How to Remove Mould From a Leather Jacket Safely

Finding white, green or grey fuzzy spots on a leather jacket after it has been stored is upsetting, but mould on leather is common and can often be dealt with at home if you act quickly. Leather is a natural material, and in damp, dark, poorly ventilated places it can attract mould. This guide explains how to remove mould from a leather jacket safely, how to deal with any lingering smell and how to stop it coming back.

Why Does Mould Grow on Leather?

Mould spores are everywhere, and they grow when they find moisture, warmth and something to feed on. Leather contains natural oils and, often, residues of dirt or skin oils, which mould can use. The most common causes are:

• Storing the jacket in a damp room, cellar or loft
• Putting it away while it is still slightly wet
• Keeping it in a plastic bag or sealed box with no airflow
• Packing it tightly in a crowded wardrobe

Safety First

Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, and wear disposable gloves and a dust mask so you don't breathe in spores. Keep the mouldy jacket away from other clothes until it is clean. If anyone in your home has asthma or a mould allergy, ask someone else to do the cleaning or use a professional service.

What You Will Need

• A soft brush or soft, clean cloths
• White vinegar and water
• Mild, unscented soap (optional)
• A leather conditioner
• Disposable gloves and a dust mask

How to Remove Mould From a Leather Jacket: Step by Step

1. Take It Outside and Brush Off Loose Mould

Outdoors, gently brush the surface mould away with a soft brush or dry cloth. Brush away from you and don't rub hard, which can push spores deeper into the leather. Check the lining, seams, pockets and under the collar too.

2. Wipe With a Diluted Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Test it on a hidden area first, such as inside a cuff, and let it dry to check for colour change. Then dampen a cloth with the solution, wring it out well and wipe the affected areas gently. Vinegar helps kill surface mould without the harshness of bleach.

3. Clean the Leather Gently

If marks remain, wipe the area with a cloth that is barely damp with water and a drop of mild soap, then go over it again with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove any residue.

4. Treat the Lining

Fabric linings can hold mould too. Wipe them with the vinegar solution, or, if the lining is badly affected, consider a professional clean.

5. Dry It Thoroughly

Hang the jacket on a wide, padded hanger in a dry, airy spot at room temperature, out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Let it dry completely, ideally for a full day, before you condition or store it. Never use a hairdryer.

6. Condition the Leather

Cleaning and vinegar can dry leather out, so once it is fully dry, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner and buff off any excess. This restores suppleness and helps prevent cracking. Our guide on how to condition a leather jacket walks you through it.

How to Get Rid of the Musty Smell

Even after the mould is gone, a musty smell can linger. Air the jacket outside on a dry day, or leave it in a well-ventilated room for a few days. A bowl of bicarbonate of soda placed near the jacket in a closed space can also help absorb odours. For more methods, see how to get the smell out of a leather jacket.

What Not to Do

• Don't use bleach, which can discolour and damage leather.
• Don't soak the jacket or put it in the washing machine.
• Don't dry it with direct heat.
• Don't put it back in storage until it is completely dry.

When to Call a Professional

If the mould has covered a large area, has stained the leather deeply, keeps returning after cleaning or is on suede, a specialist leather cleaner is the safest option. They have products and equipment that can treat the jacket thoroughly without damaging it.

How to Prevent Mould on Leather

• Store it dry: always let the jacket dry fully before putting it away.
• Give it air: use a breathable cotton garment bag, never plastic, and leave space around it.
• Choose the right spot: avoid damp cellars, lofts and outside walls; a cool, dry wardrobe is best.
• Use moisture absorbers: silica gel packs or a dehumidifier help in damp homes.
• Wear and check it: take stored jackets out every few weeks to air and inspect them.

Our full guide on how to store a leather jacket has more tips.

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