How To Prevent Mold From Growing On A Leather Jacket

Mold is a serious problem when it comes to leather jackets as it can leave your precious jackets stained and ruined. Mold is made up of tiny fungal spores that grow on damp and warm surfaces. Leather is particularly susceptible to mold as it has tiny spores that water or body sweat get through. Other factors such as storage and maintenance of the jackets then kick in to help spread the problem across the surface of your jacket.

The good news is that mold can be prevented from growing on the surface of your leather jacket through a few easy steps. Read on to find out how you can protect your leather jackets from mold.

Proper Storage

One of the leading causes of mold infestation on leather jackets is improper storage. Mold spores thrive in damp and warm spaces. It follows that when you store your leather jacket in such spaces, there is a high chance that you will have a mold problem. Always ensure that your leather jackets are stored in a cool and airy space. This way, there is enough air moving around which helps to drive away any mold spores in the air.

Dry Your Leather Jackets

Since cowhide leather jackets offer great protection from moisture, it is inevitable that you may wear them when out in the rain or snow. It is also possible that you may need to clean your leather jacket every now and then. When you get your leather jacket wet, it is very important to ensure that you thoroughly dry it before storing it. Typically, you should dry your leather jacket in an airy space but one that is not outdoors. This is because exposure to direct sunlight can also weaken your leather surface and lead to serious damage. When drying out your leather jacket, leave it in place for a few days in order to ensure that all the moisture is removed.

Condition Your Leather Jacket

One of the ways of keeping your leather jacket stain-free is to ensure that you constantly condition it. Conditioning refers to applying a layer of oil on the surface of the jacket to protect it. Leather conditioners do this by reducing the likelihood of your leather jacket becoming hard and cracking. When leather cracks, it makes it harder to dry and this, in turn, makes it more likely to get a mold infestation. Conditioning also creates a barrier between the jacket's surface that prevents water and mold spores from entering the pores of the jacket. Finally, some leather conditioners can kill spores and thus prevent mold from taking root.

Constant Inspection

Sometimes mold spreads from one attire to another. If you have stored your leather jackets with other fabrics, you should constantly inspect the clothes for mold. If you notice that other apparel or shoes have developed mold, remove them immediately from the leather jackets and ensure that they are cleaned out. You should also remove any traces of mold from your leather jackets as soon as you spot them. This prevents the fungus from spreading and causing greater damage.