How to Get Rid of Mold from Leather

If you own any item made out of leather, then you are well aware that mold is its number one enemy.  A mold is an airborne fungus that latches on the leather and grows on it. Once you discover the presence of mold, you need to remove it right away. Otherwise, it will be difficult to eliminate later on.

It will only spread and destroy the leather and possibly other items nearby as well. Identifying a mold can sometimes be tricky. A leather material may slightly change in color over time.

A dark stain doesn’t necessarily mean that the material is decaying. Some spots are most likely caused by stains. However, a mold has a distinct appearance, texture, and musty smell.

Molds are caused by organic materials, moisture from high humidity, and high temperature. It can stain and eat up any form of leather material. You can prevent it from developing by maintaining and storing the leather in an environment with a moderate temperature and humidity.  

There are different ways to get rid of mildew. Here are 10 easy steps to follow on how to remove mold from any leather material before it destroys your precious item entirely. This applies to different types of leather such as bags, jackets, shoes, furniture, car seats, and other items.

1. Suit up with rubber gloves, goggle, and mask to protect you from the spores released by the mold   which is harmful to our lungs. Take the leather item outside your home or car.
2. Use a dry nylon brush to scrape off the existing and loose mold. For smaller items, an old toothbrush can do the trick. Make sure that the brush you are using is clean.
3. Clean and remove all mildew and spores in your area to make sure it doesn’t transfer to other items.  
4. If brushing is not enough, another way to remove the mold is to moisten a cloth with lukewarm water and squeeze it until it is left slightly damp.
5. For finished leather, you can use soap and water to sponge off the fungus. Test it first by dipping a droplet of water into the leather. If it stains the area, avoid using soap and water.
6. Quickly wipe off the remaining mildew and avoid getting the leather too wet as it may cause more damage.  
7. Do this repeatedly until there are no remnants of the fungus. However, you must handle this gently and carefully to avoid causing damage to the leather.
8. You can also dilute alcohol with water to get rid of the mold. You should also test it first on a small portion before proceeding.
9. Allow the leather to naturally and properly dry.  
10. Once the leather is nicely dry, you can use a microfiber cloth to apply KevianClean Leather Cleaner and Conditioner. It will preserve the leather and restore it to its original condition. Since it is made of natural plant-based ingredients, it will not dry or damage the leather.

Before you proceed with cleaning the entire leather material, always test it first in a small area. This will prevent you from causing further damage to it. Make sure that you keep the leather item in a well-ventilated atmosphere to avoid mildew from coming back.

Throw away organic materials that can cause molds to appear. Invest in KevianClean Leather Cleaner to help restore your old leather into its shining glory. Most importantly, always maintain a clean environment to prevent molds from breeding in your home or vehicle.