How to Remove Mold From The Leather Bag

Leather bags are surely the epitome of grace and class but do you know that it requires a lot of care to maintain the original leather look? You might have read articles and watched videos showing techniques and tips to take care of your leather products to preserve their authentic appeal and classy look. Many people take these tips and tricks for granted and think that nothing can happen to their authentic high-quality leather bags. Because they think that the high-quality bags won’t get damaged. Unfortunately, their thinking is proved wrong by the damage to their bag. If not taken proper care of and the bag is left in a damp dark place then mold and mildew can grow over your leather bag no matter how high quality it possesses. It is because even the high quality is made with exotic skin that is prone to damage if not taken proper care of.

Many reasons contribute to the growth of mold and mildew on leather bags spoiling their surface and look. Luckily there are proven tricks to clean the mold from the leather bag which will help you to restore the classic look and authentic appeal of your bag. If your leather bag is of superior quality with authentic leather then you can clean it with simple tactics to get rid of mold and mildew.

Let’s check out the possible ways to treat the mold on your leather bag to make it look just as new!

1. Using Household Products Mixture

Many people assume that since mold is quite tricky to clean so you might need some high-class cleaners. But in reality, you can use household items to get rid of unnecessary mold and mildew in just a few steps. Household items can also act as a marvelous cleaning agent. All you need is to carefully apply the product with the required tricks and techniques. To clean the mold on your leather bag you have to empty the contents of your bag first. This is done to ensure that your belongings do not get in the way of cleaning. Also emptying the bag lets you view the bag properly to check out the mold spots over the surface of the bag.

Afterward, you can use a brush with mild bristles or a piece of cloth over the surface of the leather bag to get rid of mold spots as much as you can. Make sure to gently brush the surface to clean the top layer of molds.

Once your leather bag is prepped you need clear vinegar. In case you don’t have clear vinegar you can use either of these items: mild detergent, makeup remover, or some kind of disinfectant. Mix this household product in some water to make a solution. Dip a microfiber cloth or cotton wad in this solution, wring it properly, and softly clean the surface of your leather bag. Make sure that you effectively wring the cloth because so excessive water can cause more damage to the bag than good. You need only mildly damp cloth not a cloth piece dripping in water. Rub the surface of the bag softly but thoroughly with this solution-dipped damp microfiber cloth. When the mold spots start to vanish it’s time to dry your bag to make it ready for use.

To dry it you need to keep it outdoors preferably under sunlight. Sun rays are known as mold killers and can help to kill any leftover mold on your bag. After the bag is dried out check it properly to make sure that the mold is completely treated. If you find any symptom of mold on the inside of your bag then apply the same solution by inverting your bag inside out and drying it just as mentioned above.

It is better to use a nourishing conditioner on the dried bag to enrich its shine and glossy appeal. You will be amazed by the results of this simple yet amazing technique. Your high-quality leather bag will shine just as bright and smooth as it did when it was new.

2. Using Baking Soda

Baking soda is another kitchen item that can do wonders to clean the mold from your leather bag. The amazing quality of baking soda is that it can deal with mold without leaving a stain or damaging the surface of your leather bag. You can use baking soda in two ways. Firstly, you can sprinkle dry baking soda powder on the mold area and let it rest for a few minutes. After more than 20 minutes check out the bag and if you feel that the soda is completely merged in the surface layer of your leather bag then vacuum it to clean the mold away.

If you are afraid to use a vacuum on a bag and do not know how to manage the pressure of the vacuum then you can also use the other technique. You can mix baking soda in some warm water and make a solution or paste. It is preferable to add a liquid dishwasher and drops of vinegar to enhance the overall results. Once the solution is ready, dip a clean cotton cloth in it and rub it gently over your bag’s surface with a special focus on the mold area. Keep it to rest so that the solution merges on the surface layer. Afterward clean it with a piece of damp cloth, dry it and you are good to go. If you dislike the sharp smell of vinegar in the cleaned bag then you can keep it in a plastic bag with some baking soda to eliminate the unwanted smell. It might take a few days to one week to completely eliminate the smell. But the result will be truly worth it as you will confidently carry your shiny and elegant leather bag.

