With the value and prices of leather heading to skyrocket-high, it has become imperative that furniture and clothing made from this material is well cared for. Often times mildew and mold could form in the said material and ruin a really valuable and aesthetically-pleasing product. If left unchecked, these could disintegrate the leather material and eventually create a funky odor. Not only that, when improperly handled, the mold and mildew could increase and further damage the material and eventually destroy it.
Prevent Mold And Mildew From Developing
Once you have acquired a leather product, protect it by spraying on leather protective solution. Be sure to apply with using low pressure and follow the instructions as too much moisture could cause mold and mildew to develop. You could also opt to use leather wax instead of spray.
Because mildew thrives on dirt too, be sure to regularly clean your leather products. You could clean it using a solution of vinegar mixed with water. Just wipe the material using a cloth damp with the solution and let it dry. Vinegar is a great anti-mildew agent as it contains anti-fungal properties that stop spores from multiplying and growing in the leather.
Always keep the area where your store your leather goods and furniture dry and free from humidity. Do not leave these in an area where moisture could easily seep in the material and encourage mold and mildew growth.
If the area you live in could become very humid, try looking for ways to keep your leather goods dry. One option is to place a fan or dehumidifier in front of it to keep it dry or take it out under the warm sunlight to air out completely. For leather bags and shoes, you could try putting them in sealed airtight bags or boxes to prevent the moisture from coming in.
You could also place dessicant in trunks or cabinets where your keep your leather goods to absorb the moisture.
For leather furniture, it is best to place them in rooms where there is a window so that moisture trapped inside could go out. It is also one way to let air from the outside get in and keep the area from getting too damp that could cause molds.
Removing Mold And Mildew
Should all your preventive measures still fail, remember that there are still some ways in which you could stop the mildew and mold from multiplying further. Soon as you notice the first growth of these fungi or the start of a musty scent, immediately wipe the area with the use of soft cloth damp with the vinegar and water solution. After that, dry it out completely.
If moisture has already seeped in the leather material, take it outside to let it air dry. While you can do the cleaning at home, it is recommended that you take your affected leather goods outside to keep mold spores and allergens from spreading inside your house. Be sure to wear safety gear especially if you are allergic. Wear gloves and a face mask when handling your leather product hit with mildew and mold.
Should the size of the mold growth become big, remove it with the use of a nylon brush that would scrub it off the surface. Start from the top down to the bottom to keep it from returning or multiplying. After this, vacuum the remaining growth and dust to remove any particles that were left behind.
Leave your leather goods under the sun to completely dry out. Mold and mildew form when the leather is kept in a dark and humid environment. To counter it, leave it lying under the heat to completely dry out the moisture that might have developed inside.
Do not forget to apply leather restorer and wax to the furniture before you return it inside as the solution acts as another protective layer to keep the spores from growing and multiplying inside.
Check and clean up the cupboards and trunks where you keep your leather goods, wipe it with disinfectant and allow it to dry completely before returning the products. Be sure that the place is free from any organic material such as oil, grease or wood that could serve as food for the spores to grow on.
