How to remove mildew from leather?

[Wildcat Creeker]

In the past, I have used a brush to remove it. Any better suggestions?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[QKShooter]

For SUREFIRE KILLING of mold/mildew on antique leather that was to be restored we used to use the following museum suggested formula:

1/2 Cup Distilled Water.
1/2 Cup Rubbing Alcohol.
Aprox. 1 Tablespoon Lysol.

That treats a LOT of leather so you might just want to mix up a tiny bit.

Dampen (not soak) a small piece of terry cloth towel and lightly scrub the surface of the leather with it.
Do not get the leather really wet.
The Lysol & Alcohol will kill the mold & mildew.
Then let the leather air dry naturally.

[Wildcat Creeker]

Although some of my holsters are approaching 35 yrs old, and yes I bought many of them new, I was not thinking of them as antiques just yet. Thanks much for the cleaning tip. I have noticed that when I brush the white/green stuff off a hoslter or belt, it tends to come back if stored in my basement box-o-holsters.

[ExSoldier]

I usually use a mix of water & vinegar (white, not balsamic, lol).

[QKShooter]

interesting...never used the vinegar.

good tip ex.

yes, correct it will come back unless you kill it.

[jarhead79]

You have moldy holsters????? EWWWWW!!!! You definitely want to kill the mildew. I don't know how bleach will effect the leather, but it's the most effective way to KILL mildew.

Leadblooded is making holsters now, just replace them. Veggie tanned leather is key, because it doesn't hold moisture. Keeps your gun from rusting, so I'm guessing it will help the mildew problem as well.

[whitetrashfarm]

Hydrogen peroxide is also great fo mold
Nothing but oxegen and water

[Wildcat Creeker]

You have moldy holsters????? EWWWWW!!!! You definitely want to kill the mildew. I don't know how bleach will effect the leather, but it's the most effective way to KILL mildew.

Leadblooded is making holsters now, just replace them. Veggie tanned leather is key, because it doesn't hold moisture. Keeps your gun from rusting, so I'm guessing it will help the mildew problem as well.

I have a whole bunch of holsters, and several of them are no longer being made, so they are not replaceable. Also, even if they were replaceable, it would not be financially feasible. Removing the mold/mildew is the only option for me.

[maclean3]

Is there anyplace else you can store them other than the basement once you get them cleaned up? Seems a cool/damp/dark basement may be part of the problem.
Jack

[frankmako]

water & vinegar and/or water and bleach. i have used water and bleach, it's works well. just use some baseball glove oil after.

[dimmak]

dehumidifier for the basement is good idea...

[Squiggy]

Hydrogen Peroxide tends to bleach many things.... You can use denatured alcohol, that would work.
I have heard many times that vinegar will kill mold, as stated before. I forget the exact ratio (it's not rocket surgery), but a distilled white vinegar water mixture could do the trick.
What would I do? I use a product called Rudy's Tack and Saddle Conditioner and Finish. It kills mold and mildew and isn't made from rendered animal fat or petroleum. It's made by Bee Natural Leathercare. They make superior products and the "Finish" part is Very, Very light and Very matte.

BTW, I am in no way affiliated with this company. I know this is only my second post and I was conflicted about posting this info as I don't want to make the wrong impression, but I concluded it could help more than it could hurt.

Oakley