How To Prevent Mold On Shoes in Closet

shoe - prevent mold on shoes in closet

Mold growing on shoes not only looks bad but also stinks. It happens as a result of moisture that gets collected in the cabinet and forms a breeding ground for mold. Anyone’s first reaction is to throw them away. However, we’re here to tell you it is not too late to save them. In this quick guide, we have addressed how to prevent mold on shoes in closet.

Also, we have compiled some tips on how to remove harmful spores and regenerate shoes. This guide will help you to prevent mold on shoes in closet.

WHAT CAUSES MOLD ON SHOES?

Mold is a fungus that can spread and grow on almost anything, including shoes and clothes. Mold can form in areas that are too humid, such as leaks, damp corners, or damp insoles. Due to long term shoe storage, they are particularly prone to mold. 

The dark, warm and humid environment in which the shoes are located creates an ideal breeding ground for fungi. If the shoes are not properly dried, a musty smell will eventually develop.

HOW TO PREVENT MOLD ON SHOES IN CLOSET?

mold closet - prevent mold on shoes in closet

While storing shoes made of more delicate materials such as leather, you may be very worried about whether they are completely safe. The main problem in storing shoes is knowing how to store leather shoes to prevent mold on shoes in closet. If your favorite shoe starts to grow mold, it is unlikely to disappear forever.

This is why we have put together this handy guide to help you keep your favorite pairs safe and stable during the off-season so that you will not encounter any moldy shoes problems.

1. Store shoes separately

Don’t leave dirty clothes or shoes in the closet. Make sure that everything is clean before putting them away. Mold likes to eat dirt or food scraps, and if the lump becomes infected, it spreads quickly. This can lead to white mold on clothes in closet, ruining all that you own. 

2. Keep your shoes dry

The biggest mistake most people make while storing shoes is to store them without drying them. So prevent mold in closets by leaving them out to dry for a day or two before storing them. 

3. Wax your leather shoes regularly

The best way to store leather shoes to prevent mold is to wax them regularly. In the rare case of exposure to moisture, a good way to prevent mold from forming on leather shoes is to treat them with hard wax before storing them for later seasons.

Using wax is a good way to protect the surface of shoes from any moisture or mold. This acts as a protective layer between your shoes and the world around you, making it the perfect last line of defense.

4. Place a light in a closet

Mold needs moisture to survive, but the warmth of energy-saving lamps can keep the wardrobe dry and help with closet mold prevention. Install an energy-saving lamp in your closet and turn it on 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Important Tip: Keep the bulb away from clothing or other objects that may cause a fire.

HOW TO REMOVE MOLD FROM SHOES

Have you ever noticed a musty smell in the closet and think it comes from beautiful leather shoes? It is because of the mold growing on shoes. If you can find the problem as soon as possible, there is still a chance to save your shoes. 

remove - prevent mold on shoes in closet

1. From canvas shoes

Canvas shoes will be completely damaged, discolored, and unusable due to mold and mildew. You must find a way to cure them as quickly as possible. Alcohol is the best solution to eliminate these destructive factors.

Please follow the steps below:

  • Use a dust brush to remove the loose powdery mildew layer on the surface, bumold in closet what to do.
  • It is not advisable to do this indoors because mold will grow on your carpets, walls, and other areas.
  • Once the unwanted mildew layers are removed. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove all dental plaque residue from the fabric. Be sure to vacuum every edge of the shoe.
  • Take a sponge or cloth, soak it in the solution of water and isopropanol and then wipe off the remaining mold.
  • After all signs of fungal infection disappeared, put the shoes outside and let them dry in the sun.

2. From leather shoes

Leather shoes are more prone to mold than any other material, and they give off a pungent smell from mold.

So why do shoes get moldy? It is because of improper storage. To answer the question of how to store leather shoes to prevent mold, we suggest storing them in an environment with 60-70% humidity and continuous ventilation.

The mold that grows on the surface of the skin is Aspergillus. This mold on shoes in closets is difficult to remove. Cleaning the surface alone will not kill the mold. But the good news is that you can clean the surface with an anti-mold bactericide to completely remove it.

To completely destroy the idea of moldy shoes, please do the following:

  • Use a hard nylon brush to clean the surface as hard as possible.
  • Moisten a soft cloth with the mixture of water and vinegar, then wipe the surface of the shoes with it.
  •  Vinegar can kill about 80% of molds.
  • If it continues to grow, apply isopropyl alcohol on the surface, but first, apply it to a small area of the shoe to see if it is safe.
  • Wear gloves and a mask to prevent inhalation of spores
  • Wear shoes outdoors because they are more effective than indoors
  • Use leather conditioner to keep shoes dry after alcohol.
  • Make sure to store your leather shoes to prevent mold in closets as well.

3. Suede & nubuck shoe

Suede is delicate leather; it can be damaged by corrosive substances, such as rubbing with alcohol. Therefore, it is not only a question of preventing mold from shoes; you should also know the best way to remove mold growing on shoes.

  • Prepare a mixture of water and detergent.
  • Then use a plastic scouring pad or preferably a suede brush to remove the mold and mildew that has accumulated on the shoes.
  • If you still see stains or mold stains, buy a suede cleaner and follow the instructions on the package.
  • Remember to be gentle because any extra effort will cause abrasions and scratches on suede shoes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can I Use Baking Soda To Kill Molds?

Yes, you can. Several studies have shown that baking soda has antifungal properties; however, they point out that it is not a complete mold disinfectant and works best when combined with other cleaning agents. Therefore, for best results, you should usually combine it with vinegar.

2. Difference Between Mold In Closet And Mildew In Closet

Mildew is basically just molds in the early stages. Mildew is usually black, brown, yellow, or white, sometimes orange or pink, and maybe powdery or flat.

3. Is Shoe Mold Dangerous?

Yes, it is. Not only can shoe mold ruin your favorite pairs, but it can also result in toenail fungus infection, trigger your allergies or even cause asthma attacks.

4. How To Stop Mildew In The Closet?

Only put clean clothes and objects in the closet because dirt and other organic matter are potential food sources of mold. Let air circulate between them to reduce humidity. Do not store clothing in airtight containers.

4. How Can I Get Rid Of Fungus In Shoes?

The easiest way to remove fungus from shoes is to use a disinfectant. This can help you complete your work in the shortest possible time. Bacteria are usually the main cause of yeast infections, and using disinfectants helps kill them.

CONCLUSION

For some reason, mold can accumulate on your shoes. Once this happens, it will damage the appearance of your shoes, and destroy its texture and rot all materials. Some people dispose the moldy shoes because they can damage your feet and, if you inhale, it can damage your respiratory tract as well.

But no worries. This article has helped answer how to remove mold on shoes. I hope this article was of some help. Thanks for reading through!

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