Leather is one of the most challenging materials to clean without damaging it. So, when mold or mildew makes its way onto your favorite leather item, you already know it’s going to be a long day. How to clean mold off leather may seem like a chore, but it is quite easy if you use the proper techniques and cleaning supplies to get the job done.
To clean moldy leather or suede, a variation of leather, shy away from harsh chemical cleaners that will ruin your suede. It’s a hard thing to do when bleach tends to be the go-to cleaner for obliterating mold. Fortunately, bleach is not the only cleaning agent out there that effectively and safely removes mold.
Before you get started removing the mold from your leather items, here are a few additional tips to help you along the way. If you are unsure whether you should treat the spot on your shoe as mold or mildew or what supplies are necessary when cleaning, these helpful cleaning tips will answer your questions.
When cleaning mold off of leather, always start with safety first. To get rid of mold at home on your own, wear rubber gloves and a mask to prevent mold spores from getting anywhere on or in your body.
Some other supplies you may need when cleaning are listed here.
When used with the cleaning solutions and strategies below, these supplies will clean mold from even the most delicate leather fabrics. Whenever possible, wash your leather goods outdoors to avoid spreading mold spores inside your home. Sunlight is also a great aid in killing mold.
You should have your cleaning equipment ready and in hand. Whether you are trying to clean your leather furniture, shoes, or that jaw-dropping leather jacket, these steps show you the proper way to clean them.
To clean leather, start by removing as many loose mold particles as possible. To do this, you will need a bristled brush and a vacuum cleaner. Depending on the amount of mold present on your item, you may only need to use one.
Start by gently scrubbing the brush along the surface of the leather. If cleaning inside, make sure you sweep up or vacuum the area around where you are cleaning. Once you have finished removing as much mold from the surface of the leather as possible, run your vacuum cleaner over the same area with one of the upholstery attachments to collect any additional particles.
Once you’ve thoroughly prepped your leather, it’s time to add a gentle cleaning agent such as a mild soap. This safe leather cleaner may be a dish soap or laundry detergent that is free of all additives like bleaching agents, fragrances, or dyes. To use this homemade mold remover, apply the soapy water to a soft cloth or sponge first, and then smooth over the surface of your leather. Avoid soaking your item, as this may cause permanent damage to the leather instead of salvaging it. After every swipe of the damp cloth, use another dry one to absorb the moisture.
For unfinished leather, clean using saddle soap instead. After you have safely removed the entire mold from the leather item, apply a leather conditioner to protect it. Let the unfinished leather piece air dry. However, keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and discoloring the leather.
Now you are ready to move on to a spot treatment and handle those challenging mold and mildew stains. One of the best solutions to remove mold from leather is using white vinegar. Vinegar is a highly effective disinfectant and cleaning agent known to kill most kinds of fungi, including black mold.
While the odor of this cleaner may not be the most pleasant at first, it will remove the musty smell often associated with mold, as well. Try this natural mold and mildew cleaner recipe before going on to more potentially damaging types of cleaners.
To remove mildew and mold using this technique, mix the two ingredients in a small spray bottle. Do not spray the leather directly. Instead, spray a cleaning cloth with the solution, then gently dab at the area until the mold is gone. As with soap, absorb the cleaner with a dry cloth before setting it somewhere to air dry. Always test a small section of the fabric first to ensure the vinegar does not discolor the leather or otherwise harm it.
Another solution for removing mold stains is cleaning leather with alcohol. Another powerful disinfectant, rubbing alcohol works great on most leather goods, including couches, purses, and leather shoes. Like vinegar, test a small area first, since the rubbing alcohol may bleach part of the leather. When cleaning your items, dilute the alcohol in warm water. Once the rubbing alcohol solution is thoroughly mixed, apply a small amount of the cleanser to a cotton ball. Gently blot the cotton ball over the moldy area, being careful not to saturate the material. Allow it to air dry on its own, then repeat as necessary.
Try this recipe to get marker off leather, too. Alcohol is quite effective at removing permanent marker and ink stains even on delicate materials like leather. Now, you have a full-proof plan to remove mold from all your favorite suede and leather goods. When spot cleaning, you don’t have to use both options.
However, both provide an excellent resource if one doesn’t do the trick. Either way, you have a backup plan and a new strategy for cleaning leather.
It’s unsettling to know that mold only needs one spore to start its colony. Before you clean up your mold-infested leather things, you need to take them outside. That way, you can prevent the spores from spreading to other areas of your house.
For the initial cleaning, you need to use either a soft-bristled brush or a dry clean cloth to brush away the spores. Discard these items in storage boxes if they’re made out of any type of paper.
Use a solution of mild detergent and warm water and put it in a small plastic container or bucket. It’s much better if you use leather saddle soap instead if you have it on hand.
Wipe down the entire leather surface, including its interior, using a clean cloth or sponge soaked with the solution. For the soapy residue, you need to use a separate cloth soaked in plain water to wipe it away. Place the items on a flat surface to air dry.
Learning how to remove mold from leather starts with good prevention. Start by controlling the environment in the areas where you store your leather items. Ensure that you control the temperature, humidity, and airflow as much as you can. Keep your storage area as clean as you can.
Mold thrives on natural products as a means of feeding and reproducing. That’s why your dirty clothes with food or mud debris are perfect sites for mold colony growth, so don’t try storing a soiled item. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture levels in your home. If you want to go the extra mile, you should start waterproofing foundations and other areas susceptible to dampness.
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