How to Clean Mildew From a Sofa
- 1). Place your sofa outside in the path of direct sunlight, if possible. Sunlight is the most powerful weapon against mildew, and can help you take control of the fungus by drying it out, thereby rendering it inactive. Separate the cushions from the sofa if possible, to ensure optimal dryness.
- 2). Remove the remaining mildew residue by wiping it away with a broom or sucking it up with a vacuum cleaner extension. Upon drying, the mildew will take on a powdery form, easily removed from the surface of the sofa. If using a vacuum cleaner, just make sure to clean the filter immediately after removing the mildew, or throw away the bag if using a bagged vacuum cleaner.
- 3). Dampen a soft cloth with a mildew-killing liquid solution. The ideal solution will depend on your particular type of sofa. For leather sofas, use rubbing alcohol diluted with 1 part water, and for textile sofas, use hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach, diluted with 2 parts water. For best results, place your liquids in a spray bottle and mist over your soft cloth, to avoid over-saturation.
- 4). Wipe down the entire surface of your sofa with your dampened cloth, including individual cushions and especially the areas where you have located mildew. Wipe the surface just enough to coat it with your liquid solution, but do not soak the fabric under any circumstances, as excess moisture can worsen the problem.
- 5). Dry the sofa in direct sunlight and then bring it into your home after ensuring that the entire surface has dried.
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