How to Remove Mold & Mildew From a Leather Harness

Leather harnesses need regular care to avoid mold and mildew.

A leather horse harness is made with a natural, porous material that absorbs moisture and makes a perfect breeding ground for moisture-loving organisms. When leather tack isn't cared for properly, it can become damp and dirty. These two problems attract mold and mildew, leading to stains and odor on the harness. Leather must be cleaned carefully to avoid further damage, but the removal of mold and mildew spores is vital to the cleanliness and functionality of the harness.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Rubber gloves
• Soft brush
• Sponge
• Saddle soap
• Clean cloths
• Leather conditioner

Instructions

1. Combine 2 cups of rubbing alcohol and 2 cups of water in a bucket.

2. 

   A natural-bristle brush is best for cleaning leather.

   Put on rubber gloves to provide a protective barrier against the skin-drying alcohol solution. Dip a scrub brush into the diluted rubbing alcohol, then scrub mold and mildew stains on the leather harness. Rinse the brush frequently and continue to scrub until the fungus stains are completely gone.

3. Empty the bucket and rinse it thoroughly. Mix a mild soap solution using 2 capfuls of saddle soap and 1 gallon of warm water. Wet a clean cloth in the soap solution and wash off the leather harness.

4. Dampen a clean cloth with water to rinse the harness. Dry with a cloth before setting the harness in a dry location overnight. Once the leather harness is fully dry, apply leather conditioner to restore moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Store unused leather tack in a dry location to prevent mold and mildew from forming.

• Keep leather moisturized. Dry leather is more likely to absorb moisture that attracts mold and mildew.

• Lay leather tack in direct sunlight for a few hours to kill mold and mildew before washing it off.

• Wash and dry a leather harness quickly to avoid moisture damage to the leather.

References

• "University of Missouri Extension"; How to Prevent and Remove Mildew; Wanda Eubanks, et al.; April 1998
• Good Housekeeping: Removing Mildew From Leather
• "North Carolina State University"; Mildew Prevention in the Home--Remove Mildew From Leather; Sarah D. Kirby, Ph.D.; February 1999
• University of Illinois: Thrifty Living--How to Remove Mold and Mildew