How to Remove Mildew From Leather
Leather can be a sensitive fabric and needs special care in order to remain supple. If you have a leather couch or a leather jacket that has developed a patch of mold or mildew, you will need to remove it carefully but thoroughly. Even a few spores left on the leather can sprout and begin to grow again.
Things You'll Need:
- Soft cloths
- Rubbing alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Olive oil
- Wipe any dry mold away from the leather with a damp soft cloth. If the mold is dry and flaky, you may be able to remove a good amount right away.
- Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. You can find rubbing alcohol in any drug store or grocery store. Do not ever use alcohol that you can drink because it is exceptionally drying and can damage the leather.
- Spray the rubbing alcohol mixture onto a soft cloth. Do not saturate the cloth, it only needs to be damp in order to remove the mold from the leather.
- Wipe the leather carefully with the rubbing alcohol-dampened cloth.
- Let the rubbing alcohol work on the moldy parts of the leather. Repeat the process. If you can see any mold left on the leather, continue rubbing gently with the rubbing alcohol until it wipes away completely. If the mold seems particularly stubborn, use a stronger mixture of two parts rubbing alcohol and one part water in the spray bottle.
- Wipe the leather with a drop or two of olive oil using a clean, soft cloth once the mold or mildew is fully removed. The olive oil helps to condition the leather.