How to remove mould from your leather bag
Mould is a type of fungus that grows in a damp, warm, and humid environment. Fungal spores are naturally present in the air and when temperature and humidity are feasible, organic materials like leather or fabrics are the primary target of mould to grow perpetually. Mould causes damage to the leather surface along with producing an unpleasant odour that irritates the users.
For keeping your favourite leather bags in good shape, it is essential to know how to keep mould off your leather bag effectively.
Why leather is susceptible to catching mould?
Leather is susceptible to catching mould mostly due to the storing habits of our leather bags when not in use.
Mould grows in the environment with:
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High Humidity (above 60% humidity level)
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Warm temperature between 20°C to 30°C
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Poor ventilation (allowing moisture build-up)
Most of these ideal conditions are present in our homes where we typically store our leather bags in our cupboards or underneath our beds. Keeping your leather dry and clean is key to eliminating the odds of growing mould over any leather surface.
It is not surprising many bag owners panic when see their carefully stored leather bag catch the mould, so stop blaming yourself for ignorance or mishandling your precious leather bag and go through this guide to remove mould from leather.
Items needed for Mould Removal
Some of the items you need to collect before you start to clean mould from your leather are listed below:
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Soft-bristled brush ( your old toothbrush can be used )
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Clean and soft cloth ( White microfiber cloth is the preferred choice)
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White vinegar
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Rubbing alcohol
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Warm water (preferably distilled)
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Leather conditioner
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Saddle soap
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Cotton swab
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Sponge
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Gloves
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Facemask (optional but necessary if you are allergic to fungal spores)
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Spry bottles or bowls (for making cleaning solutions)
Step by step guide for removing mould from leather
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Prepare the surface for cleaning
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Put on your gloves and mask. Choose a ventilated area for cleaning.
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Gently brush off the loose mould using a soft-bristled brush. Shake the brush after each stroke to avoid the spread of mould spores.
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Use a cloth mildly damped in warm water to gently wipe the area and let it dry out completely.
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Make a cleaning solution
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Take an equal volume of vinegar or rubbing alcohol in a bowl with lukewarm water and stir thoroughly.
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Soak the cotton swab in the cleaning solution and run a patch test on the inconspicuous area of leather on your bag to check the reaction of the cleaning agent on your leather.
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Clear mould off the leather surface
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Damp clean white cloth in the cleaning solution and gently wipe the surface affected with mould.
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Use a fresh section of cloth damped with a cleaning agent in order to avoid polluting the cleared area with fungal spores.
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Clear all the areas where mould has grown working on one spot at a time.
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Wipe with a dry cloth and let the leather surface dry out completely.
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Clean with soap
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In another bowl take mild soap (e.g. saddle soap) with water to create a foaming solution.
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Use another clean cloth dampened in soap foam to clear any remaining mould and dirt and also remove bad odour produced due to mould.
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Dry leather thoroughly
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Use a clean dry cloth or preferably microfiber cloth to absorb excessive moisture from the leather surface.
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Allow the bag to dry in open air completely and thoroughly. Avoid drying in direct sunlight as it may damage the leather.
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Condition your leather surface
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Dry leather surface is prone to cracking, do not forget to condition your leather after cleaning. Want to have a natural and effective leather conditioner at home? Refer to how to make natural leather conditioners here(link to blog)!
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Storing your leather bag properly
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Now store your leather bag nicely packed in a dust bag in a dry and cool place to avoid the growth of mould again.
Want to enjoy the elegant charm of your leather bags for decades? Read our How to Care for Your Leather Bags guidelines for a comprehensive DIY guide for leather caring.
