Protect Leather Shoes from Fungus: The Complete Mould Removal Guide

Leather goods are in general very sensitive goods that are susceptible to damage due to changes in the surrounding environment. Any changes or excess levels of moisture and humidity during the packaging, storage, and transportation of leather items such as leather shoes bags, jackets, and other leather items, can lead to the growth of fungus, mold, and mildew. In this blog post, we will give you an easy complete guide to remove mould from leather shoes and maintain their quality as good as new.

Preventing Mold Growth

To keep your leather products safe from mold, it's important to store them correctly and in a proper environment that is free from moisture or humidity. Here is how you can do that effectively in different mould removal techniques.

• It is best to store leather items in a cool area with low humidity, where the ideal temperature is around 65-70°F or 18-21°C and the humidity should be below 50%.
• To make airflow easier in the packaging, use cotton or linen bags instead of plastic ones which allow air to flow and prevent moisture buildup, prevent mould on leather.
• Keep leather items or surfaces away from direct sunlight, as it can cause fading and drying, making it more prone to mold.

Use of Silica Gel Packets

To maintain optimal humidity and moisture levels inside the leather goods packaging or storage, you can also use Silica gel packets, which are small bags filled with tiny beads that absorb moisture from the air. Silica gel works by pulling moisture out of the air, keeping the environment dry.

Benefits of Using Silica Gel Packets:

Using silica gel packets can help keep your leather goods dry and safe from mold. They are a very inexpensive option, easy to find, and can be reused by drying them out in the sun or an oven.

Regular Maintenance

To maintain the shine, texture, and quality of leather goods through the years, you can wipe down your leather items with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. You can also choose to use a leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather soft and prevent cracks, which helps protect against the growth of mold. So, before storing, make sure your leather items are completely dry.

Removing Mold from Leather Products

If you are wondering how you can remove mold from leather products, here are some easy ways to do it.

Here are some of the tools and materials that you may need for removing the mold. You will need a soft cloth, mild soap solution, white vinegar, leather conditioning, and spray bottle.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Follow these steps to safely clean mold off your leather items:

- First, you can use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any loose mold, but be careful not to rub too hard which may scratch the surface or create folds and lines.

- Now, mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can also use mild soap mixed with water to make a soapy solution to clean the leather surface.

- Before applying the solution, you can choose to test it on a small, hidden area of the leather to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.

- Next. lightly spray the cleaning solution on the areas you want to clean, and do not soak the leather.

- Now, use a clean cloth to gently wipe the mouldy areas until they are clean and free of any type of mold.

- Let the leather air dry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

After-Cleaning Care

To store and maintain your leather shoes, bags, belts, and other items in their best quality, you can apply a good leather conditioner to restore moisture and keep it soft, which also helps protect against future mold growth. You should also store them properly, so follow proper storage techniques to keep your leather safe from moisture.

Practical Tips for Different Leather Products

Here is how you can preserve the quality and the texture of the various leather products with these leather care tips.

Leather Shoes

• To keep your leather shoes safe from mold, keep shoes in a cool, dry place. Use shoe bags made of cotton to allow air to flow.
• You can use and place silica gel packets inside your shoe boxes to absorb moisture.
• It is best to wipe your shoes with a damp cloth after wearing them to remove dirt and sweat.
• If your shoes get wet, dry them with a soft cloth and let them air dry away from heat sources.

Leather Bags and Jackets

• To protect your leather bags and jackets from mold, store bags and jackets in a dry area. Use a dehumidifier if needed.
• Regularly wipe down your bags and leather jackets with a soft cloth, and just use a leather cleaner if they get dirty.
• If you wish you can even apply leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather soft and protected.
• Use breathable dust covers instead of plastic when storing your leather bags and jackets for a longer time.

Leather Sheets and Other Products

• For other larger leather items like sheets or furniture, dust your leather sheets or furniture regularly with a soft cloth to prevent it from gathering dust or mold.
• It is best to keep the area around larger leather items dry and clean, and avoid placing them in damp rooms.
• You can also consider cleaning larger leather products with professional conditioning every few months to maintain their quality and texture throughout.
• If you see any mold spots or growth on leather surfaces, clean them right away using the vinegar solution mentioned earlier.

Conclusion

To make sure the leather products maintain their shine, texture, quality, and functionality, it is best to take good care of them. Keep them away from moisture and humidity changes, and keep them in a dry and clean storage environment when not in use. Sorbchem India is the largest manufacturer of Silica gel packets that can be used to protect and avoid the growth of mold.