Question on removing holster mildew

Michagun · Nov 13, 2013

What is the best way to remove white powerdery mildew from some leather holsters that were stored in a damp basement. They are still in good shape, but I don't want to damage the leather finish by removing the mildew. I'd like to use something that would kill the mold spores so it does not redevelop.

Should something like Lysol be used?

Thanks for any information and advise.

824tsv · Nov 13, 2013

My sister rides horses and cleans her leather tack with a hot bucket of water and a bar of saddle soap. Her tack is about 40 years old and still looks new. I would stay away from lysol. I think if you use a leather cleaner and scrub the area with the mildew and then use a leather conditioner it should be fine. I've used some nice leather cleaner for leather steering wheels in cars, bought from Pep boys.

Michagun · Nov 13, 2013

I'm worried about too much water causing the formed leather holsters to lose shape. Is that a concern? I will look into the car leather cleaner products. Thanks for your suggestion.

Ivan the Butcher · Nov 13, 2013

You not only want to remove the mildew powder but kill it also. I use white vinegar and dampen a cheep sponge then wipe it down. Place in bright sunlight and let dry. This should not harm anything if you don't get thing too wet. When finished and dry, clean with saddle soap. Do not use any type of boot oil and I would avoid using Needs foot oil also. Lysol, Clorox, and other chemicals can be pretty harsh, so try to avoid them. If you leather goods get soft, mushy or misshapen (if they are not Historical items) I get mine very wet and put a plastic bag over the gun in it and the let dry, they stiffen up (But may mildew if you didn't kill it the first time) The idea is to help them keep their proper shape and condition. There may be some other ways also but I've used this. Ivan

Cyrano · Nov 14, 2013

Wipe the leather items off with one of those drier sheets you put in the clohes drier to eliminate static electricity. It kills the spores, apparently, as mine haven't grown any new mildew. I also hang up a sheet in the gun room or safe, and it prevents mildew. Of course, my hunidity is a lot less than most peoples'. I read about this here on the forum, tgried it, and it works.

turnerriver · Nov 14, 2013

I use a solution of 1/2 water 1/2 alcohol on tough mold or mildew cases. Test it first as it does dull some finishes. I don't wet the holster I just rub it with a dampened cloth and let it dry. I wipe it inside and out, paying attention to the seams.
Walmart used to sell a product called Miltrol that I used on mildew, it was benign and didn't harm any finishes when I used it.
I live in South Florida so I'm always on guard against mold and mildew. I maintain a large collection of leather goods and find that good storage conditions are the best defense.
Regards,
turnerriver

Maze 686 · Nov 14, 2013

All my freinds that ride horses use white vineger.

Rintimtin · Nov 14, 2013

Shoot the mildew with your gun, that should kill it.

Of course this could damage your holster.

I use saddle soap to clean most of my leather goods, I think it smells good too.

pmosley · Nov 14, 2013

Saddle soap, mink oil and Ren wax.

Question on removing holster mildew

Michagun

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824tsv

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Michagun

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Ivan the Butcher

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Cyrano

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turnerriver

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Maze 686

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Rintimtin

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pmosley

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