How to remove mould from a leather bag in the monsoon

Monsoon damp can leave white or green fuzzy spots and a musty smell on leather bags. Here is a gentle way to clean the mould off, dry the bag safely and stop it coming back.

Take the bag outdoors, wear a mask, and brush the dry mould off with a soft brush. Wipe the leather with a cloth lightly dampened with leather cleaner or a mild mix of rubbing alcohol and water (patch test first), then dry it in the shade and condition it. Store it in a breathable dust bag with silica gel, never in plastic.

1. Empty the bag: Take everything out, including pockets. Shake out loose dust and spores outdoors, and check your wallet and other items for mould too.
2. Brush off the dry mould: With the bag fully dry, gently brush the mould off the surface with a soft brush. Brush away from you so spores don't land back on the bag or on you.
3. Patch test your cleaner: Mix a little rubbing alcohol with water (about 1 part alcohol to 2 parts water), or use a leather cleaner. Dab a drop on a hidden spot and wait a few minutes. If the leather darkens or changes colour, don't use it on the rest of the bag.
4. Wipe the mouldy areas: Dampen a cloth lightly, never wet, and wipe the affected areas with gentle strokes. Rinse or turn the cloth often so you don't spread mould around.
5. Clean the lining: Turn the lining out as far as it goes and brush it, then wipe it with the same lightly damp cloth. Mould often hides in seams and corners inside the bag.
6. Dry in the shade with airflow: Leave the bag open to dry in a shaded, airy spot, or under a fan. Never use direct sun, a heater or a hair dryer, because heat can dry out and crack leather.
7. Condition the leather: Once the bag is fully dry, rub in a thin layer of leather conditioner with a clean cloth. Cleaning removes natural oils, and this puts them back.
8. Remove the musty smell: Put some baking soda in a small cloth pouch or old sock and leave it inside the bag for a day or two. Keep the powder off the leather itself.