How to clean moldy leather items before winter

Leather items are often susceptible to mold, which can cause loss of aesthetics. If you do not have the means to go to a professional leather shop, you can refer to the following leather cleaning methods:

Tools needed: Toilet paper, bowl of water, soft brush, soft cloth and steam iron. If the item is heavily moldy, you can use vinegar or 90-degree alcohol. You will also need leather lotion/cream and leather polish.

Step 1: Clean the leather surface

First, use toilet paper soaked in enough water and gently wipe the leather surface clean, rubbing back and forth several times to remove dirt stuck in the wrinkles on the surface.

If the leather item is heavily moldy, you can use vinegar or 90-degree alcohol diluted with warm water in a ratio of 1:5 to clean it. Use a soft cloth to absorb the solution and wipe gently and carefully to remove the mold. You can wipe 2-3 times to completely remove the mold on the surface of the item.

Note: Avoid using pure alcohol, wine, lemon, soap... to clean mold on leather goods because if left for a long time, it will cause the leather jacket to dry out, fade, and discolor. Especially do not use alcohol on suede.

You can use a soft bristle brush to clean mold and dust stuck in crevices and seams. Then use a damp cloth to wipe the entire surface of the leather jacket, leather bag, boots, etc.

Step 2:Use a steam iron on the surface of the leather and the lining if possible. The high heat will kill any remaining mold or mildew on the leather.

Step 3:Apply the leather conditioner evenly to the leather surface. This solution will help the leather jacket have a smooth, elastic surface. After applying the solution, leave it for about 10-20 minutes to absorb deeply inside.

Step 4:Use leather polish.

Leather care

Leather products need to be properly preserved for long-term use. Even after treatment, mold is still present in the air, so leather products should be stored in a dry, airy place, away from damp places.

Or you can put it in a plastic bag with air holes and then put in a desiccant pack or a cloth bag containing lime powder, dry tea leaves...

Do not place leather items close to the floor or walls.

Do not store when the leather is still wet. Wipe thoroughly and let the leather surface dry naturally, avoid sun exposure which can cause the leather to dry and crack.

For leather items such as bags and shoes that are rarely used, you can stuff them with newspaper to keep their shape and effectively prevent moisture.