Whether it concerns furniture, cars, shoes or jackets, you need to tackle mold stains in leather immediately. Be careful when cleaning the leather and be sure to test any cleaners you plan to use-whether household or other cleaners-on a small spot before applying them to the stain itself.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Cleaning suede and nubuck
Step 1. Spread a layer of petroleum jelly on the mold
Test the Vaseline on a small, inconspicuous area first to see how it works. Then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the moldy areas. You can also use a cleaner specifically for suede, but read the cleaner's label first to make sure you can use it to remove mold.
Nubuck can discolor quickly, so be sure to test the cleaner you plan to use beforehand
Step 2. Use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water to remove more stubborn stains. If the fungus hasn't gone away after using petroleum jelly or a suede cleaner, treat the leather with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol.
Test the rubbing alcohol and water mixture on a small area of the mold stain to make sure it doesn't discolor the leather
Step 3. Wipe off the mold
Wet a soft cloth or sponge with water. Gently rub the petroleum jelly or suede cleaner into the leather with the cloth or sponge. Do the same with the rubbing alcohol and water mixture for more stubborn mold stains.
If necessary, repeat the process, but continue to apply gentle pressure even if it fails to remove the stain. You can damage the material if you are not careful
Step 4. Let the leather dry
Set the suede or nubuck item aside to allow the leather to dry completely. Use a suede brush to brush up the fibers and restore the texture of the leather. You can buy a suede brush on the internet or at a shoe store.
If the fungus is still in the leather, seek advice from a professional who understands suede
Method 2 of 4: Using soap
Step 1. Remove loose mold
Brush the loose mold off the leather with a soft bristle brush. Try to get rid of the mold outside so you don't spread the mold spores throughout your home. Wash the brush before use if you are using an old brush.
Step 2. Vacuum the leather
Remove mold from panels and creases with your vacuum cleaner's hose. Discard the sucked-up mold immediately so that the mold spores cannot spread further. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag with the mold as soon as possible and do not leave it in your house.
Step 3. Treat the leather with soap
Make sure that the leather has been treated and therefore has a protective layer. Otherwise, don't get it wet. When the leather is finished, it means that it has a protective pigment layer. Use a sponge to apply a thick layer of soapy water to the mold, then wipe everything off with a damp cloth.
- Make sure that the leather does not get too wet, otherwise it could be damaged.
- Test whether the leather is finished by dripping a small amount of water on it. If the area darkens or the water stains it, do not use soap and water to clean the leather. If the mold is near a zipper, it may be that the mold or bacteria has penetrated the inner layer of your pillow or garment. Also treat the inner layer or buy a new pillow.
Step 4. Wipe the leather with diluted alcohol
Dip a cloth in a mixture of 250 ml denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol and 1 liter of water. Gently wipe the leather with the cloth to remove any remaining mold. Do not soak the leather and let it dry thoroughly afterwards.
Only use diluted alcohol if you are sure that the leather is finished. Be sure to test the product on a small spot on the leather before using it to remove the fungus. The alcohol mixture can even damage finished leather
Step 5. Air the frame if necessary
Ventilate the inner parts of a furniture frame if you suspect that the mold has spread into parts other than just the upholstery. Make sure to open the dust cover at the bottom and call a professional cleaning company that specializes in removing mold if there is a lot of persistent mold.
Ask if the cleaning company has an ozone room. If so, ask them to leave your furniture in that room for at least 48 hours
Method 3 of 4: Using vinegar
Step 1. Brush the surface with a dry brush
Use a dry, stiff brush with nylon bristles and brush off as much mold as possible from the surface. Mold spores spread very easily, so try to do this outside so you don't spread the mold throughout your home.
Step 2. Use a mixture of water and vinegar
Mix equal parts vinegar and water and test the mixture on a small area of the material. If the leather does not discolour, try to remove the mold with the mixture. Do not get the leather too wet.
Step 3. Wipe and dry the leather
Dip a soft cloth into the vinegar mixture and gently clean the leather. Do not apply pressure as this may damage the leather. Set the leather item aside and let it dry.
This method often works well for mold-free leather shoes. However, you can also use the mixture for other leather items, as long as you test the vinegar mixture first to see if it discolors the leather as well
Method 4 of 4: Cleaning raw leather
Step 1. Use saddle soap
You can buy saddle soap online or at a leather goods store. Use a damp cloth or cloth with an amount of saddle soap the size of a 2 euro cent coin. Massage the saddle soap into the cracks in the leather by lightly lathering the soap.
- Test whether the leather is finished by dropping a small amount of water on an inconspicuous area. If the spot darkens or discolors, the leather is not finished.
- Read the cleaner package and test a small amount on an inconspicuous area of the leather. Unfinished leather can be easily damaged because it is very porous. The wrong cleaner can easily soak into the surface and damage the leather.
- Never use the following cleaners to clean raw leather:
- Detergents
- Household soap, such as hand soap, facial cleanser and dishwashing liquid
- Hand cream and lotion
- Hand and baby wipes
- Creams with lanolin
- rubbing alcohol
Step 2. Wipe the leather
Wipe off the soap with another damp cloth. Be sure to wipe off the residue to thoroughly clean the material. Do not apply too much pressure as this can damage the leather.
Step 3. Let the leather dry
Let the saddle soap dry overnight, but do not put the leather in the sun as this can cause the leather to fade. Avoid direct heat sources and allow the leather to air dry.
Step 4. Treat the leather with a maintenance product
When the leather is dry, treat it with a maintenance product. Don't forget to test the product on an inconspicuous spot on the leather. Read the packaging to make sure that the care product is suitable for the type of leather in question. Mink oil works well on most raw leathers. You can buy leather care products from leather goods and shoe stores.
By treating the leather with a special care product, it will not be damaged and it will continue to look beautiful
Tips
- Use a dehumidifier to prevent your home from becoming too humid, which can cause mold to grow. Dehumidifiers are available in different sizes and price ranges.
- Treat mold right after you spot the spots, as the mold can penetrate deep into your pillows or other material. Severe mold can cause irreparable damage.
- Contact the leather item manufacturer for a list of suitable cleaners. Some manufacturers may offer to clean the leather themselves.
Warnings
- Mold in furniture can be very difficult to remove. Buy new pillows or new furniture if there is severe mold.
- Sunlight naturally kills mold but can also discolor the leather if not treated properly.