How do you clean mold from leather?

Question

I have a pair of cowboy boots that were in storage and now have mold on them. Help!

Kittin Khaouss · Answer

Depends on the condition of the boot. Assuming that the finish is undamaged meaning there is no cuts or places that appear like suede.

1. use a diluted liquid laundry soap and lots of water.
2. 10% bleach to water to kill any remaining mold.
3. allow to dry 
4. use a diluted liquid laundry soap and lots of water second time lightly do not soak
5. use some unscented hand lotion to add 'good' oil to moisturize the skin (leather) Not a lot again you do not need to soak it.
6. Use clear clear Kiwi polish and shine as directed.

Diane Jackson · Answer

Thank you I will try it. Not really anything to lose.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

Use murphy's oil soap on them. We purchase the can type that comes as a solid. Using a damp sponge we rub into the soap then rub the leather. There is liquid Murphy's soap that works, but it does not last as long. The liquid was normally used on greasy kitchen cabinets or dirty floors. What ever you do, do not use water as it can ruin the leather as it absorbs it. We use this all the time on our saddles and tack. Works like a charm. Once done depending upon the quality of the leather you may want to get some leather conditioner to soak into the surface. We use mineral oil on older saddles and it keeps them soft.

Adrianne C · Answer

I'd use Murphy's Oil Soap, then wax them.

Karen · Answer

Two leather bomber jackets in a closet that weren't being worn. But was surprised to find mold on them! These are expensive jackets, the leather was so butterly soft. I tried either the Clorox or Lysol sheets and didn't touch that mold.* I left them both outside on the covered deck and south side of house, for a month - nothing. I talked to a dry cleaner in area, it was going to cost $45 each to clean them and an additional $10 each to treat the mold, with NO guarantee. Since I had nothing to lose (spouse grew out of them) I decided I would throw them in the washer w/some detergent(liquid) using warm water and go for broke.

I was really hoping that it wouldn't hurt my washer. Needn't worry, washer was fine, and the coats looked - wet. Was afraid to put in dryer (didn't want to hurt the dryer, even on delicate). Put them outside in the sun, brought them in the for night, back out the next day turned inside out, and again today. There is not one spot of mildew/mold on them! They look almost new. They are soft and the brown one had a few pin sized white spots where the leather flaked off, but nothing that would be noticed unless you were up close looking for it.

Do I suggest or guarantee that it would work for everyone. No. But I wasn't going to pay someone to clean it and treat the mold w/o a guarantee. It was going into the trash if it didn't work. But it did - and if I want to donate it to a charity, I can without worrying about the mold/mildew growing elsewhere.

I have since cleaned out the closets(with bleach water), washed 2 corduroy blazers, which came out clean of the mildew (used hot water & threw into dryer) and have bought about a dozen garment covers for the rest of the jackets/blazers/clothes so they would be 'protected'.

Sorry so long, but wanted to pass this on for others in the same situation.

*I did use these cloths on my military purse (leather) and threw in wash etc. and it's now packed up and looks great.

How do you clean mold from leather?

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How do you clean mold from leather?

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