Remove Leather Mold

Leather, though a very durable and versatile material, is something that requires proper care and cleaning. Without using the proper care, leather shoes are susceptible to not only mildew and mold growth but to rapid decay as well. Removing mold and preparing your leather shoes for future use is simple, if you know how. Follow these easy step-by-step instructions and you will soon have leather shoes free from any mold or mildew.

Materials Needed:

• pH balanced leather wash
• Leather conditioner
• Clean soft cloths
• Soft nylon bristled brush
• Very mild soap (i.e., baby shampoo)

Process:

1. Dry. In order to properly remove mildew from your leather shoes, begin by making sure that the shoes are completely dry. If they are still damp when you begin cleaning, you will have a much more difficult time getting them clean. Allow the shoes to dry out thoroughly in a warm room, or if the weather permits allow the shoes to dry outside on your porch.
2. Remove. After the shoes have completely dried, it is time to remove the mold. Do this by initially scrubbing the mold away with a soft nylon brush. Make sure that you use a soft nylon brush since this will not damage the leather in any way. Once you have removed as much of the mold as you possibly can, use a damp clean cloth to wipe away whatever mold may be left.
3. Dry. Now you need to allow the shoes to dry again. Set aside as before, either in a warm room or outside in the sun, until the entire shoe is completely dry.
4. Clean. Using the leather wash, and following the manufacturer's directions that came with the leather wash, clean the leather portions of the shoes. This may require that you use both a cloth and the soft nylon bristled brush to get every nook and cranny. An alternative to using leather wash would be using some very mild soap, such as baby shampoo, and warm water. Apply the soapy water to your shoes with a clean cloth and the soft nylon bristled brush.
5. Dry. Once again, allow the shoes to completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
6. Condition. The next step is to apply some leather conditioner. This product will help protect the leather from damage through continued use. Simply follow the directions as listed on the back of the product's label.

Congratulations, you have completely removed mold and mildew from your shoes. The best way to keep your shoes from having this problem in the future is to take some preventative measures. A good idea is to watch the ways in which you store your shoes. Never put your wet or damp leather shoes in a dark place, as this will encourage the mold to grow. Make sure that the shoes are completely dry prior to putting them away.