Leather boots are a great investment. They last a long time, are easy to clean, and are perfect for all seasons. However, you might find that your boots have become moldy. This is because leather can absorb moisture from the air or rain when it’s wet. The mold will grow in the soaked areas and discolor the leather.
Mold is not only unsightly; it can prove to be a health hazard if not dealt with promptly and efficiently. Mold and mildew can grow in your home and may cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues. Even if you don’t have any breathing difficulties, there is always the risk of mold spores spreading around your home.
Most people have had the unpleasant experience of removing their boots from storage only to be met with a powerful mold stench. Tossing away your boots would always be your first instinct. It is not, however, too late to save them.
To successfully remove mold from your boots, you may need to apply various cleaning methods. If left unclean for long, moldy boots might get damaged. This blog post will give you tips on how to remove mold from leather boots!
Mold On Boots: What Causes It?
Mold is a tough fungus that may spread and develop on practically any surface, including boots and clothes. Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as leaks, damp nooks, or wet insoles. Boots are particularly prone to mold growth.
Fungus thrives in the dark, warm, and wet environment that boots provide.
The insoles, for example, are susceptible to perspiration moisture, whilst the exterior materials are left exposed to the outdoors. If you don’t thoroughly dry your shoes, you’ll end up with moldy odors.
Another risk factor is coming into contact with spores and bringing them home with you. Mold molecules in the air can attach themselves to your clothes and boots. You could also walk on a moldy surface and bring it home with you.
The spores will continue developing if there is any damp left on your boots.
How to Remove Mold from Leather Boots
Once you identify the source of the problem, it is easy to remove the mold. Depending on the toughness of the leather, there are many techniques for cleaning boots.
It would be best if you handle suede boots with care to avoid destroying the surface nap.
Things You’ll Need
- Bristle brush
- Saddle soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Odor eliminator spray
- Gum eraser
- Small bowl or bucket
- Clean white clothes
Step by Step Procedure on How to Remove Mold from Leather Boots:
Step 1
Wearing work gloves, scrape off any visible mold from your boots using a bristle brush. Be sure to do this outside to avoid mold spores from spreading into your home.
Step 2
Make a solution by mixing equal amounts of rubbing alcohol and warm water. Dip a clean cloth’s tip into the mixture. Rub the treated cloth gently in a circular motion on the mold-infested areas.
Step 3
Pour one tablespoon of saddle soap into a small dish or bucket. Add one glass of warm water to make a soapy solution. Rinse the boots clean after washing them with the saddle soap and water solution.
Step 4
Use fresh lemon juice to clean white leather boots. Allow the boots to dry in the sun after coating them with salt. After drying, thoroughly rinse the boots.
For colored boots, wash them using sodium perborate bleach and warm water solution. Soak your boots in this solution for 30 minutes before rinsing.
Step 5
Spray an odor eliminator spray inside the boots. Continue to spray the interior of the boots regularly to remove any mold odor left and deter future mold growth.
Step 6
Using a gum eraser, remove tough-to-remove mold and mildew stains. Gently stroke the eraser to rub off the stains. When done, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water to eliminate any remaining residue.
Step 7
Store your boots in a warm, sunny location. To prevent mold from recurring, try keeping the boots in a dry and free of moisture area. Polish them regularly to keep the boots free of scratches and color changes.
How to Prevent Mold on Leather Boots in Future
So you have managed to clean all your leather boots, and they now look brand new.
Great!
You now want to keep mold from forming on them again. You must first address the underlying problem, which is most likely humidity.
As indicated above, mold thrives in areas with high humidity. The greater the dampness, the faster mold might form on the leather. Installing a dehumidifier can be an easy way to remove relative humidity from the air.
You also need to ensure your home has adequate natural lighting as you know mold thrives in dark environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Mold on Leather Dangerous?
Mold on leather is often not hazardous. While it may produce allergy symptoms, the more serious issue is that if mold is present on some of your leather items, it may also mean your home is infested with molds, indicating the presence of a more significant problem.
If you notice mold on your leather boots, it could be a good idea to engage a qualified mold inspector to be sure you don’t have a serious problem on your hands.
2. Does Vinegar Kill Molds?
White vinegar, which has an acidity of 4-7 percent, can be used as a cleaning agent to remove germs, bacteria, and fungi from surfaces.
According to studies, this vinegar can be used to eliminate 80 percent of mold species and can also be used to prevent future mold formation.
3. What Does A Musty Odor Indicate?
A musty odor suggests the presence of mold, mildew, or fungus. By the time our nostrils sense the odor, considerable growth should have occurred someplace.
If the musty odor is only caused by mildew and mold, airing out the area, regulating the atmosphere, and a thorough cleaning should be enough to get rid of it.
If you still notice foul odors after a thorough cleaning, we recommend enlisting the assistance of specialists or a cleaning service.
While leather is one of the most common areas for mold to form, it is also easiest to remove.
To remove mold from leather, you can use a variety of methods. Whichever method you choose, use safe solutions that won’t damage the leather.