Apr
How to Get Mold Out of a Leather Jacket?
Presented by The Leather Grow – Handcrafted for a Lifetime, 100% Real Leather
A leather jacket is a heritage, not only a fashion statement. Owning a handcrafted, genuine leather jacket like those from The Leather Grow means you are investing in decades of wear, comfort, and clear style. Even the best-made coats, however, are susceptible to a sneaky, silent foe: mould.
Mould can sneak onto your leather and, if ignored, destroy your valued outerwear, whether it has been kept in a damp closet, left too long in a humid cellar, or exposed to rain without appropriate drying.
Therefore, it is quite difficult to remove mould from a leather jacket without harming it. How do you clean, safeguard, and ensure it never returns?
Let us guide you through the most excellent book on leather care, restoration, and mould removal. You will discover:
- The causes of mold growth on leather
- How to find it early
- A methodical approach to safely eliminating mold
- Which products—both DIY and professional-grade—to utilize
- Ways to stop subsequent mould growth
- Bonus: When to ask for expert assistance
Knowing the Enemy: What is Mold and Why Does It Attack Leather?
Mould is a kind of fungus that flourishes in warm, humid, and poorly ventilated conditions. As an organic substance, leather becomes the ideal breeding ground—especially when it’s exposed to moisture without appropriate drying or airflow.
Leather jackets, especially those made of high-quality cowhide or lambskin like those from The Leather Grow, are more durable than synthetic substitutes, but if the circumstances are right, mould does not discriminate.
Indications your leather jacket might be mouldy:
- Fuzzy patches in white, green, grey, or black
- A stale, unpleasant smell
- Sticky or sticky consistency
- Visible cracking or areas resembling dust that don’t simply clean away
The secret is early discovery. Catching it early makes cleaning simpler and prevents long-term harm.
Removing Mold from Your Leather Jacket Step-by-Step
Let’s jump straight into the procedure. This approach is meant for genuine leather, not fake or PU leather, which reacts differently.
🌿 Your Requirements:
- A dry cloth or soft-bristled brush
- Rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) or white vinegar
- Purified water
- Spray canister
- Microfiber cloths that are clean
- Leather treatment
- A mask and gloves to prevent breathing mould spores.
- Saddle soap or particular leather cleaner is optional.
Step One: Prepare Your Equipment and Area
Always operate in a well-ventilated space, preferably outside or in a garage with the door open. Mold spores can be dangerous when disturbed, so wear a mask and gloves.
Please lay your leather jacket flat on a spotless surface. Don’t set it straight on wood or porous surfaces where mould could spread.
Brush off loose mould in step two.
Gently brush away apparent mould spots with a gentle brush or dry microfiber towel. Don’t scrub aggressively; you’re attempting to loosen surface mould, not drive it further into the leather.
Important: To prevent spores from spreading, dispose of the towel or sterilize the brush later.
Step three is to create a cleaning solution.
Combine in a spray bottle:
- One part rubbing alcohol or white vinegar
- One part distilled water
Why these components are practical:
- Vinegar: Mild acid that eliminates most mould kinds
- When diluted, rubbing alcohol is antifungal, quick-evaporating, and safe for leather.
Bleach and hydrogen peroxide are extremely strong and could fade or dry your jacket, so stay away.
💦 Step 4: Clean the Jacket
Lightly spray a microfiber cloth with the solution—don’t soak it—and then softly wipe the impacted regions. Be thorough but gentle, and use circular motions.
Wipe after 10 minutes for heavier patches.
Do this on every mouldy spot—even on ones that seem “clear”—to guarantee the hidden spores are gone.
After this point, let your jacket entirely air dry.
What to Do Following Mold Cleaning: Treat and Safeguard
Restoring the leather and guarding it against the subsequent mould development should follow your cleaning and drying of the leather jacket.
✨ Step 5: Condition the Leather
Cleaning and mould can dry out the leather. Use a premium leather conditioner to rehydrate it.
Using a fresh cloth, follow the product directions to apply it. Rub it into the leather and let it absorb entirely. This keeps the leather soft, supple, and moisture-resistant.
Especially after washing or moisture exposure, we advise maintaining your leather every few months.
Optional: Use a Professional Cleaner or Saddle Soap
For thick mould spots or tenacious stains, a little bit of saddle soap or professional leather cleaner can be used before conditioning. Use gently, and check on a concealed area first.
Tips for Maintenance and Storage to Stop Mold from Coming Back
Removing mould is wonderful; stopping it is even better.
Always dry your jacket after exposure.
Should your jacket be rained on or even mildly damp, let it air dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated environment; never keep it even slightly wet.
Steer clear of direct sunlight, radiators, and dryers since they can cause leather drying or cracking.
📦 2. Keep in a Cool, Dry Location
Hang your jacket on a broad, comfortable hanger in a breathable garment bag. Avoid tightly packed closets or plastic covers, as leather requires ventilation.
Avoid keeping it in basements, garages, or other high-humidity areas.
💨 3. Employ Dehumidifiers or Silica Gel
Your closet’s little silica gel packets can soak up moisture. A wardrobe dehumidifier helps maintain the area mold-free for long-term storage.
Rotate and Air Out
Take your leather jacket out of storage now and then to let it breathe even if you don’t use it frequently. Fresh air is quite beneficial.
When Should One Contact a Professional?
Should your jacket have:
- Serious mould problem
- Cracking or discoloration
- A persistent, musty smell
- Leather from antique or old sources
Then, it’s time to contact a leather cleaning expert. Their knowledge and equipment allow them to handle severe mould without compromising the material.
Consider it an investment in the long life of your jacket.
Mold on Faux Leather vs. Real Leather: Is It Different?
Absolutely, a lot.
Being plastic-based, faux leather (PU leather) won’t absorb mould like genuine leather. Mould usually develops on the surface rather than within the material.
Being organic and porous, real leather can absorb moisture and mould into its structure. That’s why quality counts when selecting your jacket and why gentle but thorough washing is essential.
To be honest, real leather’s feel and durability are unmatched. That is why we at The Leather Grow do what we do.
Genuine leather merits genuine attention
Though it may seem like a chore, removing mould is quite doable; if done correctly, your jacket will come out cleaner, softer, and even more lovely than before.
In summary:
Act early if you see mould symptoms. Use a vinegar/alcohol solution to clean. Store wisely to avoid recurrence
If you’re looking for an ethically made, reasonably priced under $300, a durable new jacket, consider these exceptional collections:
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Final Thoughts: It Happens. What Counts Is Your Next Action.
A mouldy leather jacket does not indicate your investment is destroyed. Appropriate care and patience can help you bring your coat back to its full splendour and stop the following problems with only a few clever practices.
Selling jackets is not our primary focus here at The Leather Grow. We are about enabling you to wear them for life, style them, and look after them.
Do more inquiries on leather care? Looking for tailored advice on restoration or product suggestions?
✨ Send us a note or check out our shop.
Remember to apply coupon TLG30 for a 30% discount on your first purchase.
Your jacket is like a second skin. Let it survive as long as you.
From The Leather Grow with love.