How to Remove Mold Stains from Fabric Furniture (Upholstery & Cloth)

three blue cushions on a grey outdoor couch

Has your patio furniture taken on a strong musty odor? If so, mold could be the culprit. Left untreated, mold can affect air quality and pose a threat to your health and wellness.

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Use as directed.

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If your affected furniture happens to be made for outdoor use, you may be in luck. Fabrics used in patio furniture and couch cushions are typically colorfast to bleach, so there’s a good chance you can clean the mold stains from your outdoor cushions without damaging the fabric.

However, mold stains on indoor furniture is much more difficult to tackle, as fabrics used for indoor upholstery are much less likely to be colorfast to sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient in Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach. Affected indoor furniture may have to be reupholstered with a new fabric.

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Steps to remove mold stains or mildew stains from outdoor furniture

Some fabrics claim they do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. Here are the steps to remove mold stains and mildew stains:

  1. Check instructions first

    Always check with manufacturer instructions to determine if fabric can be cleaned with bleach solutions before you start cleaning. You can also test for colorfastness to ensure the fabric doesn’t become discolored. Make sure the fabric is bleach-safe.

    Close-up of a clothing care label with laundry symbols showing warm water and bleach, no dry cleaning.

  2. Mix a bleach solution

    Prepare a solution of 8 ounces (1 cup) bleach and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) laundry detergent per gallon of clean water.

    Tip

    While it can be tempting to treat stubborn stains with a stronger bleach solution, we prefer repeated washes with this recommended ratio.

    A closeup shot of liquid bleach being poured from a white plastic jug and a spout of water to show mixing bleach solution.

  3. Apply the solution

    Spray on the entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.

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  4. Work the stain

    Remove the stain with a clean towel, sponge or very soft bristle brush.

    Hand rubbing a green cloth on red fabric will bubbles foaming

  5. Rinse the fabric

    Thoroughly rinse the fabric to remove all soap residue.

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  6. Air dry and check stains

    Allow the fabric to air dry. If the stain and/or mildew are severe, repeat the cleaning process as necessary.

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