Mould on leather, fabric and upholstery: how to save it

Why leather and fabric attract mould

Leather and natural fabrics are organic and absorbent, so in humid, still air they readily grow mould — that greenish or white powdery film on a jacket, bag, sofa or curtains. It's especially common on items stored in wardrobes, cupboards or damp rooms with no airflow.

Cleaning leather

Take the item outside (so spores don't spread indoors) and gently brush off the surface film with a soft cloth. Wipe with a cleaner suitable for leather — test a hidden area first — then dry it away from direct heat and condition it if appropriate. Don't soak leather.

Cleaning fabric and upholstery

Washable fabrics can often be saved with a hot wash (check labels); take delicate or large upholstery to a specialist. Brush surface mould off outdoors first, and dry everything thoroughly — residual moisture is what started the problem.

Stop it coming back

The real fix is the environment: reduce humidity, improve airflow around stored items, don't pack wardrobes tight, and keep leather and fabrics off cold external walls. If storage areas keep growing mould, there's a room-level moisture issue — an mould inspection finds it, and for persistently humid homes a monthly maintenance plan keeps things dry.

Belongings keep going mouldy in storage? book a €75 inspection or call +357 96 738151.