Leather clothes, shoes, and accessories are prone to mildew and mold growth if they’re stored in an area where moisture and heat levels are too high. It only takes one spore to start a colony, so it’s important to remove mold from your belongings as soon as you spot it. If the problem isn’t addressed quickly, the growth can permanently damage your leather surfaces, discolor white leather, and easily spread to other items.
Read on to find out how to clean your moldy leather clothes or shoes.
How Often to Clean Moldy Leather Clothes and Shoes
Twice a year (like when you switch wardrobes for the season) remove leather articles from storage and take them to a brightly lit area for a close inspection to see if there is evidence of mold or mildew. If so, follow the steps below. It’s a good idea to set aside at least an afternoon for mold and mildew removal, as you’ll need to clean your entire storage area in addition to the affected clothing and accessories.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Soft-bristled brush
- Vacuum
- Buckets
- Portable fan (optional)
Materials
- Saddle soap or mild detergent
- Chlorine bleach
- Rubbing alcohol
- Leather conditioner
- Tissue paper
- Cotton swabs
- Clean cloths or sponges
- Oxygen bleach (optional)
Instructions
Set Up Your Station Outside
If possible, always take mildewed leather clothing and shoes outside for their initial cleaning in order to prevent spreading the spores in your home. Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry clean cloth to brush away the spores on your leather.
If your items were stored in cardboard boxes, discard those right away. If they were stored in fabric storage containers, wash the containers with hot water, and dry them using high heat to kill the mildew spores. Plastic storage containers should be cleaned with a solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach and 1 quart water and allowed to air-dry in the sun.
The closet or area where the mildewed items were stored should be emptied of all contents and vacuumed thoroughly. You should also wipe down the walls (and floors, if not carpeted) with the bleach and water solution. Allow the area to dry completely before using again.
Kill the Spores
In a clean container, mix equal parts cool water and rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Use a clean white cloth dipped in the mixture to wipe down the leather. For shoes, use a cotton swab to clean crevices.
Finish by wiping the leather with a clean cloth dipped in water. Allow the items to air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight. For shoes and boots, it may be beneficial to stuff them with plain white paper, such as tissue paper, to help them hold their shape. Don’t use newsprint or you’ll risk getting ink on your socks and feet later.
Wipe Down Surfaces
In a small plastic container or bucket, mix mild detergent or leather saddle soap with warm water. Using a clean cloth or sponge, wipe down all leather and faux leather surfaces (don’t forget the insides of shoes). Use a separate cloth dipped in clean water to wipe away any soapy residue.
Air-Dry Your Belongings
Hang leather clothes on a sturdy hanger to dry, or place items on a flat surface. Don’t place near direct heat or in the sun, which can end up changing the color of the leather. It’s also helpful to have a fan circulating air to speed up the drying process.
Recondition the Leather
Leather is a natural product with oils that must be maintained or the surface can crack. Once your leather item is completely dry, use a leather conditioner to return the supple finish. Follow the product instructions for use.
Storing Leather Clothes and Shoes
To prevent mold and mildew growth on leather goods, be mindful of the temperature, airflow, and humidity where the items are stored, and keep everything as clean as possible. Control mold and mildew by reducing moisture in your home with a dehumidifier, waterproofing foundations or damp areas, and increasing air circulation. Mildew is a fungus that loves natural products as a food source. Any leather that’s stored with a food or mud stain is a target for mildew growth.
Treating Stains on Moldy Leather Clothes and Shoes
If an item of leather clothing has a removable fabric lining, remove any mildew stains. After the lining is completely dry, treat dark spots with a solution of oxygen bleach and water using the following method. In a non-metallic container, mix 2 tablespoons of dry oxygen bleach (e.g., OxiClean, Nellie’s All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) with 1 cup water. Dab the stained areas with the solution, allowing it to sit for at least an hour or longer. Next, sponge the area with a clean cloth dipped in water and let air dry. Be careful not to splash the solution directly onto the leather because it can harm the finish. Repeat until any discoloration is removed.
If you still see mold stains on leather shoes after cleaning them, rub a mixture made from equal parts water and rubbing alcohol onto the area with a clean cloth. Rub in a circular motion, then use another clean damp cloth to rinse the area. Let the shoe completely air dry.
Tips for Cleaning Moldy Leather Clothes and Shoes
- If you detect a mildew odor after leather items have been cleaned, airing them out outside can help.
- Another way to eliminate mildew odor is to put items in a plastic container with a dry odor-absorbing product or a box of baking soda. Leave the container sealed for a week to help absorb the smell.
- To remove mold from suede or sheepskin boots, use a soft brush to buff off the visible mold, then thoroughly clean them.
