Tips

How to Clean Moldy Leather Goods

Clothes and leather bags may be beautiful and luxurious, but they are also prone to mold if not properly maintained. In such cases, it is essential to clean them correctly to avoid damaging the item.

Administrator

9 January, 2024

123

Clothing, leather bags are preferred by many people because of their luxury and trendiness. However, after a period of use, leather items often have mold spots and an unpleasant odor.

Ways to clean moldy leather items

Moldy leather bags, shoes, and clothes can be caused by being stored in a damp place, getting wet, or poor storage. The following ways to clean moldy leather items will help you solve this problem and restore the original perfection of the items.

Use leather spray

This is the easiest and most convenient method, suitable for those who don’t have much time and aren’t very skillful. You just need to buy a leather spray bottle, spray it on the surface of the bag, leather clothes, especially areas that are moldy. After you take the leather item out and let it air dry in a cool place for about 24 hours, the mold spots will disappear and you can use it as normal.

This method only has short-term effects, so you need to regularly clean and spray leather items to keep them always new and clean.

Use dishwashing liquid

This is a cost-saving method to clean moldy leather items, the ingredients are always available so you can apply it anytime.

After preparing a soft-bristled brush, soft cloth or old toothbrush, warm water, dishwashing liquid, and alcohol, you proceed with the following steps:

– Check for mold spots, then gently brush them with the brush.

– Mix 4 cups of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bowl, stir well to create a soapy solution.

– Dip a soft cloth or cotton pad into the solution you just made, gently rub the moldy leather area about 2-3 times until the mold spots disappear, then stop.

– Use a cloth soaked in a mixture of water and alcohol, use that cloth to dry the leather surface again. Let the leather bag air dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight.

The method of cleaning moldy leather items will help them return to their original shine. (Photo: Istock)

Use vinegar

You mix a small amount of vinegar with warm water, dip a soft cloth or sponge into this solution, then gently wipe the leather surface and let it air dry in a cool place.

Use shoe polish

To apply the method of cleaning moldy leather items with shoe polish, besides a shoe polish tin, you need to prepare a soft cotton pad or cloth, alcohol diluted with warm water. Dip the cloth or cotton pad in the mixture of alcohol diluted with warm water, wipe the bag or leather clothes vertically until the mold spots fade and disappear completely. Then, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe it again and let the item air dry in a well-ventilated place.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a specialized cleaning agent that is cheap, easy to buy, and does not harm leather items.

To treat mold spots on leather items, you just need to dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of warm water, then use a cloth or soft cotton pad to directly wipe the moldy area, use a dry cloth to wipe it and let it dry naturally.

How to prevent leather items from getting moldy?

As mentioned above, moldy leather items are caused by being stored in a damp place, humid climate, or improper storage. Therefore, you should note the following things to keep leather items clean and mold-free:

– Stuff paper inside the leather bag: If you don’t use the leather bag for a long time, you should place paper or old newspapers inside to help absorb moisture and maintain the original shape of the bag.

– Clean the bag regularly: To prevent the leather bag from getting moldy, always keep it clean, you should maintain the habit of cleaning the bag with a damp cloth and then let it air dry naturally.

– Store leather items in a stable temperature environment. Leather clothes need to be dry-cleaned, not exposed directly to sunlight, and not dried using a dryer. Leather clothes should be hung in a ventilated wardrobe, spacious space, without being compressed.

– Pay attention to the weather: When the weather is humid or rainy, you should not wear leather clothes or carry leather bags outside; if unfortunately it rains, you should immediately put on a raincoat and put the leather bag in a sealed nylon bag to avoid getting wet by rainwater.

According to VTC