How to Get Mold Out of Leather Purses

By: Jaimie Zinski

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Leather is a porous material that readily absorbs moisture, including the humidity in your closet. Prolonged exposure to moisture promotes mold formation which causes odors and ultimately damages leather. Clean mold from your leather purses to give them a fresh start and extend their shelf life.

Step 1

Remove any contents from inside the leather purse and take it to a well-ventilated area. Slip on a pair of rubber gloves and a dust mask and shake any noticeable mold spores from the purse.

Step 2

Mix together 1/2 cup denatured alcohol and 1/2 cup water. Dampen the corner of a washcloth with the solution and test it on an inconspicuous area of the purse, such as the interior.

Step 3

If no damage -- such as a loss of color -- occurs within 10 to 15 minutes, move to the next step.

Step 4

Spot clean any noticeable mold with the washcloth. If the purse is completely covered, wipe it down completely.

Step 5

Set the purse in a well-ventilated area and allow it to dry completely.

Step 6

If mold persists, use another wash cloth to spot treat the purse with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon germicidal soap and 3 cups cool water.

Step 7

Dampen a separate washcloth with plain water and wipe treated areas to rinse off any lingering solution. Set your purse in a sunny spot, such as a window sill, and allow it to air dry completely.