The average furniture’s lifespan has fallen to 7.8 years because of mold buildup. However, mold can still be found on your couch and cause serious damage before its expiry date.
If you catch this problem before it causes further damage to your furniture, consider yourself lucky. You should act quickly if that is the case.
Here are some tips to get rid of mold on leather without causing damage to your valuable possessions.
IDENTIFY MOLD and MILDEW
Let’s first clarify the confusion surrounding mold and mildew before we get into detail about mold removal. Both are fungi and thrive in moist and warm environments. If not treated immediately, they can cause long-term health problems. They are different, so cleaning one is not the same as cleaning the other.
One quick way to distinguish between mildew and mold is to use the following method. Mold is usually black or green in color, while mildew can be white, gray or yellowish.
Let’s get that out of the way. Now let’s look at the tools you need to remove the mold from your furniture.
Use only the best equipment
Before you begin the daunting task of removing leather molds, make sure you have everything. You should only use leather-based products. It is not a good idea to try to remove mold from leather furniture.
All these items can be used for cleaning.
- Use a dry cloth
- Soft bristle brush
- Sponge
- Mild soap or detergent
- Warm water
- You can rub alcohol
- Cotton swab
- Vacuum with upholstery attachments
These items will help prevent mold from spreading to other parts of your body.
- Rubber gloves
- Mask for the face
Remove mold from leather the right way
You can find many ways to get rid of the moldy growth on leather furniture by doing a quick internet search. We offer a complete solution to deep-clean your furniture and prevent the spores causing more damage.
SEEK OUT THE MOLD-INFESTED ITEM/S
It only takes one spore for mold to establish its colony. This is an interesting, but annoying fact. You must stop the spores spreading immediately. They can spread to other parts of your home. You will need to take your leather items outside to clean them thoroughly.
To prevent mold from reaching your skin, make sure you wear rubber gloves and a mask. After you have all the necessary equipment, you can begin cleaning. Take a dry, clean, soft-bristled toothbrush or a dry cloth and scrub the spores.
Next, consider storage. It is best to throw out any paper boxes that are containing leather items. Hanging bags or fabric containers can be washed in hot water. Next, heat the water to kill any remaining spores. You should vacuum all leather items that have been stored in the closet. Use a hydrogen peroxide solution on the floor and walls to clean them. After drying, you can return the items.
Remember that mold thrives in humid environments. If you find that your storage area is too humid, you might consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
- SOAP IT ALL UP
We’re now ready for the fun part: cleaning with soap. In a small container or bucket, combine warm water with mild detergent. Dish soap and laundry detergent should be free from bleaching agents, dyes, and fragrances. If you don’t have any, consider using a leather soap. When leather furniture and other items are involved, gentle cleaning is key.
Then soak a sponge or clean cloth in the solution. Use it to wipe the leather interior and surface. If possible, reach for corners and crevices. You can then soak another piece in plain water to remove soap residue.
After you are done, lay the items flat on a surface to dry. Be careful not to place them in direct heat or the sun. Recirculate air and point a fan at your items to speed up drying. Before proceeding to the next step, dry all leather parts.
- ALL SPORES TERMINATED
As you’ve likely noticed, killing all spores is an important step in how to remove leather mold. It takes just one spore for a colony to form, as we mentioned. It is important to ensure that no spores hide in hard-to-reach areas of leather items. Here is how to succeed.
Mix equal amounts of plain water and rubbing alcohol in a container. Use the mixture to coat a clean cloth and wipe the leather. Use a cotton swab to reach the areas where mold is present in your shoes.
Rinse the items as you did in the previous steps. Air dry the items again. To preserve the shape of your boots and shoes, you can stuff them with white paper. You should not crumple newspaper, even though it may seem convenient. This can cause ink to stain your feet and socks when you wear the shoes.
- RECONSTRUCT THE LEATHER
Now you are done drying the leather. What now? It is not the end of the process. This is just the beginning. To avoid leather being damaged, you will need to treat it.
What is the process? Leather is a natural product, and oil is part of it. It needs to be properly maintained after mold elimination. This can cause surface cracks if you skip it. This is due to oil expanding in response to changing temperatures.
Apply a leather conditioner to prevent this from happening. This product is included in the items you must prepare before cleaning. Leather conditioners can be purchased in retail stores and online. To keep your oil in its original state, apply the conditioner as soon as the leather item has drained. The leather will restore its natural suppleness, making it look fresher and more durable.
HOW TO PREVENT MOLD GREENING ON LEATHER
You don’t want another mold infestation to catch your attention after you have gone through the above steps. It is important to take preventive measures and be proactive. Anyone who has ever had to remove leather mold out of necessity is in the best position. The return of mold growth is a repeat of history. This is not a good thing for leather furniture.
It’s a smart decision to invest your time, money and energy in the following preventative measures.
- You can control the environment in which your leather items are stored. To maintain optimal levels of temperature, humidity, airflow, and airflow, you need to regularly check them.
- Keep your storage areas clean. Mold loves natural products such as leather and can quickly turn it into a breeding and feeding ground. This can be seen when you have dirty clothes contaminated with food or mud. If not addressed immediately, mold colonies will grow. Don’t store a soiled item in that situation.
- A dehumidifier can reduce the humidity levels in your home. You can go further and waterproof foundations or other areas that are susceptible to dampness. You can also improve air circulation by simply keeping your windows open and running fans. This will allow everything to remain dry.
- Take the time to inspect every item of leather. It’s a good idea to remove your leather items when the seasons change or you want to make a wardrobe swap. To catch mold buildup, make sure you inspect the items in a well-lit place. You can also use mildew inhibitors to protect your storage area. These preventive measures are useful for preventing mold growth in areas you cannot reach. Silica gel can be added to your storage areas, as it absorbs moisture.
GET YOUR LEATHER MOLD REMOVAL TO THE NECESSARY LEVEL RIGHT NOW
While mold may seem like a minor problem at first, it can quickly become a major problem if it is not dealt with promptly. It is important to address the problem as soon as possible. This guide can be used whenever mold is causing leather to lose its quality.