I just realized that a chair I own similar to this one has white spots (on black fabric) that look like mold to me.
Ignoring how it got there for the purposes of this thread (I think I just sat back in it while my back was wet from sweat or something, expecting it to dry; apparently it didn’t), what’s the best course of action here? I’m getting a wide range of cleaning options and opinions online (including differing opinions on whether it’s possible to clean and how dangerous the mold is), so I’m hoping asking live people is more focused.
(Bonus question: the model of chair I have is a years old version of what’s in my link. Anyone know offhand whether I can buy just the cushion part and not the frame, and whether it’ll fit the frame I have?)
Hypochlorous spray. But - is there any way to detach the fabric? It would be best if you could remove the fabric and wash it in a washing machine with anti-mold additive like EC3.
My taps in my bathroom sink have a small amount of green mold growing around them (presumably because there is some slight water leakage.)
Is there a safe product that will eliminate the mold?
Just clean it like you would any type of fabric upholstry. Soap and water and then extraction. If you do not have a fabric/carpet cleaning machine or wet vac, just pat dry with absorbent rags.
Bleach is not a reliable way to kill mold spores. In the restoration industry broad spectrum antmicrobials like Benefect are used. This stuff is very expensive and Benefect in particular is very strong smelling. The health hazards of mold are mostly due to allergic reactions so killing it is only a half measure. What you need to do is remove it, and that is not hard. Just clean it.
You do not want live mold in you home of course, but you can not escape mold completely. It is everywhere. Every time you open the door you let mold spores in your home. Most likely you are breathing in mold spores right now.
That’s probably algae on your sink faucet. Nothing beats Comet and a scrubby sponge and elbow grease.
Are you on well water?
The chair back? Clean it as best you can. Can’t really use bleach on fabric(you’ll be sorry if you do). Asking the experts? Would sunlight help with the chair? When you get it clean, use a towel as an antimacassar.
Extraction of the moisture, you mean? I don’t need vinegar or anything?
Right. I mainly asked because some instructions online treat mold cleaning like you’re dealing with a biohazard that could infect you, the clothes you wear during the process, and your general environment. I get caution in case you have medical issues, and spreading the mold may be a concern, but some just felt a little paranoid about everything.
I would spritz an un-seeable area with some vinegar and let it sit, see if it does anything to the color. If not, I’d then spritz the moldy part with some vinegar and let it sit. Then go back over it with some dish soap and warm water and a plastic scrubby or a toothbrush, then let it air dry.
Yes, remove the water/ soap / mold and dirt. You want to get rid of it as much as possible. I dont think you need anything special. If you can put in outside in a nice breeze to dry out quickly that is good.
If you handle it wet, particles do not get released into the air easily. An N95 mask is a common precaution.
Mold is a real issue, but I think it is way overblown most of the time. Its It is like common bacteria in your home. Its always there. Keep your home clean but you can not, nor should you make it sterile.
Mold needs something organic to eat. That can be as simple as the dust that is in every home, or the actual fabric if it is natural. Most of the time it is just going to be growing on the surface, feeding on dust. It will turn to powder as it dries and so is usually easy to clean.
My only caveat is If the fabric is natural and degraded, then you should probably just throw the item out. If we were assessing a water damage claim, and we saw mold on an upholstered item we would list it as non salvageable. If it is in my own home and its cleanable, Im just cleaning it.
IKEA sells all kinds of replacement cushions for that chair, from fabric to leather.
Turn your chair over and see if there is a model number or name. I’ve always found IKEA’s customer service to be very responsive and helpful.
If that doesn’t work and the vinegar solution and sunlight doesn’t either, just cruise your local FB Marketplace for a replacement IKEA poang chair. I bought one two months ago, with a vegan leather cushion and a matching footstool for $20. I see them there all the time.
You get the credit for this. Also a great idea. Our mothers and grandmothers used to “air things out” regularly. I think the benefit there was as much the sunlight as the fresh air.
You would have laughed watching me bring home that chair in my venerable old Suburu Outback, but “if it fits, I sits” works for recycled chairs and creaky old ladies too.