How to remove fungus from leather purse?
Real leather is a natural material and it has some very unique advantages but just like everything else, leather too has some drawbacks and one of the major drawbacks of leather is that it is prone to fungus and mold formation in appropriate conditions. In this article, I am going to discuss how to remove fungus from leather purse and what causes it. In addition, you will also get to know why is it important to remove mold from leather and additional tips to keep in mind while doing it. After reading this article you will get a clear insight into taking care of your leather goods to enhance their life.
Table of Contents
What causes mold on leather?
The growth of mold formation is caused by fungal ingestion and there are several causes of that but the biggest ones are moisture and humidity as mold thrives in moist environments. Leather can get dried due to the rain, sweat, spills, or humid air
There are other factors that can cause fungal growth in leather
1.| Poor ventilation
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.| Organic matter
Leather itself is an organic material that can work as food for mold, and any dirt, grime, or food particles left on the surface can attract mold spores. Regularly cleaning your leather items helps prevent this.
3.| Improper storage
Lack of proper storage like a place with poor ventilation, moisture, etc. is one of the significant causes of fungal growth in leather
4.| Contact with the already moldy surface
Factors such as proximity to outdoor mold sources, indoor mold infestations, or exposure to moldy materials will cause mold to settle on organic materials like leather. So you should always keep moldy stuff away from your place.
Why is it important to remove mold?
There is a number of reasons to remove molds from your leather bag as they are not only a potential danger to your pricey leather bag but also it can cause some serious health issues like 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.
In addition, they can damage your leather bag in several ways. Here’s the overview:
1.| Weaken the leather structure- Mold feeds on organic materials like leather, breaking down the fibers and weakening the structure over time. This can lead to cracks, tears, peeling, and overall deterioration of your leather item.
2.| Discoloration and staining- Molds on leather may result in visible stains and discoloration of darker or lighter colors which is irreversible damage. Even deep cleaning might not be able to completely remove these stains.
3.| Unpleasant smell- 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.
How to remove fungus from a leather purse?
Note: Before start cleaning the mold you must do this
Prepare the area- If possible take your moldy leather bag 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.
1.| 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.
2.| 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.
3.| 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.
You can also use saddle soap instead of dishwashing soap to do the cleaning as it is specifically made for leather
4.| 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.
5.| 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 fungus in leather purses?
There are several ways you can avoid getting fungal mold formation in leather purse and it is a lot easier to prevent the mold than to remove and treat it once it has attacked
1.| Proper leather conditioning
Leather conditioners are a boon for leather they not only prevent molds but also enhance the life of leather goods. You should always use a reputed leather conditioner and do the proper research before buying. In addition, always refer to the item label from the manufacturer and also consider the type of leather you are going to use on
2.| Ensure proper storage
Store leather goods such as purses and handbags 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.
3.| Keep leather purse clean
As already discussed in the article, routine cleaning and conditioning of leather purses is very important to not only prevent mold growth but also maintain the quality of leather. It is good practice to wipe it off with a damp cloth periodically
4.| Use leather protectants
You should also invest in some good leather protection products such as leather mold inhibitor sprays to prevent any mold growth.
What to avoid while cleaning leather mold?
1.| Avoid using harsh cleaning products
2.| Avoid using excessive water as it can damage the leather
3.| If damage is so severe and irreversible then you should consider disposing of that moldy purse and consider a new one
4.| If the affected area is large and the damage is severe then you should contact a professional leather cleaning service
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 goods and most importantly use them often when suitable, storing leather goods 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 remove fungus from leather purse?
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.
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