Mold is a type of fungus that can grow almost anywhere there is moisture and organic material. It can cause a variety of health problems, so it’s important to get rid of it as soon as you notice it.
There are many different methods for getting rid of mold, but some are more effective than others. In this article, we will discuss whether or not saddle soap can kill mold. Keep reading to learn more.
Saddle soap is effective for cleaning leather goods but it’s not the best option for killing mold. The soap will clean the surface of the leather but it won’t penetrate into the pores where mold is likely to grow.
If you have a mold problem with your leather goods, you should consider using rubbing alcohol, dish soap, or vinegar. These are more likely to kill mold and prevent it from coming back.
Reasons Why Saddle Soap Does Not Kill Mold
Saddle soap is not the best option for killing mold for various reasons. Below are some of the reasons why saddle soap is not effective in killing mold.
1. Saddle Soap Does Not Contain Any Mold-Killing Ingredients
The main ingredient needed to kill mold is bleach or some other type of disinfectant like isopropyl. Saddle soap does not contain any bleach or disinfectant, so it’s not going to be effective in killing mold.
Bleach is a common ingredient in many mold-killing products because it’s very effective at killing fungus. However, products that contain bleach can also damage leather if it’s not used correctly.
For this reason, it’s important to pick the right cleaners and the right disinfectant so that you don’t damage your leather goods.
2. Saddle Soap Will Make The Mold Worse
If you use saddle soap on mold, it will actually make the problem worse. This is because the saddle soap will create a moist environment where mold needs to grow.
In addition, the saddle soap can also leave a film on the leather that will provide food for the mold to grow. So, if you’re looking to get rid of mold, it’s best to avoid using saddle soap.
Apart from causing the mold spores to worsen, the saddle soap can also help spread it to other parts of the leather item.
3. Saddle Soap Will Not Kill Mold Spores
Similar to what was mentioned before, saddle soap will not kill mold spores. The only way to kill mold spores is to use a product that contains bleach or some other type of disinfectant.
Mold spores are what cause mold to grow, so if you don’t kill them, the mold will just keep coming back. With the type of ingredients in saddle soap, it’s impossible to kill mold spores.
This is why it’s important to use products that contain the right ingredients so that you can get rid of mold for good.
How To Kill Mold On Leather
If you’re looking for the right way to kill mold on leather, there are a few options that you can consider.
Vinegar And Warm Water
One of the best ways to kill mold is to use a mixture of vinegar and warm water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill mold spores. Not only can it kill mold spores but it can also remove mold from the surface of leather. To use this method;
- Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a bowl.
- Then, using a clean cloth, sponge the mixture onto the moldy areas of the leather.
- Let it sit for about 20 minutes and then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
- Next, dry the leather with a clean towel.
- Repeat this process until the mold is gone.
- Once the mold is removed, you can condition the leather to prevent it from coming back.
Dish Soap And Warm Water
Another option that you can use to kill mold is a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Dish soap is effective in removing mold because it contains surfactants. It also contains disinfecting properties that can kill mold spores. To use this method;
- Mix one tablespoon full dish soap and warm water in a bowl.
- Dampen a clean microfiber cloth into the dish soap solution and then wipe it onto the moldy areas of the leather.
- Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes and then rinse the leather surface with a damp cloth.
- Next, dry the leather with a clean towel.
- Repeat this process until the mold is gone.
- Once the mold is removed, you can condition the leather to restore the natural oils in the leather.
Rubbing Alcohol
Another common household item that can be used to kill mold is rubbing alcohol. Like vinegar, rubbing alcohol is a natural disinfectant and will kill mold spores on contact.
However, it is also important to note that rubbing alcohol can also dry up leather very easily so it is important to be careful when using it.
If you do decide to use rubbing alcohol, make sure that you dilute it with water first so that it doesn’t dry up fast or evaporate so quickly that it dries your leather in the process. To kill mold with rubbing alcohol;
- Simply mix equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
- Spritz the moldy areas with the rubbing alcohol solution and then begin to wipe using a clean microfiber cloth.
- Once the mold is gone, you can condition the leather to help restore some of the natural oils that were lost.
Baking Soda Solution
Baking soda is another common household item that can be used to kill mold. Baking soda is a natural fungicide that will kill mold and mildew on contact. You can make a baking soda solution by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with one cup of water.
Once you have made the solution, simply apply it to the affected areas with a sponge or brush. Let the solution sit for several hours before scrubbing the area clean.
- You can also make a baking soda solution consisting of a tablespoon full baking soda, a cup of warm water, and a few drops of vinegar and mild dish soap.
- Once your baking soda solution is made, apply it to the moldy areas with a sponge or brush.
- Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing the area clean.
- Once the mold is gone, you can condition the leather to help restore some of its natural oils.
How To Prevent Mold On Leather
Now that you know how to kill mold on leather, it is important to also know how to prevent mold from growing in the first place. There are a few simple things that you can do to help prevent mold from growing on your leather;
- Keep your leather clean and free of dirt and debris. This is one of the very few instances where you can use saddle soap to combat mold.
- Use a leather conditioner on your leather regularly. This will help to keep the leather hydrated and less susceptible to mold growth.
- Avoid storing your leather in humid or damp areas. If you must store your leather in these kinds of areas, make sure that you provide ventilation so that the air can circulate.
- If your leather gets wet, dry it off as soon as possible. Allowing leather to remain wet for too long will increase the chances of mold growth.
- Make sure that you clean any spills on your leather immediately. Spills can provide the moisture that mold needs to grow.
- Install a humidifier or a dehumidifier in your home to help regulate the level of humidity in the air.
By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent mold from growing on your leather in the first place. And if mold does happen to grow on your leather, you now know how to get rid of it quickly and easily.
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, if you are wondering “will saddle soap kill mold,” the answer is No. Saddle soap should not be used to kill mold as it can damage the leather or make the situation even worse.
However, there are a number of other household items that can be used to kill mold such as vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and baking soda. If you do use any of these products to kill mold on your leather, make sure that you condition the leather afterward to help restore its natural oils.
