How to Get Mold Off Leather
If you have an heirloom-quality leather tote or shoulder bag, it's among your most prized possessions, right? But like all leather goods, it's susceptible to mold growth. High humidity, organic matter, poor maintenance, and a lack of ventilation can turn your treasured leather piece into a breeding ground for mold.
Let us help you identify, remove, and prevent mold on your leather, ensuring that your bag remains in top condition for years.
But First, Safety Precautions
Before beginning any mold inspection or removal process, prioritize your safety. Mold spores can be harmful when inhaled or when they come into contact with skin. Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask, and ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. This helps prevent the spread of mold spores and reduces your risk of exposure.
How to Identify Mold on Leather
The first step in treating mold on leather is distinguishing it from dirt or discoloration. Mold often appears as fuzzy white, green, or black spots and emits a musty odor.
Accurately identifying mold is essential to avoid unnecessary cleaning—any amount of handling subjects your leather item to wear and tear. Always inspect the leather item closely before proceeding with treatment.
Mold vs. Mildew
Although many people use mold and mildew interchangeably, they're distinct. Mold typically appears as green or black splotches and deeply penetrates leather. At the same time, mildew tends to be yellow, white, or gray and grows on the surface. Both can damage leather and pose health risks, so don't delay when dealing with either.
Remove the Mold
Once you've identified mold, the first step is to remove the loose spores. Take the leather item outside and gently brush off the mold with a soft-bristled brush or dry cloth. This prevents the spores from spreading indoors and prepares the leather for further cleaning.
How to Use Cleaning Solutions
Next, you will want to clean your leather. However, it's worth checking with your product's manufacturer first for their recommendations since certain types of leather tolerate cleaning differently.
Various cleaning solutions can effectively remove mold from leather:
- Mild soap & water: Mix equal parts water and mild soap or leather cleaner. This solution is suitable for mild mold infestations.
- White vinegar solution: For more stubborn mold, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water is effective. Vinegar's acidity helps kill the mold spores.
- Alcohol & water: Combine equal parts rubbing alcohol and water for a strong mold remover. This solution disinfects while also cleaning.
Before applying any cleaning solution, it is crucial to test it on a small, inconspicuous leather area. This will help you ensure the solution won't cause discoloration or severe damage, which would be disappointing and defeat the purpose of eradicating the mold in the first place. If the leather responds well, you can clean the entire mold-affected area.
Apply the chosen cleaning solution using a soft cloth or sponge, gently wiping the leather surface. Avoid soaking the leather — excess moisture will lead to further damage. After cleaning the item, rinse the area with a separate cloth dipped in clean water to remove any residue.
Dry & Condition Your Leather
Finally, pat the leather dry with a soft cloth and allow it to air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Once the leather is completely dry, you might consider applying a leather conditioner to restore moisture, protect the material, and prevent future mold growth.
Latico doesn't recommend using a conditioner on our leather goods, emphasizing the importance of first checking with your product's manufacturer for specific care instructions.
Store Your Leather Properly
Store your leather items in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area to prevent mold from returning. Avoid storing leather in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture. Instead, use breathable materials to fully dry the items before storage. Placing silica gel packs in storage areas can help absorb excess moisture.
Don't Forget Regular Maintenance
Don't just clean your item, store it, and forget it. Regular cleaning and conditioning are essential to ensure you don't reencounter mold growth.
After each use, wipe down your leather items with a dry cloth to remove dust or debris. If they really need it, you might use a slightly damp cloth (use very little moisture!) and then allow them to dry thoroughly. Store them as you usually would.
Periodically inspect your leather goods for early signs of mold and address any issues immediately.
Specialized Care for Specific Leather Items
Different items may require specific leather care:
- Leather furniture: Use water and alcohol to clean the mold, then allow the item to dry thoroughly and apply conditioner.
- Leather clothing & shoes: Clean the item with a diluted vinegar solution, let it dry completely, and then condition it to restore its natural oils.
- Leather car seats: Clean the car seat with an alcohol-water mixture, dry thoroughly, and apply a leather conditioner.
How to Prevent Future Mold Growth
Prevention is always better than a cure. Maintain proper storage conditions, regularly clean your leather items, and use products to prevent mold. Leather conditioners and mold prevention sprays can create a protective barrier against mold spores, keeping your leather goods in excellent condition for years.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your leather item is valuable or the mold is extensive, skip the above steps and consult a professional leather cleaner right away. They have the expertise and tools to treat extra-bad instances of mold without risking further damage. At the very least, they can tell you whether or not your leather item is salvageable. Fingers crossed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes white mold on leather?
White mold on leather is caused by fungi that thrive on dampened surfaces. It could affect wallpaper, paintings, leather items, and fabrics. These organisms utilize the moisture in the atmosphere and organic substances to proliferate into colonies, often referred to as mildew.
How can I eliminate mold from a leather handbag?
Begin by emptying your leather shoulder bag and lightly brushing it off. Then, mix vinegar, lemon juice, or disinfectant with water. Dampen a cloth in the concoction and gently swipe it over the mold-infected section. Avoid excessively drenching your cloth — it should merely be damp.
Is it possible to rescue leather from mold?
It's often possible to rescue leather from mold. Begin by treating the mold-infected spots with soapy water. Then, cleanse again with a vinegar solution. Dry the item well with a fresh, soft cloth, and apply a mold inhibitor explicitly meant for leather.
Can vinegar be used to clean leather?
Creating a natural leather cleaning solution involves combining equal parts of white vinegar and warm water. Its potency removes dirt and ensures no harm is inflicted on the leather. However, avoiding making your leather overly wet is vital, as it could cause damage.
Is using Dawn soap to clean leather recommended?
If a stain persists, blotting with a towel lightly dipped in a blend of water and mild dishwashing soap (like Dawn or Palmolive) is an effective remedy. However, avoid vigorous scrubbing, as it can inflict irreparable damage. Once you're finished, thoroughly dry the spot using a fresh cloth.