Mould, a growing issue!
You may have seen recently on the news the issue that many Australians are facing after the unprecedented rain we’ve had in the past 6 months is mould growing on everything. Due to the nature of how we use bean bags, it is important to take steps early to prevent this happening with your covers.
While our fabrics are mould resistant, It is impossible to avoid mould in our naturally humid climates. We are aware that this year the rainfall in our country, particularly on the East Coast of Australia there has been unusual weather occurrences that have seen high levels of rain and moisture in the air for months. These conditions are perfect for mould growth and we want to help you keep your covers in good condition and as free from mould as possible.
4 major reasons your Bean Bags will grow mould on them:
Dirt, food, sunscreen, sweat and natural oils on our skin: These common substances are the main cause of mould growth on bean bag covers. To reduce the likelihood of mould and mildew appearing on your bean bag covers, ensure that you regularly clean the covers and wash them thoroughly if food is spilt on them.
Humid Climate: If you live in a naturally humid climate, you have to be mindful that mould will grow on most surfaces. To reduce the chance of this occurring it is important to store your soft furnishings when they are clean and dry in a well-ventilated area.
Surface mould nearby: Mould on surface tiles/concrete and nearby walls will spread to your bean bag covers. If you see mould on your flooring or walls, treat it quickly and thoroughly and use a preventative measure like eucalyptus spray on your covers to reduce the chance of the mould spores spreading to your beanbags.
Storage when wet or dirty: The most common place to store your outdoor beanbags is in the pool or garden shed. Unfortunately this is also often dark and damp – the perfect conditions for mould and mildew growth. We recommend to reduce the likelihood and severity of mould growth in your covers that you separate your covers from your inner liner with filling, wash and dry your covers thoroughly and store them inside. Store your bean bag fill in its liner somewhere well ventilated.
What to do when mould appears on your bean bag cover:
The most important thing to do when you see mould starting to grow on your cover is to - Act quickly!
If your beanbag covers are mouldy then we suggest the following cleaning tips:
- Firstly, wipe any surface mould off with a wet cloth that you can then dispose of, environmentally friendly baby wipes are a good option.
- Once the surface mould is off, clean the covers with warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush.
- Once your surface is cleaned then use your mould cleaning product of choice and follow the instructions on the product. Common products include Oxygen bleach, Exit Mould, Mould Power, Eucalyptus oil, Clove Oil.
- Once the mould is removed, we recommend drying your product thoroughly and then spraying lightly with Eucalyptus oil. Allow the cover to dry thoroughly again prior to use.
- If the mould is heavily ingrained in the covers you may need to do a bleach wash. Whilst this is effective, we recommend minimising the amount of times that you do this as it will reduce the lifespan of your fabric if done too often.
Bleach wash instructions: We recommend an Oxygen based bleach to maintain the integrity of your fabric.
- Put your cover into the washing machine and do a cold-water wash with a cup full of bleach.
- Use a slow spin cycle to prevent damage to the fabric.
- Hang your bean bag on the line to dry thoroughly.
- Once dry, spray lightly with eucalyptus oil as a preventative measure.