How to Kill Mold Spores on Leather Shoes & Handbags

Leather is a firm but absorbent material that can hold water for long periods of time. Whenever any material retains moisture, it can become subject to mold -- especially when the material consists of once-living matter, like leather. If you have mold spores growing on your leather handbags or shoes, it will appear as wet, dark colored splotches, and may have a musty odor. To remove the mold, you must use the right supplies and process.

Hairdryer
Rubbing alcohol
Sponge
Leather aerosol spray

Instructions

- 1
  Place your leather handbags or shoes outdoors until they dry. If weather conditions preclude your articles from drying, find an alternative method to remove the moisture. A hairdryer, using a cool air setting, can create enough air circulation to remove moisture from leather goods without damaging them.
- 2
  Brush the surface of your handbags or shoes outdoors, using a firm leather brush. Before bringing your leather articles back indoors, remove the dried spores from the surface. Although the dried spores now lack the moisture necessary to grow, any future moisture accumulations can cause the spores to germinate again.
- 3
  Mix 1 cup of water with 1 cup of rubbing alcohol. Apply the diluted alcohol solution to a sponge or cloth, and gently scrub the entire surface of your leather handbags or shoes. The rubbing alcohol allows you to safely disinfect the leather surface without discoloring it.
- 4
  Dry the leather goods one last time. Keep your shoes or handbags in a dry location at all times, to prevent the problem from returning. If you live in a humid location, examine your leather articles regularly for signs of mold or musty odor.

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