Whether you're dealing with furniture, cars, shoes, or jackets, stains caused by mold must be treated quickly. Be gentle when you clean the product from the leather and be sure to test the cleaning agent used (either a household product or something else) before you use it to clean the stain.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Cleaning Suede and Nubuck Leather
Step 1. Apply petroleum jelly
Do a test to see the effect of petroleum jelly in a small hidden area. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the moldy area. You can also use suede cleaner, but read the label on the cleaning product to see if it can be used to remove mildew.
Nubuck leather is easily discolored. So, make sure you have tested the cleaning product you are using before applying it to your skin
Step 2. Apply a mixture of alcohol and water
Mix alcohol and water in equal proportions to remove stubborn stains. If the mildew doesn't go away after you use jelly or suede cleaner, apply a mixture of alcohol and water to the skin.
Test the alcohol mixture on a small area of the mold stain to make sure that your leather doesn't change color
Step 3. Wipe the mushrooms
Wet a soft sponge or cloth with water. Use the rag or sponge to gently rub the jelly or suede cleaner on the moldy skin. Do the same if you are using an alcohol mixture to remove stubborn mold stains.
Repeat the process as necessary, but don't rub too vigorously if the stain still won't go away. This action can damage the skin if you are not careful
Step 4. Let the skin dry
Allow your suede and nubuck leather to dry completely. Use a suede brush to restore the texture. You can buy suede brushes online or at a shoe store.
If the mold stains on your leather products still don't go away, take them to a professional suede leather cleaning service
Method 2 of 4: Removing Mold with Soap
Step 1. Remove any loose mushrooms
Clean the loosened mushrooms using a soft-bristled brush. Try removing mold outdoors to prevent mold spores from spreading inside your home. If you are using an old brush, wash the brush first.
Step 2. Suck your skin
Remove mold from panels or creases using a vacuum cleaner. Immediately dispose of the contents in the vacuum so that mold spores do not spread. Get rid of the fungus from your home as soon as possible.
Step 3. Wet your leather material
Make sure the product is made of finished leather (leather that has been processed to the last stage) so that it is safe if exposed to water. Finished leather has a layer of pigment on top. Use a sponge to rub the soap on the fungus and use a damp cloth to wipe it off.
- Do not let the skin too wet because it can make it damaged.
- Test whether the leather is stained or not by dripping a little water on the surface. If the area that was dripped with water turns dark or is stained, stop using soap or water. If mold is near the zipper, it may have moved to the inner lining of your sofa cushions or clothing. Treat the inner lining as well or replace the pillow.
Step 4. Wipe with the alcohol mixture
Dip a cloth in a mixture made of 1 cup of isopropyl or denatured alcohol with 4 cups of water. Gently wipe your leather with the cloth to remove any remaining fungus. Do not soak the leather material. Let the skin dry completely.
Again, only use a mixture of alcohol if the product is a finished leather type. Test it on a small area of skin before applying the alcohol mixture. Even if you're working with finished leather, the alcohol mix can still damage it
Step 5. Air the frame (optional)
Ventilate the interior of the furniture frame when the mildew has penetrated the upholstery and invaded the interior. Remove the bottom dust cover and contact a professional disinfection service if the fungus attack is severe.
Ask if the disinfection service has an "ozone chamber". If you have one, ask to have your furniture put in it for at least 48 hours
Method 3 of 4: Removing Mold with Vinegar
Step 1. Dry the surface of the skin with a brush
Dry the leather with a stiff nylon brush to remove mildew from the surface. Keep in mind that mold spores are easy to spread. So, try to do it outdoors so that the fungus does not spread.
Step 2. Apply a mixture of vinegar and water
Mix equal parts vinegar and water and test this mixture on a small area of skin. If the color does not change, continue cleaning the mushrooms with the mixture. Do not overdo it when applying the mixture to the skin.
Step 3. Wipe the skin clean and dry
Dip a soft cloth in the vinegar mixture and gently clean the skin. Do not apply too much pressure when scrubbing as this can damage the skin. Let the skin dry.
This method usually works well on leather shoes. You can also apply it to other skin products as long as you have tested the effect of this mixture to determine whether there is a discoloration or not
Method 4 of 4: Cleansing Unfinished Skin
Step 1. Use saddle soap
You can buy this soap on the internet or in stores that sell leather products. Use a small amount of this soap on a damp sponge or washcloth. Rub the saddle soap into the skin's crevices using the lather.
- Do a test to see if your skin is unfinished or not by dripping a little water in a hidden place. If the leather becomes dark or changes color, it means that the leather is unfinished (leather that is not processed to the last stage).
- Read the label on the cleaning product and test it on a small, hidden area of the skin. Unfinished skin is easily damaged because it is porous. Using the wrong cleanser can easily penetrate beneath the surface of the skin and damage it.
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Do not use the following cleaning products on unfinished skin:
- Detergent
- Household soap such as soap for washing hands, facial cleanser, and dish soap
- Hand sanitizer cream or lotion
- Hand tissue or baby wipes
- Lanolin cream
- Alcohol
Step 2. Clean the skin by wiping it
Rub the soap with another wet cloth. Wipe off any residue thoroughly to clean the skin. Do not apply excessive pressure because it can damage the skin.
Step 3. Let the skin dry
Let the saddle soap sit and dry overnight, but don't expose it to the sun as this can fade the skin tone. Avoid direct heat sources and allow the skin to dry by aerating it.
Step 4. Apply conditioner on the skin
If it is dry, apply conditioner to the skin. Do not forget to test first on the hidden skin. Read the label to make sure that the cleaning product used is safe for the skin. Mink oil can be used on most unfinished skin. Purchase conditioner at a shoe store or leather product dealer.
Conditioning helps protect the skin from damage and can help maintain its appearance
Tips
- Use a dehumidifier (a device to reduce humidity in the air) which can prevent moisture from building up. Moisture will trigger mold growth. Dehumidifiers are available in a variety of sizes and prices.
- Treat mold as soon as you find it, as it can infiltrate deep into sofa cushions or other leather materials. Severe mold infestation can cause irreparable damage.
- Contact your leather product manufacturer for a list of acceptable cleaning products. Some manufacturers may offer their own cleaning service.
Warning
- Mold growing on furniture can be very difficult to remove. Replace the sofa cushions or furniture if the fungus attack is very severe.
- Sunlight can naturally kill fungus, but remember that sunlight can also change skin color if not treated properly.
