to clean mouldy furniture in the garden to restore its beauty, prolong its useful life and ensure a healthy environment in your outdoor space.

In this post, we tell you how to remove mould from furniture step by step, but we also give you several tips to prevent it from reappearing. In addition, we explain why this type of fungus tends to form on furniture and which are the most common ones.

Why does mould grow on furniture?

First of all, it is important to understand why mould grows on furniture. The causes can be varied but, in general, they are usually due to the coincidence of certain factors, mainly dampness and poor ventilation.

Thus, furniture in damp or poorly ventilated rooms is likely to develop mould over time. If, in addition, there is dust or organic debris on the surface of the furniture, this will serve as food for the fungus and encourage its development. Similarly, lack of cleanliness and condensation build-up also increase the risk of mould.

In the case of garden furniture, although naturally ventilated, the risk increases due to constant exposure to the elements. Rain, night dew, ambient humidity or even garden watering can dampen surfaces. If furniture is not dried properly or is left in the shade for too long, mould can develop quickly, especially in humid climates and porous materials such as wood or textiles.

Types of mould on outdoor furniture

Before explaining how to remove mould from furniture, it is important to differentiate between the various types of mould that can occur, as they do not all have the same aesthetic impact or the same risks to the health or durability of garden furniture.

There are three main types of moulds that are easily distinguishable by their colour: black, white and green mould. Let’s look at them in detail.

Black mould on furniture

Although there can be different types of black mould, one of the most common is Stachybotrys chartarum, which appears as dark, sometimes slimy spots that can penetrate wood or thick fabrics.

This type of black mould is not only unsightly, but also one of the most dangerous, as it releases spores that can cause respiratory problems, especially in children and the elderly, although outdoors natural ventilation considerably minimises the risk. It is also one of the most resistant and difficult types of mould to remove.

White mould on furniture

White mould, on the other hand, usually has a cottony or powdery appearance and is indicative of persistent dampness. Although less aggressive than black mould, it can also damage finishes and fabrics if not treated in time.

It is a common problem on outdoor cushions, natural rattan furniture or softwoods that do not dry out completely between exposures to moisture, so in addition to removal, the environment should be checked to prevent further growth.

Green mould on furniture

Green mould is associated with various types of fungi and usually appears as diffuse, light green patches, often with white or bluish edges. Some species of green mould are also responsible for the spoilage of certain foods, such as fruit or bread.

In the case of garden furniture, it is common on porous surfaces that have accumulated water, such as cushions, tarpaulins or untreated wood. Although not always dangerous, it can produce unpleasant odours and deteriorate the appearance of furniture, as well as causing allergic reactions in some people.

Mould on the back of furniture

Finally, it should be noted that mould can appear on the back of furniture next to walls or fences, especially if there is not good air circulation. In fact, it is common not to pay much attention to these areas during cleaning, allowing moisture and dust to accumulate.

The mould that forms in this area can be of any of the above-mentioned types and spread to the rest of the furniture over time. So, if you are wondering how to clean mould from furniture, you should know that it is essential to check the back to make sure it has not appeared there as well.

How to clean a piece of furniture with mould, step by step?

Now we are going to explain how to remove mould from a piece of furniture so that you can return it to its original appearance and prevent it from spreading. You can do this by following these simple steps:

• Wear protection: the first thing to do is to put on gloves and a mask to avoid direct contact with mould spores, as well as with some cleaning products that can be irritating.
• Do an initial cleaning: using a stiff brush, remove as much visible mould as possible, taking care not to spread it.
• Prepare the cleaning solution: at this point you have several alternatives.
  • Water and neutral detergent: this is the simplest and safest option, which helps to remove the mould without damaging the furniture material. However, sometimes it may not be enough if the mould is widespread.
  • Diluted white vinegar: this is a natural antifungal that helps prevent the reappearance of mould and, although it leaves a strong smell, it dissipates quickly outdoors. To do this, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water.
  • Bleach: it is very effective in eliminating mildew, but it should be used with caution as it can damage certain materials. You can dilute one part bleach to ten parts water.
  • Ammonia: it is also an effective solution, but you should never mix it with bleach as it produces toxic fumes. Also, it is advisable to test a small area before use and mix it with water in safe proportions.
  • Specific products: if the mould is widespread or recurrent, you can use antifungal cleaners, which are usually more powerful, but you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the materials.
• Apply the mixture: dampen a sponge or cloth with the chosen mixture and rub gently over the affected areas. Then go over the entire piece of furniture to make sure you remove even non-visible mould.
• Rinse with clean water: remove any remaining cleaning solution with a clean cloth or hose.
• Let the furniture dry: preferably outdoors and in the sun, to prevent moisture from building up and causing problems again.

How to remove mouldy odour from furniture?

Removing musty and damp smells from furniture is just as important as cleaning visible stains. To make sure there is no trace of it, you can follow these tips:

• Clean the furniture with white vinegar: this product is one of the best for eliminating mouldy odours, as well as being natural and safe for most surfaces.
• Use baking soda: sprinkle baking soda on the affected surface, leave it on for several hours and then vacuum or wipe it off with a cloth. The baking soda will absorb the odour and moisture and leave your furniture looking as good as new.
• Ventilate the furniture well: make sure your furniture is in a place with good air circulation so that the moisture evaporates and the smell disappears.
• Use sachets of activated charcoal: placing sachets of activated charcoal near the furniture will help absorb the moisture and eventually eliminate the smell. If you don’t have activated charcoal, ground coffee can be a good substitute.

How to prevent mould from growing on furniture?

Now that you know how to remove mould from furniture, we are going to give you some simple tips to prevent it from reappearing once it has been removed:

• Find the source: the most important thing is to locate the cause of the damp, whether it is a leak, condensation or prolonged exposure to water. If you do not eliminate the source of the problem, the mould will reappear.
• Clean regularly: accumulated dirt serves as food for mould, so remove dust, dirt and organic debris regularly.
• Check hidden areas: pay attention to the back of furniture, as well as joints, corners and bases, as these are places where moisture accumulates more easily.
• Avoid damp: dry your furniture well after rain or watering and do not leave it in direct contact with wet surfaces, especially if it is in the shade.
• Ensure good ventilation: in semi-open spaces such as porches or covered terraces, make sure there is good air circulation, avoiding placing furniture against cold or damp walls.
• Store textiles: on days of heavy rain, it is best to store cushions, blankets or other textiles to prevent them from getting excessively wet.
• Elevate furniture: if the furniture is in direct contact with the floor, you can use blocks to prevent water from accumulating on the base.
• Apply antifungal products: if the mould is persistent, you can use specific treatments to prevent its growth, always checking that they do not damage the material.
• Opt for mould-resistant synthetic materials: furniture made of polypropylene, synthetic rattan or aluminium is less prone to mould growth due to its low porosity and greater resistance to humidity. In addition, they require less maintenance and are easier to clean, something that, as we have already seen, helps to prevent the appearance of fungus.

At Home Zentrum we sell outdoor furniture made of pest and fungus resistant materials, ensuring that you can forget about this problem and enjoy clean, beautiful and mould-free furniture. Take a look at our catalogue to find out!