How to clean mold off leather bags and shoes? [Best Explained]

Imagine going to a cool party, reaching into your bag for a pair of shoes, only to find dreadful mold. It’s just awful, isn’t it? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me recently when I was getting my daughter ready for her friend’s birthday bash. I noticed gray spots on her beautiful shoes. She threw a fit at my reaction, but I quickly found a way to salvage the situation. Now, I’ll share with you how to clean mold off leather. I believe it’s something you might find useful.

Why is there mold on my leather shoes and bag?

Before addressing mold problems, it is important to understand why it appeared in the first place. This will help you maintain your leather goods and prevent potential problems in the future.

Reasons	Analysis	My advice
Humidity	After conducting an analysis, it became evident that high humidity levels create a conducive environment for mold growth on leather.	I recommend storing leather items in dry places to reduce this risk, as even thoroughly dried bags or shoes can be affected.
Lack of Ventilation	My research has shown that inadequate air circulation around leather hinders its drying process, thus promoting mold growth.	Make sure your stored leather items have good air circulation.
Organic Components	Analysis revealed that organic substances on the surface of leather, such as oils and dirt, can act as “food” for mold in moist conditions.	I’m convinced that, cleaning and protecting your leather can effectively prevent mold formation.
Improper Storage	I learned that storing leather improperly in dark, damp areas promotes mold growth.	I recommend storing leather goods in dry, well-ventilated areas to minimize this risk.

Read also: How To Clean Perforated Leather Seats?

How To Remove Mold From Leather Shoes?

For myself, I have identified several ways to solve the problem of mold and mildew on my shoes and my children’s shoes, but basically, it comes down to 4 simple steps:

1. Cleansing
2. Disinfection
3. Restoring the shoes to their original appearance
4. Prevention of recurrence

Let’s look at each step in more detail.

Step 1: Cleaning Leather Shoes from Mildew

The simplest method I’ve found for cleaning leather shoes is to wash them with warm water. Use a cotton cloth and clean them outdoors to prevent the spreading of mold spores indoors. Better not do this in the house, so as not to spread mold spores throughout the room, because you breathe this air.

Step 2: Disinfecting Leather Shoes with Vinegar, Soda, and Alcohol for Mildew

Let’s look at each method.

Vinegar

I tried a lot of remedies, but then my friend suggested that I try vinegar, yes, simple vinegar. And I can say that you don’t need to spend money on expensive products because by using regular vinegar you will get the same result.

I recommend carrying out all manipulations with gloves. To reduce the smell of 12% vinegar, you can add a little lemon juice, literally half a teaspoon.

To disinfect, you just need to wipe your shoes well and evenly with a dampened cloth. After drying, you can move on to the next stage.

Soda

Another disinfection method is to use baking soda. After sprinkling the powder on your shoes, wait 20 minutes and wipe it off your leather shoes.

Alcohol

This method is very similar to the vinegar disinfection method. Only here alcohol and water are mixed in equal parts. Further – everything is identical.

Step 3: Restoring the shoes to their original appearance

You must understand that after such aggressive cleaning, the shoes need to be reanimated so that they acquire a well-groomed appearance. Leather conditioner is suitable for this. It is better to apply 2 thin layers in stages.

Yes, I almost forgot. After disinfection and before conditioning, I recommend replacing the laces on leather shoes. Because mold can survive there and then migrate back to your leather shoes.

Step 4: Prevention

Having finished with the processing, I finally wanted to give one more recommendation. Be sure to wipe your shoes after walking in wet weather and leave them in a well-ventilated area.

You can also use silica gel to prevent mold in your shoes. By following these steps, you can effectively remove mold from your leather shoes and prevent its recurrence.

How to Clean Mold Off Leather Bags: 6 Easy Steps

Each of these steps is crucial, so skipping any is not recommended.

Identify the mold area

It is important to notice mold as early as possible because in this case you can get rid of it very quickly. If the mold has already deeply affected the leather, then it may even be necessary to replace the affected area. That is why I once again remind you of the need for regular inspection, proper storage, and careful prevention.

Apply saddle soap to the affected area

Saddle soap will help with minor and recent lesions. Not only does it cleanse and condition the leather, but it also helps get rid of mold spores.

For the cleaning

• Mix soap and water in a 1:2 ratio.
• Using a soft cloth soaked in the resulting liquid, rub the product into the mold-affected area of the leather bag.
• Once the solution has dried on the bag, wipe it off and evaluate the effect.
• If the mold has not yet been completely removed, repeat the action.

Use baby shampoo to clean leather from mold

When I saw my sister cleaning her leather bag from mold with her daughter’s baby shampoo, I was intrigued by this method. Now I can confidently share it with you.

Everything is very simple:

• Mix shampoo and water in equal proportions on a plate.
• Dip a rag into the liquid and wet thoroughly.
• Use a rag to clean the affected areas of the bag.
• Leave to dry, but not in direct sunlight, but simply in a well-ventilated area.

That’s all, it’s so simple, isn’t it?

Vinegar for mildew on a leather bag

I tried vinegar not only on leather shoes but also on a bag. And it works. But in this case, you need to mix white vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Use a damp cloth to thoroughly wipe the leather bag’s moldy area. Now you need to wait for the product to dry.

Note: It is better to clean your leather bag with vinegar outdoors.

Baking soda will help get rid of mold and mildew on your leather bag

This product works on both shoes and bags. But in this case, baking soda must be mixed with water in equal proportions. Next, all the steps are the same as in the previous section – you need to soak a rag in the solution and thoroughly wipe the leather bag. After it dries, check for signs of mold. If they are, repeat the procedure.

Caring for your leather bag after cleaning the mold

Here I also recommend using conditioner. But in this case, I would like you to focus on what type of leather your bag is, because if it is combined and has, for example, a nubuck insert, then you will not be able to use leather conditioner on the entire bag.

Also, keep in mind that prices for conditioners for leather goods range from $8 to $35 on average. But not all expensive air conditioners are much better than mid-range products. So I recommend checking reviews before purchasing.

How to use conditioner for a leather bag?

• First, wipe the product with a soft cloth to remove dust.
• Next, moisten the fabric with conditioner and rub it in in a circular motion.
• Make sure the layer is even.
• After 20 minutes (unless otherwise specified in the instructions), polish the leather with a dry soft cloth.

By following these recommendations regularly, you can keep your leather bag looking great for a long time.

I also would like to mention that you can use these products on any leather item — whether it’s a chair, a jacket, or gloves. Just be sure to test it on a small area first.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, effectively cleaning mold off leather bags and shoes requires thoroughness and care. By following these steps and using suitable cleaning solutions, it’s possible to remove mold while preserving the integrity of the leather. Regular maintenance, such as keeping items dry and properly ventilated, can also help prevent mold growth in the future.

Remember to test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first and seek professional assistance if needed. With diligence and attention to detail, your leather bags and shoes can be restored to their pristine condition, ensuring their longevity and continued enjoyment.