Mold on your cherished leather furniture can be disheartening, but don’t despair! You’re about to learn how to tackle this issue head-on, ensuring your leather pieces are not only clean but also preserved for years to come.
Mold can be a formidable enemy, thriving in damp conditions and leaving unsightly marks that detract from the beauty of leather. However, with the right approach, you can remove mold and restore your furniture’s elegance and charm.
They are small organisms with colors such as black, white, orange, green, or purple. Molds can live and grow almost anywhere. They grow in wet areas and produce spores that spread through the air.
Let’s dive into the world of leather care, where you’ll learn how to eradicate mold and prevent its return ever again.
Take the Leather Furniture Outside & Stay Safe When Cleaning
Before you clean your leather furniture-try to take it outside to clean off the molds. As stated before, molds spread by air. So it is important to prevent mold from spreading one furniture to another. Use a nylon brush to brush the leather furniture. Then use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum any particles from the mold.
I must stress the importance of cleaning outside because when cleaning with the solutions recommended below-the the molds will burst and spread their spores. So if these spores fall onto surrounding furniture, then that furniture will be infected with molds too. If you do not get help to remove the furniture outside then remove any furniture close to the infected furniture until the leather furniture is all cleaned.
If you are allergic to molds and you have been prescribed any medicine then you may need to take them before you start cleaning. Be sure to wear a mask and a pair of gloves when you are cleaning molds.
Clean Molds off Leather Furniture Using Dish Soap
To clean mold off leather furniture effectively, start by mixing warm water with dish soap in a bowl. Dip a dish washing sponge into this solution, squeezing out the excess liquid to avoid soaking the leather.
Gently scrub the mold-affected areas in a circular motion, re-dipping and squeezing the sponge as necessary to ensure it’s not too wet. After scrubbing the entire piece to prevent mold spread, wipe off the soap with a damp cloth, then use a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
Allow the furniture to dry, preferably in the sun for a brief period to avoid damage. Finally, clean the furniture with a leather cleaner and apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture.
Important note
- Use a dish soap that is mild and not too strong.
- Test a section of the leather furniture before cleaning the mold to test if the dish soap is safe to use on the leather. If there is no reaction then you can start cleaning.
Vinegar Can Remove Mold from Leather Furniture
The vinegar water mix is best since it neutralizes mold and fungus spores.
To effectively remove mold from leather furniture, create a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar, ensuring it’s well mixed. Begin by dipping a cloth into this mixture, wringing out the excess to avoid over-wetting the leather. Gently scrub the mold-affected areas in a circular motion, re-wetting and wringing the cloth as needed.
Switch to a fresh cloth for different sections to avoid spreading mold. After cleaning, wipe the furniture with a damp cloth, then use a dry cloth to remove any leftover moisture. Allow the furniture to dry, preferably with brief sun exposure to prevent damage.
Finish by cleaning with a leather cleaner and applying a leather conditioner to replenish
Important Note
- Test a section of the leather furniture before cleaning the mold to test if the dish soap is safe to use on the leather. If there is no reaction then you can start cleaning.
How to Clean Mold off Leather Furniture & Maintain It?
Leather furniture MUST be maintained if you want them to last long. Here are some tips to make your leather furniture last long. You should,
- Keep your leather furniture away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can dry leather leading to discoloration cracking.
- Keep leather furniture away from sharp objects.
- Get a professional to clean complex issues such as dark stains and heavy molds that are too difficult to clean on your own.
- Instantly address any stains or spills on your leather furniture to minimize the chances of damage. Bolt the stain as fast as possible with a leather furniture cleaner. Avoid wiping it or it will spread.
FAQ
How often should I clean my leather furniture?
To keep your leather furniture in pristine condition, aim to give it a thorough cleaning every 3 to 6 months. Regular cleaning not only preserves the leather’s look and feel but also prevents the accumulation of dirt and oils that can degrade its quality over time. In case of mold detection, immediate action is necessary to halt its growth and spread, protecting the integrity and aesthetic of your furniture.
Why do I have to use a leather cleaner and leather conditioner after I remove the molds? What will happen if I do not use them?
Leather is just like your skin. Your skin needs to be washed with soap-but after you have dried your skin, you need to use a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and smooth. That way your skin looks young and fresh.
Similarly, soaps for furniture leathers are called leather conditioners that keep the leather clean. In case of moisturizing, leather moisturizers are sometimes called leather conditioners.
The water/vinegar mix and the dish soap mixture used above will kill the mold/spores but won’t clean and preserve the leather. You will need to use a leather cleaner to keep the mold and fungus from coming back. And leather conditioners can keep leather furniture moisturized.
What products did you use to clean and condition the leather ?
