How to clean mould or mildew off a leather sofa

There is just something beautiful and inviting about  natural leather furniture. It is both welcoming and inviting as it entices one to rest for a bit. The sumptuous, homey smell of  genuine leather, combined with luxurious comfort easily puts  natural leather furniture at the forefront of the market. 

Although, with this treasure, must come upkeep and care. After all, we wouldn’t want your favourite  leather sofa to be covered in mildew. Should you discover mildew on your  leather couch we have the perfect solution for you.

1. Take Your Leather Furniture Outside

If you live in a humid environment where there tends to be a lot of moisture in the air, it is best to move your furniture outdoors and into the sun for a while. Moisture creates mould and the sun kills it. Therefore it’s best to move your couch into the sun and allow it to work its magic. Caution - do not leave your leather couch in the sun for too long as it can fade in the sun.

It is also important to begin this process in a well-ventilated area. Many people are allergic to mould/mildew. Therefore, it is recommended to go outdoors in order to avoid the release of mildew spores and allergic reactions to the mould. If you are allergic, it is advisable to wear a face mask and gloves, and take allergy medication before proceeding.

2. Apply Saddle Soap

Simply mix a small amount of saddle soap or a mild detergent in a bottle and spray directly on the mould/mildew.

Once you have sprayed the area, wipe the area with a dry and clean towel to  remove any mildew spores. Use a clean cloth to carefully wipe the area again - eradicating any potential remaining spores that could cause damage to your  leather furniture in the future. 

3. Use White Vinegar 

Vinegar proves to be a great item to use when one has  genuine leather furniture. Its acidic base makes it perfect for removing mildew and mould. Pour a small amount of white vinegar into a spray bottle and spray this directly onto the mould on your  leather sofa.

After application, wipe off any remaining mould or mildew with a clean cloth. It is important to ensure your cloth is always clean, this will prevent the mould or mildew from spreading. Using an alternate cloth is advisable. Repeat this step until the mould or mildew is gone.

4. Prevention Is Key

Since mildew and mould forms in humid/damp areas, it’s important to try and keep the area in which your  valued leather couches live, as dry as possible. In this case, ensure the area gets a substantial amount of sunlight - eradicating moisture. Alternatively, if this is not a possibility, a dehumidifier works wonders!

Lastly, ensure the area is completely mildew-free after you have cleaned your  leather couch. Use rubbing alcohol (surgical spirits) to clean the area of your couch and ensure all the mildew spores are gone. This prevents further mildew from growing on your  beautiful leather furniture. 

Once cleaning has been completed, and the leather is dry, condition the leather with the Leather Gallery conditioner specifically for Leather.

So there you have it, our quick tips on how to keep your genuine leather couches and leather furniture fresh, clean and shining brightly for years to come.