Frank asked: How do I clean mold/mildew from leather shoes? The shoes were stored in a dark, damp location. I now have a green colored mold or mildew on and inside of several pairs of shoes. How do I safely remove it and protect against this in the future?
Mold requires moisture to grow. Whether it comes from perspiration that develops while wearing or from a damp room, the moisture must be removed to stop the growth of mold and mildew. Once the source of the problem is identified, you can remove the mold and mildew once and for all. There are different methods for leather shoes, depending on the durability of the leather. Suede and Nubuck should be treated the gentlest to avoid damaging the nap on the surface.
You Will Need:
- Simple Green
- Stiff nylon brush
- White vinegar
- Water
- Soft cloths
Steps to Remove the Mold and Mildew:
- Begin by dry-brushing the surface with a stiff, nylon brush. This will brush away most of the mold and mildew that has built up on the surface of the shoe.
- For suede and nubuck leathers, this is all that can be safely done. If further cleaning is needed, utilize a suede cleaner to remove any remaining mold and mildew. Follow the directions on the packaging for application instructions.
- For smooth leather shoes, as long as the leather remains unaffected, it is safe to continue on with further cleaning methods.
- Mix one part vinegar with one part water.
- Moisten a soft cloth with the mixture and use it to wipe the surface of the shoes clean.
- If the mold and mildew persist, spray the surface with Simple Green and wipe away with a clean, soft cloth.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- Damp Rid can be purchased from most stores, including Wal-Mart. Simply place it in the closet to absorb extra moisture to help prevent the return of mold.
- Silica gel can be purchased from craft stores. Simply place it in a small sachet and set in shoes when not in use to absorb excess moisture.
- To prevent moisture from building up, rotate through the shoes so that each pair is only worn for one day and then has a chance to dry out.
- Sunshine is a natural mold killer. If nothing else will kill the mold, set them in the sun for a day.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Use talcum powder
Good post! After the mildew is removed, use some talcum powder on the insides and keep the shoes wrapped up in cloth to avoid the attack of mildew again
yes but the smell of moldy shoes
Hi, after returning from a tour I found all my shoes moldy in the cabinet. I washed and cleaned them, but when I wear them a moldy smell emulates from them…
How do I get rid of this smell…(leather smooth shoes)
Mike
DAMP AND DRY MILDEW ON LEATHER TROUSERS
Hi
anyone got any idea how i can clean up some leather trousers that have been affected my damp and mildew in the wardrobe. i dont have the funds to have 3 pairs of leather trousers professionally cleaned and its such a waste to throw them away.
Vinegar damages, Tea Tree Oil is best
Vinegar will permanently RUIN leather! Never use it. One part rubbing alcohol and one part water, mixed and sprayed on will kill the mildew. Always follow up with a leather conditioner after your item has dried. My *best* results were in using Tea Tree Oil: kills mildew and conditions the leather all in one step. Mike–this should fix your shoe problem permanently.