How do you get mildew off leather boots?

Melody Stevens
by Melody Stevens
The master closet is directly across from our shower. My leather boots folded over
snd now there's mildew on the inside and outside. since I noticed them, I have place a container of Damp Rid in the closet to help absorb the moisture from the shower, and gotten pool noodles to hold the boots upright after I get the clean.
  4 answers
  • David David on May 01, 2017

    I suggest wiping them with a rag dipped in a 50% bleach/water mixture to remove and kill the mildew, then, when dry, apply Saddle Soap to preserve the leather.

  • Jill Buckalew Jill Buckalew on May 02, 2017

    White vinegar is a disinfectant and should remove and kill any mold as well as get rid of odors. I use it for removing salt marks on leather boots and it works very well. After you have removed the mold, wipe with damp cloth and plain water. Let dry. Follow up with mink oil to recondition the leather.

  • Jackie Jackie on May 02, 2017

    I have the same problem. After researching, I tried a 50/50 solution of rubbing alcohol and water. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and gently wipe the area clean. Don't over-saturate, and test first. Allow the boots to air dry in an open area. follow with leather polish or conditioner. I also added two Damp Rid˝ containers to my closet --one on the floor near leather shoes--and they have helped to minimize the return of mildew. Replace the containers as often as needed.

  • Caseyem11 Caseyem11 on May 04, 2017

    I prefer to use vinegsr rather than bleach. rub with vinegar, wipe with a cloth dampened in water. Let sit in the sun for a bit. Use a leather oil or polish to restore the leather.

    • Melody Stevens Melody Stevens on May 04, 2017

      Thanks I'll try that. Unfortunately, most of the mildew is inside☹️ They are western boots