How to clean a moldy leather jacket? Expert tips and tricks.
Leather jackets have a timeless elegance factor associated with them but as a natural material, leather is prone to molds and mildew growth if not taken care of properly. Mold not only affects the appearance of our expensive leather garments but also poses potential health risks and threatens their longevity.
But worry not! This article provides an answer to the question “How to clean a moldy leather jacket?”. We will provide some methods to effectively clean and prevent molds from your beloved leather jacket.
Table of Contents
What is leather mold?
Mold is the growth of fungal microorganisms such as mildew or mold spores. Mold on leather can appear as fuzzy or powdery patches, often in shades of black, green, white, or gray, depending on the type of mold present. Mold of any type, not only tarnishes the appearance of the leather but can also compromise its structural integrity and pose health risks to individuals exposed to it.
Mold on Leather: Signs to Spot
1.| Visible Growth:
You should look for the furry or fuzzy mold patches on leather usually black, green, white, or gray which are signs of mold growth.
2.|Texture change:
Mold can make leather feel softer, sticky, or rough to the touch, indicating the presence of fungal growth.
3.|Dampness:
You will notice a strange dampness or moisture in the leather jacket which is affected by mold even after drying it the dampness won’t go away.
4.|Discoloration and staining:
Molds on leather may result in visible stains and discoloration of darker or lighter colors.
5.|Musty Odors:
Mold often produces a distinctive musty or earthy smell, which may become more pronounced in enclosed spaces or humid environments. If so, then it may be harboring mold.
6.|Peeling or Flaking:
In some advanced cases, mold can cause the peeling of leather from the surface as the fungal growth weakens the leather.
7.|Allergic Reactions:
Molds can cause some people to sneeze, cough, or itching in allergic individuals. If you ever experience something like skin irritation or a burning sensation in your eyes after wearing the leather jacket then take it off as soon as possible as it can indicate the mold in the jacket. Ignoring these symptoms can be very dangerous as continued exposure to mold can also lead to long-term health conditions like respiratory and other health issues.
What causes mold in leather?
Mold loves moisture and it is one of the biggest reasons for mold in leather. In damp and humid environments leather is susceptible to fungal growth. Excessive moisture whether from humid surroundings or water spills, creates a perfect environment for mold spores to thrive. Moisture not only helps grow mold but it is also bad for leather. So you should avoid it whenever possible. Some other causes of mold growth are listed below.
1.| Poor storage conditions
Poor storage conditions like stacking them or putting them in plastic bags can cause a lack of air circulation and prevent moisture from evaporating, which is a perfect recipe for mold. In addition, accidentally putting the leather products in areas prone to water leaks like basements can increase the risks of mold infestation.
2.| Improper cleaning and maintenance
Not cleaning and maintaining the leather garments properly will lead to the gathering of dust and organic residues like sweat, bodily fluids, etc. which will act as the food source for the microorganisms, facilitating their growth on the leather.
Improper cleaning techniques can also do more harm than good. For instance, cleaning the leather with harsh chemicals can cause its protective layer to break, making that leather more susceptible to mold. You should always refer to the label or the manufacturer’s recommendation before cleaning.
3.| Contaminated surroundings
Factors such as proximity to outdoor mold sources, indoor mold infestations, or exposure to moldy materials will cause mold to settle on organic material like leather. So you should always keep moldy stuff away from your place.
How to clean molds from leather jacket?
Note: Before start cleaning the mold you must do this
Prepare the area- If possible take your moldy leather jacket outside to work on it or you may use a well-ventilated space to minimize the exposure to mold spores. Lay down a plastic sheet or something to prevent spreading to surroundings.
Also, don’t forget to wear the proper protective gear such as a face mask, surgical gloves, and safety goggles to avoid direct contact with mold spores.
Cleaning the mold is not as difficult as some people thought. You just have to be careful to prevent it from spreading and causing further damage not only to the leather but to the surrounding also. We have discussed some simple methods to deal with molds in the following points.
Brush off loose mold
No matter how you are going to clean the mold growth, the first thing you have to do is brush off the loose spores with a soft-bristled brush. You should also use a vacuum cleaner to properly clean the affected area. Be careful not to rub it aggressively, as it may damage the leather surface.
Vinegar to clean the mold
You can clean the mold with a white distilled vinegar solution. Vinegar will not only help remove mold but also work as a disinfectant. Just mix equal parts of vinegar and distilled water. Now apply it to the affected area using a spray bottle. Clean the excess moisture with a clean microfiber cloth. Allow it to dry naturally in a shaded ventilated place.
Soap based solution
You can use dishwashing soap or a mild detergent solution to eliminate the mold. Just add 1 tbsp of dishwash soap in 1 cup of water. Apply this soapy solution to the affected area using a sponge or a soft cloth. Do not soak the leather, just dab it on the surface. Now clean the soapy water with a dampened cloth. Finally, wipe it off with a dry microfiber cloth to remove excessive moisture.
Baking soda to clean the mold
For this method, you will need some baking soda and a solution of alcohol and water. Sprinkle some baking soda on the mold growth and leave it there for half an hour so that it can dissolve the mold. Now brush off the residue or you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the area. Finally, wipe off with a soft cloth soaked in alcohol and water solution. Let the solution evaporate naturally. Don’t forget to apply conditioner afterwards as alcohol can make leather dry.
Rubbing alcohol
Although you should avoid using alcohol on leather as the mold is concerned you can use its mild solution with water as a disinfectant and to eliminate mold. Take 1 part isopropyl alcohol with 4 parts water and apply it on the molded area without soaking it using a clean white cloth. Now let it evaporate before applying the leather conditioner.
How to prevent molds in leather jackets?
How to store leather clothes?
Store leather jackets properly in a clean ventilated space and avoid putting them in plastic which won’t allow moisture to escape. You can also add some silica gel pouches in the storage area to absorb excess moisture. You should also consider rotating them periodically, this will prevent prolonged contact with the surface and reduce the risk of mold formation.
Keep leather jacket clean
As already discussed in the article, routine cleaning and conditioning of leather jackets is very important to not only prevent mold growth but also maintain the quality of leather.
Use leather protectants
You should also invest in some good leather protection products such as leather mold inhibitor sprays to prevent any mold growth.
Conclusion
Sometimes molds on natural material like leather can be really difficult to prevent but you should address it as soon as possible to keep it from going forth. Ensure proper cleaning of your leather garments and most importantly wear them when suitable, storing leather garments for prolonged periods will only harm them. I hope you have enjoyed our article and got your answer to the age-old question: How to clean a moldy leather jacket? or How do you clean mold?
For more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.
Related articles: which is better synthetic leather or genuine leather?
which is better PU leather or faux leather?