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Removing musty, moldy smell from leather

Jessie

Jessie

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I did a search since I imagine this has been discussed, but nothing came back. Sorry if I missed it.
I have a used leather holster in good shape except for a musty, moldy smell.
What's the best way to clean it so as to remove the smell?
Thanks
 
I've used Fabreeze on leather jackets that have gotten mildew on them without damage. It is water based, so I used it lightly with several applications.
 
The ONLY treatment I found that worked on a Thompson SMG case that had been stored in a damp basement for a long time was as follows:
I put several open containers of fresh ground coffee in the case closed it up and let it set for a couple of weeks. When I opened it back up the smell and mustiness was gone and has never returned.
I would suggest you seal your holster in a plastic bag with some coffee and see what happens. BTW: I've NEVER had any luck whatsoever with Fabreeze.
Jim
 
Last edited:
italiansport said:
The ONLY treatment I found that worked on a Thompson SMG case that had been stored in a damp basement for a long time was as follows:
I put several open containers of fresh ground coffee in the case closed it up and let it set for a couple of weeks..
Jim
Click to expand...

I see a marketing opportunity here, like the guy that thought of selling civet-poop beans to connoisseurs. Anyone have suggestions for catchy brand names?
 
italiansport said:
The ONLY treatment I found that worked on a Thompson SMG case that had been stored in a damp basement for a long time was as follows:
I put several open containers of fresh ground coffee in the case closed it up and let it set for a couple of weeks. When I opened it back up the smell and mustiness was gone and has never returned.
I would suggest you seal your holster in a plastic bag with some coffee and see what happens. BTW: I've NEVER had any luck whatsoever with Fabreeze.
Jim
Click to expand...

This old-timer has learnt something -- thanks so much!!
 
A friend was going thru boxes of stored items a few years ago, and gave me a really nice leather jacket from his younger days (many years and pounds ago), which he had neglected for at least fifteen years. It had quite a bit of mildew spots and a LOT of mildew odor.

I rubbed it down with borax--hard--and let it sit a few days, then used a piece of open-cell foam to soak the borax residue into the leather with Thompson's Water Seal (the older oil base version). The Water Seal absorbed instantly and apparently took the borax in with it. Borax is a pretty potent broad-spectrum anti-fungal, and it seems to have worked. No mildew spots or odor have returned, and it's been a good five years.
 
Thanks all. I've brushed the holster with some white vinegar and will let it dry then put it in a baggy with some coffee for a while and see what happens.
 
Warren Sear said:
Setting it out in direct sunlight for a few days will remove odors.
Click to expand...

On the other hand, it will darken the leather, too. Un-oiled veg leather will actually redden, like a sunburn; and so I've been known to do this intentionally before oiling. Oiled brown leather will darken in 'a few days' of exposure. Currently I'm trying out the ground coffee idea, hope Mr. Threepersons doesn't mind that I'm using his holster for the test :-)
 
I'd like some feedback on using coffee since I posted the idea. I only ever used it on the Thompson case. At the very least it won't do any further damage.
Jim
 
rednichols said:
On the other hand, it will darken the leather, too. Un-oiled veg leather will actually redden, like a sunburn; and so I've been known to do this intentionally before oiling. Oiled brown leather will darken in 'a few days' of exposure. Currently I'm trying out the ground coffee idea, hope Mr. Threepersons doesn't mind that I'm using his holster for the test :-)
Click to expand...

I have done this several times, and I never noticed any darkening.
 
Jessie said:
I did a search since I imagine this has been discussed, but nothing came back. Sorry if I missed it.
I have a used leather holster in good shape except for a musty, moldy smell.
What's the best way to clean it so as to remove the smell?
Thanks
Click to expand...

Saddle soap should do the trick, I found a ww2 service pistol (read 1911) holster at a tag sale which had mod and moldy smell. I rubbed it down with saddle soap. It came out fine. give some a try in a small inconspicuous area. if it works you are fine.
 
I vinegar brushed the holster and put it in a gallon baggy with a couple of tablespoons of ground coffee for the last 3 days.
It worked! No mold or mustiness, just a nice coffee smell.
I find that I'm even more awake and alert while wearing it now, too.
 
Have an old holster from the seventies that needs attention. Bought it for a gun I bought, but didn't want to carry that one. It has been tossed around a lot. I'm going to try washing it with the dishes, then placing it with cedar after it dries.

Worms and plants love coffee grounds, especially used. Eventually it will help attract certain birds. Just toss them out there and watch. My Father grew our own red wigglers for awhile, and all used coffee grounds and leftover grits went into the tub with them.
 
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