A bag with mold can make you sad, but that doesn't mean you have to throw it away. You can use dish soap to remove mold on leather bags, baking soda to remove mildew on canvas and synthetic fabrics, or use vinegar which is safe for all types of materials. Use a toothbrush to scrub the selected cleaning agent so the bristles can effectively remove the fungus. If the bag can be immersed in water safely, you can wash it in the washing machine or by hand. If the mold is completely gone, leave the bag in the sun to dry it.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using a Toothbrush to Clean Mold Stains
Step 1. Mix a mild detergent and water to clean the bag from the leather
Use a bowl to mix the water with dish soap or hand soap. Stir this soapy water mixture until it foams.
There is no definite rule regarding the amount of soap needed, but 1 tbsp. (20 ml) dish soap or hand soap is sufficient
Step 2. Make a paste of baking soda to kill mold on cloth bags or synthetic materials
Put the water in a bowl, then add the baking soda a little at a time. Add one tablespoon of baking soda at a time, then stir until evenly mixed. When the paste is ready, you are ready to use it.
It's a good idea to make a slightly runny paste, not a thick one so that it spreads easily on the bag
Step 3. Use vinegar on a bag of any material as a natural disinfectant
Mix vinegar and water in equal proportions. You can also use pure white vinegar for a strong cleanser. Use a bowl to mix the vinegar and water to make it easier to use.
- For a thinner vinegar, mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water.
- It works well with leather or canvas, and other bags made of synthetic materials, such as backpacks.
Step 4. Dip an old toothbrush in the chosen cleaning solution to remove mold
No matter what cleaning agent you choose (dish soap, vinegar, or baking soda), use an old toothbrush to remove any mold on the bag. Dip the toothbrush into the thoroughly mixed cleaning solution. Tap the toothbrush against the rim of the bowl to remove excess water if needed.
If you don't have an old toothbrush, buy a new one that's cheap, or use a clean cloth
Step 5. Scrub the fungus stuck to the bag using a toothbrush
Scrub the fungus with a toothbrush in circular motions, which will create a foam if the cleaning solution uses soap. Dip the toothbrush back in the cleaning solution after you've handled a section to remove any mold on the brush and add additional cleaning agents. Scrub the bag with a toothbrush until the mushrooms are completely clean.
Clean the entire surface of the bag so that no more mold spores are still attached
Step 6. Wipe off any remaining cleaning solution using a cloth dampened with water
Wet a washcloth or microfiber cloth with water, then gently squeeze out the excess water. Wipe the cloth on the freshly cleaned part of the bag to remove any remaining cleaning solution on the bag.
Rinse the cloth and re-wet after each use to prevent the cleaning solution from sticking to the bag again
Step 7. Turn the bag over so the inside is outside so you can clean it
If there is dirt and mildew on the inside of the bag, or you want to clean it too, turn the bag over if possible. If the bag cannot be turned inside out, open the bag as much as possible and clean it with a toothbrush as you would on the outside.
Wipe the inside of the bag with a damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaning agents
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning the Bag with a Washing Machine and Hot Water
Step 1. Wash bags made of canvas, cotton, or synthetic materials using the washer or hand
These materials can usually be soaked in water so they are easier to clean. Check the bag label for the ingredients and how to wash it. If it says it can be washed in hot water and soaked, you can use a washing machine to clean it.
If the bag label says it can only be washed by hand, you should either wash it yourself with water or treat the stained area only (spot treat)
Step 2. Set the washing machine on the hot water setting and add some detergent
If the bag is allowed to soak in water, put the bag in the washing machine and select the hot water setting. Measure out the detergent according to the amount recommended on the package (although you don't need to use it in a full dose because it's only the bag that is being washed). Hot water can help kill germs and fungi.
- If possible, set the washing machine on a gentle cycle when you use hot water. This is a great option to keep the bag from getting damaged.
- Avoid using detergent if you are worried that the bag will be damaged. Only use hot water to clean it.
Step 3. Wash the bag by hand using hot water for a gentler cleaning option
Put hot water in a container, then soak the bag in it and scrub the mushrooms with a sponge or brush. Use clean hot water to rinse the bag (after all the mildew is gone) to disinfect and thoroughly clean the bag.
Even if you have to use hot water, don't let the water boil. Bags can be damaged if exposed to water that is too hot
Method 3 of 3: Drying the Bag and Preventing Mold
Step 1. Wipe the bag with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture
Use a clean towel to wipe the bag, applying pressure to each part of the bag to absorb as much water as possible. When the towel is wet, replace it with another dry towel.
Step 2. Place the bag outside to dry it in the sun
Place the bag on a towel in the sun, or place it on a hanger. Leave the bag in the sun for 1 to 3 hours. Open the inside of the bag to dry it too (if it gets wet).
- Do not dry the leather bag in the sun for more than 2 hours so that the leather does not dry out and crack.
- Two hours later, move the bag to a shady location and leave it there for a while to dry in fresh air.
Step 3. Apply leather conditioner on a leather bag
Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean microfiber cloth, according to the directions on the product packaging. Apply the conditioner in small circular motions until the entire bag is evenly coated with conditioner.
- Wipe off excess leather conditioner so that the surface of the bag becomes clean and smooth.
- This conditioner will return moisture to the skin and keep it primed.
Step 4. Keep the bag away from moisture to prevent mold from growing
Mushrooms love damp and wet places. Mold will easily grow if the bag is stored in a place like this. Store the bag in a well-ventilated place to keep it dry.
- Try to store the bag in a porous storage bag, not a plastic bag.
- If your home tends to be humid, use a dehumidifier in the area where you store your bags.
Step 5. Check the bag every month or so to make sure no mold is growing
Mold can grow quickly so you need to get rid of it quickly before it spreads and becomes difficult to remove. If your bag is stored in a box or shelf, take it out of there every month to check for mold. In addition to the outside, also check the inside.
As an added precaution, dry the bag in the sun for 1 hour to kill any potential mold and provide fresh air
Tips
- Remove all items from the bag before you wash them to avoid damage.
- Carry out bag cleaning outside the house so that mold spores don't spread to all parts of the house.
Warning
- Wear rubber gloves and a mask when you handle mold.
- Always check the washing instructions listed on the bag label.
- If you are afraid the bag will be damaged, take the bag to a professional cleaning service for a dry clean.
