🦠 Keeping Your Curtains Mould-Free This Winter

Tips from Blinds InStyle, Whangārei – Your Local Window Treatment Experts

As the chill of winter settles in, many homes across Northland begin to face an unwanted guest—mould and mildew. With fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures, less sunlight, and plenty of moisture in the air, condensation can build up quickly. Curtains and blinds, especially those made from absorbent fabrics, can easily become a breeding ground.

At Blinds InStyle, we’re here to help you protect your window furnishings and keep your home feeling warm, dry, and healthy.

💧 What Causes Mould and Mildew on Curtains?

Mould thrives in moist, warm environments—and your windows are the perfect spot. As your home warms up during the day, moisture from activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing becomes trapped in the air. Curtains, being soft and porous, absorb that moisture. When temperatures drop at night, the dampness settles back into the fabric, creating the ideal environment for mould to grow.

🔍 Mould vs Mildew – What’s the Difference?

• Mildew grows on the surface of fabrics and is typically easier to treat.

• Mould, on the other hand, can penetrate deep into fabric and materials, making it harder to remove.

• Fresh mould tends to appear orangey or red, while the black spots you see are dormant spores, waiting for warmth to reactivate.

🌧 Where Is All This Moisture Coming From?

You might be surprised to learn how much moisture we generate inside our homes! From showers and cooking to drying clothes indoors and even unflued gas heaters, our daily routines contribute significantly to humidity levels—especially during the colder months.

✅ How to Prevent Moisture Build-Up & Protect Your Curtains

Here are our top tips to minimise dampness and stop mould in its tracks:

• 💨 Ventilate daily – crack open north-facing windows for natural airflow.

• 💧 Use a dehumidifier – and empty it often! You’ll be shocked at what it pulls from the air.

• 🌬️ Install a home ventilation system – to keep air moving throughout your home.

• 🛁 Add a ShowerDome and extractor fan to your bathroom.

• 🍳 Use rangehoods and pot lids while cooking.

• 👕 Ensure your dryer vents outdoors – not inside.

• 🪟 Widen curtain brackets to keep fabric away from windows and improve air circulation.

• 🧽 Clean window surrounds regularly and check for any leaks or plumbing issues.

• 🧺 Wash soft furnishings frequently and wipe down high-moisture zones.

• 🌡️ Maintain consistent indoor temperatures to avoid sudden condensation.

• 🪵 Insulate your home – start with ceilings and underfloor, then move to walls and windows.

🧼 How to Treat Mould on Curtains

• For light mildew, a mix of white vinegar and water can help. Always spot test first!

• For heavier mould, consult the fabric’s care label. Some cases may require professional cleaning—or replacement if the damage is extensive.

🪟 Time for a Curtain or Blind Upgrade?

If your curtains have suffered mould damage or you're just ready for a fresh look, we can help! Browse our custom window furnishings:

• 🪟 Curtains & S-Fold Wave Drapes

• 🛋️ Blockout Roller Blinds

• ☀️ Light Filtering & Sunscreen Blinds

• 🔄 Dual Roller Blinds

📍 Based in Whangārei, we service homes from Waipū to Kerikeri and bring our full fabric collection to you!

📞 Book a Free In-Home Consultation

Let us help you choose the right solution for your space.📞 Call 0800 448 930 or Book Online