Clean Mold from Leather

Whether you’re dealing with furniture, cars, shoes, or jackets, mold and mildew stains on leather must be dealt with immediately. Be gentle as you clean your leather goods and be sure to test any cleaners -- household or otherwise -- before applying to the entirety of the stain.

Steps

Cleaning Suede and Nubuck

1. Apply a layer of petroleum jelly. Test the effect of the petroleum jelly on a small area that won’t be noticeable. Apply the petroleum jelly on the moldy areas creating only a thin layer. You may also use a suede cleaner but read the label of the cleaning product to ensure that it works on mold and mildew.
   • Nubuck can easily change colour so make sure the cleaning product you use has been tested before applying.
2. Apply rubbing alcohol with water. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water for stronger stains. If the mold remains after you have tried using jelly or suede cleaner, add the water and rubbing alcohol mixture onto the fabric.
   • Test the rubbing alcohol mixture on a small portion of the mold stain to ensure that it does not change the colour of the material.
3. Wipe away the mildew. Moisten a soft cloth rag or sponge with water. Rub the jelly or suede cleaner into the material gently with the cloth rag or sponge. Do the same with the rubbing alcohol mixture for stronger mold stains.
   • Repeat the process as necessary but do not use force if the stain refuses to go away. You could damage the material if you aren’t careful.
4. Allow the material to dry. Set the material aside for the suede or nubuck to dry completely. Use a suede brush to restore the texture. A suede brush can be purchased online or at your local shoe store.
   • If your material is still stained with mold, consult a professional suede cleaner.

Removing with Soap

1. Remove loose mold. Using a brush with soft bristles, remove any loose mold from the material. Try to remove mold outdoors to avoid scattering spores of mildew within your home. Make sure to wash your brush before using if it is old.
2. Vacuum the leather. Remove mold from panels or creases with the hose of your vacuum. Dispose of the vacuum contents immediately as you don’t want the spores of the mold to spread. Remove the mold from your home as soon as possible.
3. Soap your material. Make sure your leather has a finish otherwise avoid getting it wet. Finished leather means that there is a coating of pigment atop. Use a sponge to apply thick soap thuds onto the mold and use a damp cloth to wipe it away.
   • Avoid getting leather overly wet or you might damage it.
   • Test whether you have stained leather by dropping a tiny amount of water on to it. If the water darkens or stains the area, do not proceed with soap or water. If the mold is near zippers, the fungi or bacteria may have moved to the inner layer of your cushion or clothing. Treat the inner layer as well or replace cushions completely.
4. Wipe with diluted alcohol. Dip a cloth in a mixture of 1 cup denatured or isopropyl alcohol and 4 cups water. Gently wipe your material with the cloth to remove remaining mildew. Do not soak the material. Let the leather dry thoroughly.
   • Again, only use diluted if you are sure it is finished leather. Make sure to test a tiny portion of the leather before applying the alcohol mixture. Even if you are dealing with finished leather, the alcohol mixture can still damage it.
5. Airing the frame (Optional.) Air out the inner portions of a furniture frame if you suspect mold has crept past the upholstery. Be sure to open the underside dust cover and call a disinfecting and fumigating service if the mold is severe.
   • Inquire if the disinfecting service has an “ozone chamber”. If so, ask to have your furniture placed inside for a minimum of 48 hours.

Removing with Vinegar

1. Dry brush the surface. Using a stiff nylon brush, dry brush the material to remove as much mold and mildew from the surface as you can. Mold spores spread easily so try to do this outdoors so you don’t spread the mold.
2. Apply a vinegar-water mixture. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and test the solution on a tiny part of the material. If the colour doesn’t change, continue to clean the mold off with the mixture. Do not over saturate the material.
3. Wipe clean and dry. Dip a soft cloth in the vinegar mixture and gently clean the material. Do not use force as you may damage it. Set the material aside and let dry.
   • This method commonly works well for leather shoes but can be applied to other leather goods as long as you test how the vinegar mixture affects it to make sure there is no discoloration.

Cleaning Unfinished Leather

1. Apply a saddle soap. Saddle soap can be purchased online or at a leather goods store. Use only about a dime-sized portion on a damp sponge or cloth rag. Work the saddle soap into the cracks of the leather by creating a light lather.
   • Test to see if you are dealing with unfinished leather by dropping a tiny amount of water on an inconspicuous spot. If the spot darkens or changes color, you are dealing with unfinished leather.
   • Read the label of your cleaner and test a small amount on an inconspicuous spot on the leather. Unfinished leather can be damaged easily because it is very porous and the wrong cleaner can easily penetrate beneath the surface and damage it.
   • Always avoid using these cleaning products on unfinished leather:
     • Detergents
     • Household soaps including hand soap, facial cleansers, and dishwashing soap
     • Hand creams or lotions
     • Hand wipes or baby wipes
     • Lanolin creams
     • Rubbing alcohol
2. Wipe the leather clean. Wipe off the soap with another damp cloth. Wipe away the residue to thoroughly clean the material. Do not apply too much force as you may damage the material.
3. Allow the leather to dry. Let the saddle soap dry overnight but do not expose the material to the sun as it may cause the leather to fade. Avoid direct heat sources and allow the leather to air dry.
4. Condition the leather. Treat the leather with a conditioner once dry. Remember to test the condition on an inconspicuous portion of the material. Read the label to ensure the cleaner is right for your leather. Mink oil works well with most unfinished leather. Purchase conditioners are your local leather goods store or shoe store.
   • Conditioning helps protect the leather from damage and helps it retain its look.

Tips

• Use a dehumidifier to prevent the build of of moisture, which breeds the mold and mildew. Dehumidifiers can be found in a a variety of sizes and prices.
• Treat mildew and mold as soon as you discover it as it may penetrate deep into cushions or materials. Severe cases may cause irreversible damage.
• Contact the manufacturer of your leather product for a list of recommended cleaning products. Some manufacturers may offer their own cleaning service.

Warnings

• Mold in your furniture may be extremely difficult to clean. Replace cushions or the furniture itself if you’re dealing with a severe case.
• Sunshine naturally kills mildew but be aware it may also discolour leather if not properly treated.

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Sources and Citations

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