What is Mould?

Mould is a class of fungi that can grow both indoors and outdoors. Mould spores are found in the air and on surfaces, and they can enter your home via open doors, windows, vents, and HVAC systems. Mould grows best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and it can cause health problems for people with asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions. If you suspect mould growth in your home, you should contact a mould remediation specialist to have the problem professionally evaluated and removed.

A Likely Cause of Moldy Leather

Mould is found everywhere in nature, including in our homes. It's one of the most common environmental contaminants we encounter. When you think about it, many things can cause mould to form on leather. Some people even call it "the black plague."

The fungus needs moisture, warmth, and darkness to thrive. These conditions exist naturally inside our homes, but they're often lacking in places where leather goods are kept. For example, storing your purse under a bed or in a closet won't receive enough sunlight to help prevent mould growth. Dust is another problem because it collects in dark corners and helps keep mould spores alive.

If you notice mould growing on your favourite leather item, don't panic. You probably need to clean it off. If you want to use cleaning products, ensure they're safe for leather. Many contain chemicals that could damage your leather. Instead, try rubbing the affected area with warm water and soap. Once you've cleaned up the mess, dry the surface thoroughly. This will help prevent future problems.

How to Identify Mould and Mildew

Before we talk about mould removal, let's address the common questions people often have about mould. First, both are classified as "fungi," thrive in warm and moist areas with a musty smell, and cause long-lasting health issues if left untreated. However, there's a big difference between mould and mildew.

Mould is a type of fungus that grows darkly coloured spores. This makes it easy to spot; however, it doesn't necessarily mean it's dangerous. Most mould aren't harmful at all. Instead, they're part of our environment and help break down dead plant matter.

Mildew is a fungal growth that lives on plants and causes discolouration. Unlike mould, mildew isn't usually visible unless something grows on it. So, don't assume it's mould if you see a stain on a piece of wood. Instead, look for signs of mildew growth. If you find any, use a good quality cleaner.

Tips to Know Before You Clean Moldy Leather

Before you start cleaning the mould off your leather items, there are a few things to know about how it forms and why it needs to be removed. First, let's talk about what causes mould to grow on leather. Leather is porous, which permits moisture to enter the material. This makes it prone to developing mould—however, some ways to avoid mould on your leather items include keeping them dry and clean.

The second thing we want to cover is where the mould grows. Most people think the most common place for mould to form on leather items is shoes, but it can happen anywhere. When it happens on clothing, it looks like white spots or stains. On furniture, it looks similar to black spots. In both cases, the mould is likely caused by water damage.

Next, we'll discuss the types of materials used to make leather. There are three main types of leather: cowhide, sheepskin, and goat skin. Cowhide is the softest type of leather, while goat skin is the toughest. Sheepskin falls somewhere in the middle.

 

Thing You Need to Remove Mould

In addition to the items you already have, here are some things you might want to pick up along the way. They're easy to find online and inexpensive. So it probably doesn't matter much if you don't see something listed here because you'll likely have what you need anyway.

• A soft bristle brush
• Cleaning solution
• Bucket(s)
• Gloves
• Handheld vacuum
• Lint roller
• Sponge
• Toothbrush
• Towels
• Utility knife
• Water

Materials You Need to Remove Mould

Mould thrives in conditions that are warm and humid. Therefore, if you find mould on your leather goods, removing it as soon as possible is important to prevent it from damage. Below are the materials you need to remove mould.

• Saddle soap or mild detergent
• Chlorine bleach
• Hot water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Leather conditioner
• Tissue paper
• Cotton swabs
• Clean cloths or sponges
• Oxygen bleach (optional)
• White vinegar

How to Remove Mould from Leather

Mould and mildew are often found growing on leather items. They look like black spots on leather but don't come out easily. You probably understand why if you've ever had to throw away some old leather shoes. But now that you do, there's no reason to let those pieces of history go to waste. You can ensure you won't have to throw anything away again.

The process of cleaning leather begins with a thorough inspection of the surface of the product. Is there any discolouration or damage? Do you see any signs of mould or mildew? And what about smells? Are there any unpleasant odours coming off of the leather? If you find any problems, address them instantly.

You'll want to start by soaking the item in warm water if the leather looks clean. This helps loosen up dirt and grime. Once the item is soaked, use a soft brush to scrub it gently. A toothbrush works well, too, but avoid harsh bristles. Make sure to work from the outside toward the centre of the item.

After washing:

1. Dry the leather thoroughly.
2. Use a lint roller to keep the area clean.
3. Apply a leather cleaner to restore the shine.
4. Don't forget to check the shoe's interior for stains or damage.

Cleaning leather isn't limited to leather products like shoes, jackets, belts, bags, gloves, wallets, leather garments, and furniture can benefit from a good cleaning.

Please treat it with a leather protector once the leather is cleaned and ready to wear again. Leather protectors contain oils that help prevent moisture and bacteria from penetrating the leather. Apply the protector liberally and allow it to dry completely. Afterwards, wipe down the leather with a damp cloth to ensure the oil stays where it belongs.

You might think you've done everything possible to keep your leather looking great, but sometimes things happen. For example, sometimes mould and mildew show up on leather without warning. Fortunately, there are methods to remove mould and mildew stains from leather.

First, try blotting the stain with a paper towel. If that doesn't work, soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and dab it onto the spot. Allow the alcohol to evaporate before applying another layer of cotton balls. Repeat this step as necessary until the stain disappears.

If you still aren't satisfied, consider trying a commercial leather cleaner. These cleaners usually include soap, detergent, and enzymes to break down staining agents. Follow the instructions carefully, and you should be able to remove mould from the leather.

Tips to Prevent Mould from Damaging Leather