How to Clean Mildew from Leather: A Comprehensive Guide

We all know how frustrating it can be when you discover that your favorite leather jacket, shoes, or sofa has developed that musty, unpleasant mildew smell. If you’ve ever dealt with it, you know that it’s not just an aesthetic problem—mildew can weaken the leather, causing irreversible damage if not dealt with promptly.

I’ve had my own experience with my faux leather furniture that had mildew spots, and trust me, it wasn’t something I could ignore. Now, let me walk you through the process of cleaning mildew from my faux leather and share some valuable tips.

Understanding Mildew on Leather

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to understand what mildew is and why it appears on leather in the first place. Leather, though durable, is still susceptible to environmental factors like humidity and moisture, which create the perfect breeding ground for mildew.

During a particularly rainy season, I noticed the unmistakable signs of mildew forming on the corners of my faux leather couch.

Here’s a closer look at why it happens:

What Causes Mildew on Leather?

Mildew thrives in moist, damp environments. Leather, being a natural material, is porous, and if it gets exposed to excessive moisture, it can absorb the moisture and create a breeding ground for mildew.

This can happen when leather is stored in a humid place or if it’s left wet for too long without proper drying.

In my case, I had left a cup of water spill on the sofa without noticing. After a few days, the mildew started appearing.

Signs of Mildew on Leather

It’s not always obvious at first, but the signs of mildew on leather are pretty unmistakable once they develop.

For me, the first sign was the musty smell. At first, it wasn’t too noticeable, but soon I realized that the smell was strongest around the creases of the faux leather.

The next sign was discoloration—pale white spots began to form on the fabric, and the texture of the leather felt slightly different. If you catch it early, you can treat it before it becomes a bigger issue.

How to Safely Clean Mildew from Leather

When I first tackled the mildew issue, I knew I had to act quickly to prevent further damage. I did some research and found that cleaning mildew from leather requires a delicate approach, so as not to damage the material. Here’s what I did, and you can follow the same steps for your leather items.

Gather Materials Needed

To clean the mildew off your leather, you’ll need a few basic materials. I made sure to gather everything I would need to do the job properly:

Soft cloths or microfiber towels
White vinegar or rubbing alcohol (both are excellent mildew fighters)
Mild soap and warm water for a cleaning solution
A soft brush or sponge for scrubbing
Leather conditioner to restore moisture afterward
Rubber gloves to protect your hands from mold spores

Safety Precautions Before Cleaning

Before you get started, take a few precautions to protect both yourself and the leather.

Well-ventilated Area: Mildew can be harmful to breathe in, so make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area.

Wear Mask & Gloves: If possible, wear a mask and gloves.

Patch Test: I also recommend testing your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first, especially if your leather is delicate or dyed. You don’t want to risk discoloration or other damage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Mildew from Leather

Now that you’re equipped with everything you need, here’s the step-by-step process I followed to clean the mildew off my faux leather. It’s a simple process that will ensure you don’t accidentally harm your leather during the cleanup.

Step 1: Remove the Leather Item from Damp Areas

The first thing you should do is remove the leather item from any damp or humid environment. I moved my faux leather couch into a dry room with good airflow. This helps stop the mildew from spreading or growing worse while you clean.

Step 2: Dry the Leather Thoroughly

Before you start scrubbing away, it’s important to dry out the leather. Don’t use a heat source like a hairdryer or heater because that can cause the leather to crack.

Instead, let it air dry in a room with good ventilation. For my couch, I let it sit for a few hours in a dry space before proceeding to the next step. If the leather item is particularly wet, you can gently blot it with a dry cloth to speed up the process.

Step 3: Clean the Mildew Off the Leather Surface

Now comes the cleaning part. I mixed a solution of mild soap and warm water to clean the surface of the leather. I dipped a soft cloth into the solution, wrung it out so it wasn’t too wet, and gently wiped the affected areas. Afterward, I used a separate clean cloth to wipe away any soapy residue.

If you prefer a more natural cleaning option, you can mix a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water or rubbing alcohol and water. Vinegar works particularly well on mildew due to its natural antifungal properties.

I recommend using a spray bottle to lightly mist the leather with this solution, then wiping it down with a microfiber cloth.

Step 4: Remove Mildew from Stubborn Spots

If there are any stubborn mildew spots that didn’t come off with the cloth, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge to gently scrub those areas. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as it can damage the surface of the leather.

For my couch, I used a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the mildew spots, and they came off pretty easily.

Step 5: Dry and Condition the Leather

Once I had finished cleaning, I let the leather air dry completely before conditioning it. Conditioning is crucial because cleaning can strip the leather of its natural oils, making it dry and prone to cracking.

I applied a generous amount of leather conditioner to a clean cloth and rubbed it into the leather in circular motions. This not only helped restore the moisture in the faux leather but also gave it a nice sheen.

Additional Tips and Tricks to Prevent Mildew Growth

Once you’ve successfully cleaned the mildew off your leather, it’s important to maintain your leather items to prevent future mildew growth. Here are some tips that helped me keep my leather furniture mildew-free:

Store leather items in a dry, cool place
Keep leather away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can dry it out and lead to cracks
Use moisture-absorbing products, like silica gel, in storage areas
Use the best quality Leather Conditioners for Mildew Prevention

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Mildew from Leather

Through my experience, I’ve learned that there are several mistakes people often make when trying to clean mildew from leather. Here are some things to avoid:

Over-wetting the leather: Leather should never be soaked in water. Always use a damp cloth, not a soaking one.
Using harsh chemicals: Stay away from bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, as these can severely damage the leather.
Skipping conditioning: After cleaning, always condition the leather to restore its moisture and prevent it from drying out.

When To Go for Professional Help

In some cases, mildew can be more severe than just a few spots or a musty smell. If you find that your leather has been heavily damaged—such as discoloration or texture changes that don’t go away after cleaning—it might be time to seek professional help.

I had a friend whose leather sofa was beyond repair from mildew, and they had to call in an expert to restore it. If you’re unsure, it’s better to leave the heavy-duty cleaning to the professionals.

Cleaning Mildew from Leather is Easy, Prevention is Smart

Cleaning mildew from leather doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right tools and a little patience, you can restore your leather items to their original condition. I learned this firsthand after tackling the mildew on my faux leather couch, and I hope these tips will help you with your leather care as well.

Always remember to act quickly, use the proper cleaning techniques, and maintain your leather regularly to prevent future mildew issues.