How to protect your leather products from fungus and mold build-up

Leather products are undoubtedly precious and efficient in all aspects. Given the
high cost of high-quality leather these days, no one wants mould to grow on it, or to
simply smell mildew or a musty odour on it. Discovering a mould problem or fungus
in a leather jacket, leather laptop bag, leather boots, leather shoes, or even leather
equipment is extremely inconvenient.

Leather is an organic material that contains a trace of moisture. Yes, even tanned
leather has a hint of moisture. It would be difficult to process if it did not. Mold and
fungus require moisture and food, which, to be fair, are both derived from leather!
Mold can eat vital chemicals used in leather manufacturing, such as fat-distilled
spirits, tannins, and so on, as well as the leather itself. Here are a few tips on how to
protect your leather products from fungus or mold build-up.

• Special care during monsoon

Mould thrives on moisture, so don't leave any damp clothing, shoes, or bags lying
around. Wet leather shoes should not be kept in closed cabinets. Allow damp items
to air out under a fan before storing them. Leather products, particularly less-used
items, are vulnerable to fungus attacks during the rainy season. During the rainy
season, never store wet leather products. Dehumidifiers like silica gel, activated
charcoal, and other moisture absorbers can help keep humidity at bay in your closet.

• Condition regular

Conditioning or moisturising your leather will actually prevent moisture from leaking
into it, causing mould growth, so providing regular conditioner treatment options for
your product will keep it looking fresher for longer. Keeping your leather items dry by
wiping them down with a damp cloth on a regular basis or hiring a professional
cleaner to do the job for you.

• Use right products

On your leather products, use organic sanitising wipes and antimicrobials such as
cedarwood, lavender oil, tea tree oil, citrus oils (lemon), clove leaf essential oil, and
others to help prevent mould growth and keep the item looking new.
You can also use waxes with a high paraffin content, such as carnauba wax, to
provide humidity resistance while also adding gloss.

• Show some light

Fungus and mildew thrive in places that are dark, moist, and poorly ventilated.
Replace thick and dark curtains with lighter materials and colours to increase the amount of light that enters your rooms. You can also combat the lack of natural light
during the monsoon by installing a light bulb in dark, damp areas such as
bathrooms, wardrobes, laundry rooms, and kitchens. During the rain, leave it on for a
few hours every day. The bulb's heat and light can reduce moisture in these areas
and prevent fungus from growing.

• Use Camphor

Camphor is a natural pest repellent and a non-toxic alternative to naphthalene balls.
Make pouches with a few camphor tablets and some cloves, just like with neem. To
keep the pouches safe and smelling good, store them in your closet, shoe rack, or
bookshelf. Camphor fumes are also known to form a rust-preventative coating, which
makes them useful for avoiding tool and metalware damage.

Conclusion

Keeping leather safe from fungus and mold build-up is not an impossible task if
done with proper timing and care. Above given are a few key areas you can follow to
keep your precious leather fungus free and stop mould to build up in the products.