How to Clean Mildew Stains on Leather

Leather needs special care.

Leather is one of the most commonly used fabrics because of its versatility and durability. One problem with leather is that it can easily allow for the buildup of mildew when water has been soaking on the surface for a long time. A simple solution can be made from supplies you may already have in your home.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol
• Bottle and cap
• Soft cloth (chamois cloth)
• Hanger

1. Create a stain-removal solution. Measure out 1 cup each of the water and alcohol. Denatured alcohol is preferred since it is used for removing stains caused by dyes and oils, and is used when a regular detergent will not work.

2. Pour the mixture into the bottle, put the cap on, and then shake it until it is fully combined. Remove the cap.

3. Place the cloth, preferably a chamois cloth, over the top of the bottle and tip it over until a large spot on the cloth is soaked. Chamois cloths are a certain type of soft leather, so it will be very gentle on the leather material you are cleaning.

4. Press the cloth against the fabric for several seconds, and soak the mildew spot. Do not rub the mixture in.

5. Hang the leather if you can, or lay it out to air-dry.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Removing Mildew Stains From Leather
• Online Tips: Leather Mildew Stain Removal