3. Using Saddle Soap

Saddle soap is ideal to clean your leather bag as it is softer in effect and won’t damage the surface layer of your bag. Saddle soap is mostly used to clean mold on thick leather surfaces and since the surface layer of leather bags is thick enough to bear the lather of saddle soap, it can be effectively used to clean leather bags. All you have to do is to make a mixture of saddle soap with water. Dip a clean microfiber cloth piece in the mixture and rub the soap lather over the surface of your leather bag. Make sure to rub the lather gently and in a circular motion, especially near the mold. Afterward, clean the leather with a damp cloth (a cloth dipped in warm water and wring properly). Dry your bag and you will be glad to use your mold-free bag.

4. Using Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is also proven to clean mold from leather bags without damaging or discoloring the surface of the bag. But you need to be cautious to use and apply an appropriate amount of rubbing alcohol. You have to mix rubbing alcohol and water in equal amounts to make a solution. Dip a microfiber cloth or cotton cloth in this mixture and gently scrub the surface of the leather bag and specifically the molds on the bag. After a few gentle scrubs, you will witness the magic of rubbing alcohol in the form of a mold-free clean, and clear surface of your leather bag. Clean the surface of the bag again with a clean piece of microfiber cloth to absorb any residue of rubbing alcohol and the bag to dry out naturally.

5. Using Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is known to fight fungus and remove it altogether. All you have to clean the mold over your leather bag is to follow these steps. Squeeze the lemon juice in a container. Dip a soft-bristled brush or soft microfiber cloth in lemon juice and gently scrub over your leather bag. Keep rubbing gently in circular motions until the mold vanishes. Afterward, pat over a dry clean piece of cloth on the surface of your leather bag to absorb any residue of lemon juice and ensure that the surface is not damp anymore.

6. Using Denatured Alcohol

You can also treat the old with denatured alcohol to enjoy carrying your leather bag again. Mix denatured alcohol and water in equal quantities. Dip a soft microfiber cloth or sponge in the mixture and wring it properly. Then scrub the scrub or cloth on the mold and surface of the leather bag. Keep rubbing until the mold spot starts to diminish. After the bag is free from the mold you are required to thoroughly dry it. You can do it by keeping it in the dryer or placing it outdoors to dry out naturally. Once the bag is dried, it is ready to use the way you want.

7. Using Leather Cleaners

You can buy a mold cleaner specifically designed for leather. You must buy one that is designed for leather surfaces as various surfaces have varying capacities to withstand chemical intensity. A leather-specific cleaner can clean the leather bag without causing damage to the bag. All you are required to do is to follow the instructions mentioned on the cleaner bottle and follow those instructions religiously to get rid of unwanted mold spots.

After-Cleaning Conditioning

No matter which technique you use (from the ones mentioned above), there is a fair chance that it will cause a mild change to the natural smooth look of the bag. Of course, any treatment you follow will change the surface layer as it involves scrubbing which diminishes the natural shine and glossy appeal of your bag. This is why it is recommended to apply a leather conditioner after any mold-cleaning process you opt for. Conditioning secures the top layer of your bag and restores the lost shine and glossy appeal of your leather bag. While applying the conditioner make sure that it is specially designed for leather products and follow the specific instructions mentioned on the conditioner bottle to get the required results.

Tips to keep mold away from your precious leather bags

Cleaning the mold is a possible but tedious task from leather bags. Leather products cost a fortune and are precious for the owners. Nobody wants to ruin their leather product (leather bag) from fungus or any other sort of damage. As you might have heard that prevention is better than cure so it is better to take preventive measures to stop mold and fungal growth over your expensive and classy leather bag. These simple tricks are handy and doable to keep mold away from your leather bags.

• Gently treat your leather bag– To keep your bag safe from harsh environments you should use it meagerly. Also, take care of your bag while using it and keep it away from harmful chemicals, excessive water, dirt, and dust. Properly clean it in case it gets dirty to retain its’ look and appearance.
• Proper storage of your leather bag– It is essential to properly store your leather bag. It is better to clean the bag with a damp cloth before you store it. While storing you can also put silica gel and camphor in the storage closet to keep molds away from your leather bags.
• Use Dehumidifierprotect your leather bag – If you live in a humid environment and are afraid that the humidity will ruin your leather bag then you can install a dehumidifier to treat the humidity. It will surely cost you a little but spending on a dehumidifier will not only purify your environment but will also protect your expensive leather products.
• Keep chemicals away from your leather bag– powerful chemicals can damage your leather bag permanently so you should be vigilant while choosing what to apply to your leather bag and what not. It is always better to clean it right after you use it with a clean cloth so as to ensure that it won’t get damaged to such an extent that requires extensive cleaning.