For cleaning, I have been using Leather Master Soft Cleaner for years. In the case of conditioning furniture leather, I like to use Leather Master 1 Liter Leather Protection Cream.
If you want to use a solution that does cleaning and conditioning at the same time then you can use TriNova Leather Conditioner and Cleaner. It not only cleans your leather furniture but also conditions your leather furniture at the same time. Therefore, time is saved in treating leather furniture.
Will the water and vinegar mixture preserve the leather?
The water/vinegar mix will kill the mold/spores but won’t CLEAN and PRESERVE the leather. You will need to clean the leather to keep the mold and fungus from coming back.
Use a leather cleaner for furniture such as Leather Master Soft Cleaner. It is one of many factors to prevent molds from growing back. After you finish cleaning, you should always use a leather conditioner to preserve the leather longer. If you are searching for How to Clean Mold off Leather Furniture without any hassle, then you can use Leather Master 1 Liter Leather Protection Cream.
I cannot take my furniture out to dry. How can I dry my leather furniture at home?
Open the windows to let air in. If you have a ceiling fan around the house then switch them on to allow more air to circulate. If you cannot take your leather furniture outside in a well-ventilated area then use a dry cloth to dry your leather furniture. Never use hair dryers as they can dehydrate the leather.
What type of leather will this solution work on?
The vinegar and water solution for cleaning mold off leather furniture is versatile and can be used on various leather types, including protected (pigmented) and semi-aniline leathers. These are the most common types used in furniture and are known for their durability and resistance to staining.
However, it’s important to proceed with caution on more delicate leathers, such as full-aniline or nubuck, as these may require specialized care. Always perform a spot test on a hidden area to ensure the solution does not cause discoloration or damage.
What is finished leather?
Finished leather has a protected coating that has color. Most leather furniture is made of finished leather.
This blog addresses the removal of molds involving furniture that is made with finished leather. If you are not sure what type of leather your furniture is made of then you can look for the following features
> It is easier to clean.
> If water is poured onto finished leather-it does not soak in the water(i.e it resists liquids).
> It does not easily stain.
> It has a colored coating not normally found in regular leather.
> The leather has a very protective coating that keeps it moisturized.
> By purchasing finished leather you don’t need to find ways How to Clean Mold off Leather Furniture.
Can I use saddle soap for cleaning my leather furniture?
Saddle soap can be an effective cleaner for your leather furniture, particularly for removing stubborn dirt and grime. It’s formulated to be gentle on leather, making it a suitable option for regular maintenance.
However, it’s crucial to use saddle soap sparingly and to thoroughly rinse it off to avoid leaving a residue that could attract more dirt. Always follow up with a leather conditioner after using saddle soap to ensure the leather’s moisture is replenished, preventing it from becoming dry or brittle. This two-step process will help maintain the look and feel of your leather furniture for years to come.
Is it a good idea to use baking soda to remove molds?
Baking soda has a pH of 9, whereas leather has a pH of 4.5. A PH of 9 means baking soda is highly reactive. So it means the leather will deteriorate faster. The leather will also gradually rot under the leather as the backing soda will be absorbed by the leather.
Not only that, but the color will also start to come off and the leather will crack. You can not reverse this as the baking soda is now inside the leather and will now continue to rot forever. The rotting will be slow but due to the high pH level of baking soda, the leather furniture will eventually be destroyed.
If you do not understand then let me make this more simple, every drop of baking soda water that gets in is as destructive to your leather as hydrochloric acid would be to a tomato. If you ever poured hydrochloric acid onto a piece of tomato then the tomato would be dissolved due to the high acidic reaction.
What kind of chemical should I avoid to clean and removing molds for leather furniture?
Finished leather has a protected coating that has color. Most leather furniture is made of finished leather. This blog addresses the removal of molds involving furniture that is made with finished leather. If you are not sure what type of leather your furniture is made of then you can look for the following features,
> Rubbing alcohol
> Ammonia
> Detergents
> Acetone
These chemicals would do a great job to remove mold on your leather furniture but they would damage the leather of your furniture and discolor it. The chemicals may also react to the leather and destroy the leather texture.
Wrapping up
Removing molds is not the end, maintaining your leather furniture is a must if you want them to last longer.
There are 3 steps to ensure your leather furniture lasts long: cleaning, conditioning, and maintenance. Leather furniture is expensive and requires maintenance but the best thing is the sophisticated look and feels they give to transform the environment of your house.
Try to stick to leather furniture that is made from Finished Leather. This category of leather furniture is likely to last longer and they are easier to clean with the solutions mentioned above. And, most importantly you don’t have to search “How to Clean Mold off Leather Furniture” anymore.
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If you feel any problems, let us know in the comment below. We are always there to help you.
Peace!
My leather chairs get mold again and again. But this time get over it by following the steps.