Did you know that good-quality furniture now has an expected lifespan of less than a decade?
In fact, the average number of years furniture lasts is 7.8 years. One of the most common reason for this relatively short lifespan is mold buildup.
Some individuals are allergic to mold, according to the CDC people with mold sensitivity tend to suffer from nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, and other allergy symptoms. Because of this, it is important to know the main causes of mold in your home and prevent it from damaging your furniture beyond repair.
But what if mold already covered some of your leather pieces? That’s where this guide comes in. Read on to learn how to remove mold from leather:
1. Head Outside
It’s unsettling to know that mold only needs one spore to start its colony. Before you clean up your mold-infested leather things, you need to take it outside. That way, you can prevent the spores from spreading to other areas of your house. For the initial cleaning, you need to use either a soft-bristled brush or a dry clean cloth to brush away the spores. Discard these items storage boxes if they’re made out of any type of paper. If the items’ storage is fabric containers or hanging bags, you should wash them in hot water. Dry them up using high heat to kill any spores that remain. As for plastic containers, you’ll need a solution of chlorine bleach and water to clean it. If you store the mildewed items in a closet, then empty out the area and thoroughly vacuum each item. Use a chlorine bleach solution to wipe down the walls and floor, allowing it to dry first before using it again.
2. Soap It All Up
Use a solution of mild detergent and warm water and put it in a small plastic container or bucket. It’s much better if you use leather saddle soap instead if you have it on hand. Wipe down the entire leather surface, including its interior, using a clean cloth or sponge soaked with the solution. For the soapy residue, you need to use a separate cloth soaked in plain water to wipe it away. Place the items on a flat surface to air dry. Ensure that you don’t put it near direct heat or under the sun. To speed up the drying process, get a fan to help circulate air. You need the leather to dry completely before you proceed to the next step.
3. Kill All the Spores
Mix equal parts of plain cool water and rubbing alcohol in a clean container. Wipe down the leather using a clean cloth dipped in the mixture. If you’re removing mold from shoes, use a cotton swab to reach the crevices and other hard to reach areas. Use a clean cloth soaked in plain water to wipe the items down and finish the job. After that, allow them to air dry once more. To help hold the shape of shoes and boots, you might need to stuff them with clean white paper. Make sure not to use newspaper, otherwise, you’ll end up having ink on both your socks and feet when you wear it.
4. Recondition the Leather
Removing the mold is only the beginning. You can’t simply dry the leather furniture immediately after and use it. Leather is a natural product that contains oil, and it needs proper maintenance. If you neglect to maintain it after getting rid of the mold, the surface can crack. This happens because the oil expands due to the changing temperatures. That’s why it’s necessary to have some leather conditioner before you start cleaning your items. As soon as your leather item dries, use the conditioner to keep the oil at its proper state. This helps to return the finish to a supple touch, preserving its surface and making it look newer. The good news is that you can buy leather conditioner in cleaning sections of retail stores or on the internet.
How to Prevent Mold Growth on Leather
Learning how to remove mold from leather starts with good prevention. Start by controlling the environment in the areas where you store your leather items. Ensure that you control the temperature, humidity, and air flow as much as you can. Keep your storage area as clean as you can. Mold thrives on natural products as a means of feeding and reproducing. That’s why your dirty clothes with food or mud debris are perfect sites for mold colony growth, so don’t try storing a soiled item. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture levels in your home. If you want to go the extra mile, you should start waterproofing foundations and other areas susceptible to dampness. Opening windows and running fans will Increase the circulation of the air to ensure everything stays dry.
Make sure to inspect all your leather items regularly. A good guideline is to remove the leather articles when switching wardrobes as seasons change. Take these items to a well-lit area and inspect them for any sign of mold growth. Another option is to use mildew inhibitors in your storage areas. It’s especially useful if you suspect that you have mold problems in areas you can’t reach. Buy silica gel from hardware stores to absorb the air moisture.
Learn How to Remove Mold From Leather Today!
Mold might be a minor inconvenience at first, but it will grow to a more serious problem the longer you leave it alone. That’s why it’s important to get rid of it as soon as you spot it. Don’t hesitate to keep coming back to this guide regarding how to remove mold from leather.
Don’t stop here! If you feel like your house has a severe mold problem, you need expert help. Contact us today, and we’ll help you make your home mold-free as soon as possible.