Since mold breaks down organic materials, it naturally gravitates towards clothing items made with cotton or leather. If you discovered that a leather jacket or other piece of leather clothing has sustained mold and mildew damage, it is still salvageable. Review what your mold inspection experts in Glendale recommend to restore mildewed and moldy leather clothes. And remember, it is best to clean moldy items outdoors while wearing a mask to limit spore inhalation. 

Wipe it Off

Carefully wipe off mold deposits using a soft, damp cloth. Ensure the leather is completely dry, otherwise the mold will remain lodged in the material’s pores. Once you’re finished wiping the jacket or other item down, allow it to fully dry again, then clean it with mild soap or a manufacturer-recommended leather cleaner. Let the garment dry once more before wearing it. 

Use Rubbing Alcohol or White Vinegar

Deal with tough mold stains by hanging the garment outdoors and gently brushing the leather with a scrub brush to dislodge the fungi. Mix a cup of water with either white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and use a cloth to clean the leather. Work with a clean cloth that’s damp, not wet, for best results. Both rubbing alcohol and white vinegar kill mold spores. 

Perform a spot test on an inconspicuous piece of leather to ensure the solution does not cause discoloration. Once you are finished wiping the affected areas, allow the garment to fully dry. If any mold or mildew is still present, apply saddle soap. 

Some Mold Prevention Tips Regarding Leather Products

To keep mold from returning to leather garments, avoid placing soiled or dirty items in closets. Soil and dirt in dark closets invite mold growth. Use leather cleaning and conditioning products as recommended by the garment manufacturers to keep the items clean and fungi-free. 

It also helps to store leather items in well-ventilated spaces and add silica gel or camphor products to storage areas. Both products absorb moisture to inhibit mold growth. If you live in Los Angeles or another area with high humidity, consider using dehumidifiers to prevent excess moisture in your home. 
For mold testing and removal services in Orange County, please contact Mold Masters today.