How to Remove Mold from Leather: Step-By-Step Guide
Guide to Remove Mold From Leather
Leather is a natural material and no doubt it looks great but it can be a bit difficult to maintain the leather as it is prone to developing Mold and mildew, especially in moist environments. Many people are unaware of how to remove the mold from leather and end up throwing away their favorite leather briefcase, leather jacket or other leather accessories due to this reason.
We have this detailed guide on how to remove mold from leather in a step-by-step method. After going through this detailed guide, you will be able to easily remove any molds from your favorite leather messenger, totes, shoes or even your car seat covers.
How to Remove Mold from Leather?
Once you discover molds on your leather item, it is best to act as early as possible because the leather molds spread very fast and the more it spreads the more stains, discoloration, or odour it might leave on the leather surface. You can follow the below-listed steps to remove mold from leather.
Preparation : Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves to prevent yourself from direct contact with the mold fungus. Check the intensity of mold damage to choose the correct product for removing mold. If the mold is very less then you choose a mixture of soap and water. If the mold damage is very high then you can work with a mixture of vinegar and water or rubbing alcohol and water.
Brush Off the Loose Mould : You can use a soft brush or cloth to remove the dry mold from the surface and start with a clean surface. Make sure to do this step at a place where the mold does not spread to any other products.
Prepare Cleaning Solution : Mix equal parts of water with soap, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol as per the requirement mentioned in the first step. Then transfer it to a spray bottle.
Do a Patch Test : Take a small amount of this solution on a clean cloth and apply it to a less visible area of your leather products to check for any discoloration. Once you are satisfied, proceed to the next step.
Clean the Molded Areas : Spray the solution on the molded areas and use a cloth to clean the leather surface. Make sure to not soak up the leather with too much solution. Work with only one or two sprays of this solution.
Let it Dry : After cleaning, clean the leather with a dry soft cloth to remove any excess solution from the surface. Let the product dry naturally in a ventilated space. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight and do not use a hair dryer or anything to expedite the process.
Condition the Leather : Once the leather is dried, apply some leather conditioner on the leather with the help of a clean cloth and allow it to dry naturally. The conditioner will help to restore the moisture and will also help to prevent future molding of leather.
Molds are a type of fungus that grows in moist and humid environments making leather a very easy target for growing. Like most of the fungus, leather molds are also harmful. Molds can grow on leather surfaces and can cause permanent discoloration, staining, and bad odor. If left untreated for a long time then it can also weaken the leather fibres and do permanent damage to the leather.
The mold can also spread to surrounding areas or items if not noticed on time. Leather molds can also cause allergic reactions in some people who are sensitive to molds. It can also cause respiratory issues in some people that is why it is advised to get rid of molds as soon as possible.
Can Moldy Leather be Saved?
Yes, Moldy leather can be saved if noticed before the complete deterioration of leather. It is advised to act as soon as possible to reverse the leather mold damage. You can follow the steps mentioned above to treat the molded leather or you can also take the leather product to a professional in case the damage is beyond your repair.
What Kills 100% of Mold?
Killing 100% molds can be difficult because the leather is a porous material and is very prone to fungus development. Rubbing alcohol and vinegar both have antimicrobial properties and hence they are both effective in killing molds to a great extent. There are also many commercial mold cleaners available in the market that are effective in cleaning molds.
It is best to take preventive measures to prevent leather from getting moldy and treat the molds as soon as you notice them.
How to Prevent Molds on Leather?
There are several ways by which you can ensure the leather does not get moldy.
Store the leather items in a dry and ventilated area. Avoid moist and humid areas for storing your leather items.
Clean and condition the leather regularly to avoid developing molds. You can also follow our detailed guide on how to clean and maintain leather.
Avoid direct contact with water as moisture can trigger mold growth. If the leather gets wet, make sure to dry it as soon as possible and seal it with a conditioner.
Use a leather mold protective spray on the leather to create a barrier between leather and fungus so it does not grow when it comes in contact with the leather surface. There are many commercial sprays available in the market to consider.
It can be very disheartening to find your favorite leather items covered with mold but be aware that you can still save them from irreversible damage using simple ingredients available at home like soap, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. We hope that our guide will help in saving your loved leather items from being eaten by mold.
Make sure to follow each step to remove mold and to further prevent it from molding in future.
