How to Clean Mold & Mildew Off Leather Coats

Clean your leather coat with rubbing alcohol.

Clean mold and mildew off your leather coat to keep it in good shape. Leather is expensive and if damaged, may be irreparable. Mold and mildew eat away at the leather, according to the University of Georgia Family Consumer Science website. In addition, the mold and mildew give the coat a foul odor. Vinegar and rubbing alcohol kill the mold and mildew without causing damage to leather coats. Mold and mildew grow in moist, humid areas devoid of frequent light, like basements or closets. Keep your coat in a dry place to avoid mold growth.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Vinegar
• Rubbing alcohol
• Water
• Sponge
• Towel

Instructions

1. Fill a spray bottle halfway with vinegar. Fill the rest with water. Screw on the lid and shake. If using rubbing alcohol, pour 1 cup of rubbing alcohol in the bottle. Add 1 cup of water.

2. Spray the mold and mildew with the vinegar.

3. Pour straight vinegar on the sponge. This wets the sponge, and allows for more vinegar to saturate the mildew and mold. A water/vinegar combination sprayed on the leather won't soak in as well as a concentration of vinegar, so for tough stains, omit the water. If using rubbing alcohol, omit this step completely.

4. Wipe off the mold and mildew.

5. Wipe dry with a towel.

6. Allow the coat to dry completely before storing.

References

• University of Georgia: Mildew Prevention and Removal