How to Remove Mold Off Leather Shoes

Leather shoes are an ageless wardrobe classic, yet they’re unbeatable against mildew and mould. Whether your leather boots or shoes have been stored in a humid closet or have come in contact with water, mouldy leather shoes are a nuisance.

But you do not need to worry, with the right equipment and methods, you can bring your shoes back to their good old days. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you should know about removing mould from leather shoes even from the equipment needed to clean, handy tips, and prevention.

Materials Required

Gather the following materials before beginning:

• Soft-bristled brush (e.g., toothbrush or shoe brush).
• Microfiber cloth.
• Leather cleaner or saddle soap (mild version).
• White vinegar or rubbing alcohol (for disinfection).
• Leather conditioner or moisturizer.
• Waterproof spray (to seal the leather once clean).
• Protective gloves (to prevent direct contact with the mould).
• Face mask (to avoid inhaling mould spores).
• Baking soda (for deodorizing).
• Tea tree oil (natural antifungal agent).

Having them on hand will simplify the cleaning process and make it more effective.

How to Remove Mold from Leather Shoes

Step 1: Clean the Surface

• Brush Off Loose Mold: Start by taking your shoes outside in an effort not to spread mould spores in the home. A soft-bristled brush can be used to brush off loose mould on leather shoes. Care should be taken not to scratch the leather.
• Wipe with Damp Cloth: Soak a microfiber cloth in water and wipe the surface of the shoe clean of any residual mould deposits. Do not soak leather; excess water will further aggravate the problem.
• Use Leather Cleaner: Clean the surface using leather cleaner or saddle soap. Use a minimal amount on a cloth and circularly rub the leather. This will get rid of any lingering dirt and mould.

To prevent the leather boots from squeaking, read our recent article How To Stop Leather Boots From Squeaking

Step 2: Sanitize the Leather

• White Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray gently over affected areas to kill any remaining mould spores. Alternatively, rubbing alcohol can be utilized for its full sanitizing effect.
• Let It Dry: Allow the shoes to air dry naturally. Never try to use direct heat sources like hairdryers because this dries out and cracks the leather.

Step 3: Restore and Protect

• Condition the Leather: After drying, put a high-class leather conditioner in such a manner to re-moisturize and keep the leather flexible. It is a step taken to avoid dehydrating and cracking of the leather after washing.
• Waterproof the Shoes: For protection against any fungal growth in the future, use waterproof spray on leather and treat the shoes. It will form a waterproof layer over the shoes.
• Polish (Optional): If the shine on your shoes has faded, polish them using a leather polish to restore the shine.

Tips to Remember Before You Clean Moldy Leather

• Act Quickly: The quicker you clean mouldy leather shoes, the better.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Bleach and ammonia can ruin leather, so use mild cleaners like vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
• Dry the Shoes: Dry your shoes and then keep them aside. Stuff shoe trees or papers in them so they do not lose their shape.
• Dry Place Storage: Store leather shoes in a cool and dry place with good ventilation to prevent mould in boots or shoes.

Bloodstain stick to your favourite shoes, read our article How to Get Blood Out of Shoes

DIY Homemade Solutions to Eliminate Mold

• Baking Soda Paste: Combine water and baking soda to create a paste. Gently brush paste on moulded areas and leave for 10-15 minutes and afterwards wipe clean with a damp cloth. Baking soda works wonders at removing odours and small areas of mould.
• Tea Tree Oil Solution: Combine 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil and 1 cup of water. Spray the solution onto affected areas and air dry. Tea tree oil is a fungicide and will destroy mould spores.
• Lemon Juice and Salt: Combine lemon juice and salt to make a homemade cleaning paste. Apply it on the mouldy spots, let it sit for 10 minutes, and wipe off. Lemon juice also restores the shine of the leather.

How to Identify Different Types of Mold on Leather

Not all mould is the same. Here’s how to identify the type of mould you’re dealing with:

• Black Mold: Black mould is the most common and deadly mould that has brown black marks, and isn’t anything pleasant to breathe in as it creates breathing issues.
• White Mold: White mould is also known as mildew, and is puffy white and round in shape.
• Green Mold: Less toxic, but the mould will kill the leather unless it’s preserved.
• Blue Mold: Blue mould is on the food but is also on the leather if the leather is wet.

Having an idea of the type of mould you have will mean you can use the best cleaning product for it.

To clean your leather sneakers, read our recent article How To Clean White Leather Shoes

Cause Of Mould Form On Leather Shoes

Let us first discover why the growth of mould in leather shoes occurs before moving towards the cleaning process. Mould likes hot, wet, and poorly ventilated environments. Amongst the most frequent causes are:

• Humidity: Keeping shoes in wet places such as basements, bathrooms, or garages.
• Wet Conditions: Rain or snow treks in leather shoes without prior drying.
• Poor Ventilation: Placing leather shoes or boots in a closed, dark place for long periods of time.
• No Cleaning: Sweat and dirt buildup, providing mould spores with an area to grow.

Not only does mould appear disgusting, but it also breaks down the leather and provides the infected area with a damp odour. If fungus is left to grow on leather boots, you will have to act fast so that damage can be avoided.

What is the Difference between Mildew and Mould?

We all tend to use the words mould and mildew interchangeably, but they are two distinct things. A quick reminder is below:

Mould: Mould is black, green or blue in colour and will penetrate into things like leather more. Harder to get rid of and will weaken the structure if not treated.

Mildew: White or light grey surface mould which is in the form of powdery patches. Less stubborn to wipe off and less penetrating than mould.

Both can infect leather footwear, but mould is the more destructive one. Mildew on a leather origin is treated similarly to mold, but less aggressively in certain instances.

Final Thoughts

Mould on leather shoes is painful to work with, but if you do it correctly, you might be able to salvage your favourite pair from the dumpster. Cleaning, sanitising, and restoring your shoes not only kills mould on leather shoes, but they’ll also make your boots long-lasting. Don’t forget to take preventive steps against the formation of new mold and your leather shoes will remain good and stylish for decades.

If you’re dealing with severe mould inside leather shoes or boots mould, consider consulting a professional cleaner for the best results. And don’t forget to invest in a good mould spray for shoes or a shoe mould remover for regular maintenance.

FAQS

Are mouldy leather shoes recoverable?

Most mouldy shoes can be saved if the mould has not dried too hard into the leather. Restore them with the cleaning routine in this tutorial. But if the mould has dried a lot of damage or the leather cracked, then shoe-replacement time is here.

Is it safe to wear shoes that have been cleaned for mould?

Yes, as long as you have thoroughly cleaned and sanitized your boots. Make sure there is no lingering odour and visible mould. Concerned about allergens, consider wearing socks and an antifungal spray inside the shoes before wearing them.

What is the best way to dry leather shoes after cleaning mould?

Always air-dry your leather shoes. Never dry them in direct heat sources such as hairdryers, radiators, and sunshine, as they dry out the leather, shrink it and crack it. Stuff the shoes with newspaper or shoe trees to keep them from losing their shape while drying.

Can mould grow inside leather shoes?

Yes, leather shoes lead to the development of mould when damp or kept moist. To dry out the interior, soak a cloth with a rub-alcohol or vinegar solution and clean off. Dry your shoes before putting them on.