How to Clean and Care for Moldy Leather Clothes and Shoes

Brown leather shoes with cleaning implements

​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 4 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Although they're quite luxurious, leather clothes, shoes, and accessories are prone to ugly mold and mildew growth.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungal growth made of spores that spread on various kinds of damp or decaying organic surfaces, causing damage, discoloration, and odors. Mildew is a type of mold.

Mold on shoes specifically occurs if they're stored in an area where moisture and heat levels are too high. It only takes one spore to start a colony, so it's important to remove mold from your belongings as soon as you spot it. If the problem of moldy shoes and other affected items isn't addressed quickly, the growth can permanently damage your leather surfaces, including white leather discoloration. The mold may also easily spread in the area.

How Often to Clean Moldy Leather Clothes and Shoes

Twice a year (such as when you switch wardrobes for the season) remove leather articles from storage and take them to a brightly lit area for a close inspection to see if there is evidence of mold or mildew. It's a good idea to set aside at least an afternoon for mold and mildew removal from the article of clothing as well as the area.

Follow the steps below to safely and effectively remove and clean mold spores from your contaminated items.

An infographic about removing mildew from leather

​The Spruce

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Vacuum
  • Buckets
  • Portable fan (optional)

Materials

  • Saddle soap or mild detergent
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Leather conditioner
  • Tissue paper
  • Cotton swabs
  • Clean cloths or sponges
  • Oxygen bleach (optional)

Instructions

Various materials to clean leather shoes
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
How to Clean Moldy Leather Clothes and Shoes
Detergent Saddle soap or mild detergent
Water Temperature Warm
Cycle Type Do not use washer
Dryer Cycle Type Do not use dryer
Special Treatments  Clean outside 
Iron Settings Do not iron
  1. Set Up Your Station Outside

    If possible, always take mildewed leather clothing and shoes outside for their initial cleaning in order to prevent spreading the spores in your home. Use a soft-bristled brush or a dry clean cloth to brush away the spores on your leather.

    If your items were stored in cardboard boxes, discard those right away. If they were stored in fabric storage containers, wash the containers with hot water, and dry them using high heat to kill the mildew spores. Plastic storage containers should be cleaned with a solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach and 1 quart water and allowed to air-dry in the sun.

    The closet or area where the mildewed items were stored should be emptied of all contents and vacuumed thoroughly. You should also wipe down the walls (and floors, if not carpeted) with the bleach and water solution. Allow the area to dry completely before using again.

    Someone brushing leather shoes
    ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 
  2. Kill the Spores

    In a clean container, mix equal parts cool water and rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol). Use a clean white cloth dipped in the mixture to wipe down the leather. For shoes, use a cotton swab to clean crevices.

    Finish by wiping the leather with a clean cloth dipped in water. Allow the items to air-dry away from direct heat or sunlight. For shoes and boots, it may be beneficial to stuff them with plain white paper, such as tissue paper, to help them hold their shape. Don't use newsprint or you'll risk getting ink on your socks and feet later.

    Someone dipping a cotton swab in alcohol
    ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 
  3. Wipe Down Surfaces

    In a small plastic container or bucket, mix mild detergent or leather saddle soap with warm water. Using a clean cloth or sponge, wipe down all leather and faux leather surfaces (don't forget the insides of shoes). Use a separate cloth dipped in clean water to wipe away any soapy residue.

    Someone wiping leather shoes with a cloth
    ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena
  4. Air-Dry Your Belongings

    Hang leather clothes on a sturdy hanger to dry, or place items on a flat surface. Don't place near direct heat or in the sun, which can end up changing the color of the leather. It's also helpful to have a fan circulating air to speed up the drying process.

    Brown leather shoes sitting on a counter with a fan
    ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena
  5. Recondition the Leather

    Leather is a natural product with oils that must be maintained or the surface can crack. Once your leather item is completely dry, use a leather conditioner to return the supple finish. Follow the product instructions for use.

    Someone reconditioning leather shoes with a sponge
    ​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

Storing Leather Clothes and Shoes

To prevent mold and mildew growth on leather goods, be mindful of the temperature, airflow, and humidity where the items are stored, and keep everything as clean as possible. Control mold and mildew by using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in your home. Also waterproof foundations or damp areas and increase air circulation. Mildew is a fungus that loves natural products as a food source. Any leather that's stored with a food or mud stain is a target for mildew growth.

Someone storing leather shoes in cloth bags
​The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Treating Stains on Moldy Leather Clothes and Shoes

If an item of leather clothing has a removable fabric lining, clean it to remove any visible mildew stains. After the lining is completely dry, treat dark spots with a solution of oxygen bleach and water. In a non-metallic container, mix 2 tablespoons of dry oxygen bleach (e.g., OxiClean, Nellie's All-Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) with 1 cup water. Dab the stained areas with the solution, allowing it to sit for at least an hour or longer. Next, sponge the area with a clean cloth dipped in water and let air dry. Be careful not to splash the solution directly onto the leather because it can harm the finish. Repeat until any discoloration is removed.

If you still see mold stains on leather shoes after cleaning them, rub a mixture made from equal parts water and rubbing alcohol onto the area with a clean cloth. Rub in a circular motion, then use another clean damp cloth to rinse the area. Let the shoe completely air dry.

A measuring cup of oxygen bleach solution
​The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

Tips for Cleaning Moldy Leather Clothes and Shoes

  • If you detect a mildew odor after leather items have been cleaned, airing them out outside can help.
  • Another way to eliminate mildew odor is to put items in a plastic container with a dry odor-absorbing product or a box of baking soda. Leave the container sealed for a week to help absorb the smell.
  • To remove mold from suede or sheepskin boots, use a soft brush to buff off the visible mold, then thoroughly clean them.
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. What is Mold? CDC.

  2. You Can Control Mold. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention