How to remove mold from shoes?

Where does mold on shoes come from?

Mold is favored by humid conditions in which shoes are used or stored. The factor causing mold is long-term storage of damp shoes that have not been thoroughly dried after getting wet, but also keeping shoes in damp places, e.g. in the basement. Mold formation occurs as a result of the multiplication of saprophytic fungi. Their mycelium develops on the footwear, covering it with a "skin", i.e. a harmful mold phenomenon.

How to get rid of mold from shoes?

If prevention has failed and mold has formed on your shoes, there are ways to get rid of it. A proven way to remove mold is the ecological method using vinegar with water. First, try to clean the mold with a dry, hard shoe brush. This should be done gently so that the mold does not penetrate deeper. It is best to remove the residue with a damp cloth. Proper cleaning involves washing the shoes with a solution of vinegar and water, mixed in 1:1 proportions. Next, it is recommended to dry the shoes with a paper towel or a dry cloth. Shoes cleaned in this way should be left to dry in a well-ventilated room, in autumn and winter, preferably near a radiator (but not on or under it, so as not to deform the shoes). Another method is to use turpentine oil and glycerin. First, spray the oil on the surface of the shoe and then rub the glycerine into the leather upper.

However, the above methods will not work for suede or fabric shoes. Here you should use spirit or other high-proof alcohol or ammonia water (a solution of ammonia and water). However, there is no guarantee that removing mold from such a demanding material will be successful. Please remember to proceed carefully and do not repeat this treatment many times, as high-proof alcohol may dry out the skin, consequently leading to the destruction of the footwear.

If, despite your best efforts, the mold has not disappeared or has reappeared and the shoes smell musty, you can try using a stronger agent or take the shoes to a shoemaker. However, it is best to properly care for and maintain your shoes to avoid this unpleasant phenomenon. The final, but most frequently chosen solution is to buy new shoes. So if your old ankle boots moldy and you don't want to deal with the build-up, you may like these models black flat ankle boots with buckles Y225 or Marquiz Warm black workers with fur. For men, we recommend it Chelsea boots, e.g. Moskała brown leather ankle boots or leather ankle boots with zipper Nikopol 702.

How to avoid mold on shoes?

• You should clean your shoes after each use, preferably with a brush and clean water.
• You should also wash the inner part of the shoe and the inner insoles.
• Wet footwear should be dried slowly, preferably at room temperature, in a ventilated room or outdoors. For this purpose, do not dry the shoes on a radiator or with a hair dryer, as this may cause cracking or deformation of the shoes.
• You must use appropriately designed products to care for your shoes. Grain leather requires lubrication. Suede and nubuck cannot be treated with pastes and creams for grain leather. If the shoes are made of waterproof materials, appropriate impregnation and waxing of the shoes is necessary.
• Metal elements in footwear, e.g. hooks and eyelets of shoelaces, should be greased to prevent them from rusting.
• It is recommended to avoid washing shoes in a washing machine.

How to store shoes to prevent them from getting moldy?

Proper storage of shoes is important for preventing mold on shoes. Always store clean and dry shoes in the lockers. The best way to maintain the shape of the shoes is to use shoe trees or other fillers such as cardboard or newspaper. To protect shoes from dust and deformation and at the same time not to clutter up the interior, manufacturers offer various storage methods. Depending on the available space, shoes can be stored in shoe cabinets, organizers and wardrobes. There are various options available on the market for storing shoes indoors: on shelves, rails, ladders, and racks. Additionally, you can protect your shoes and at the same time keep order by using one of the solutions listed below:

• Wooden boxes - they are an ideal place to store shoes, they provide relatively long durability compared to cardboard boxes. They offer enough space, protect against light and ensure adequate air circulation. They are recommended by manufacturers of the highest quality footwear.
• Shoe boxes - an inexpensive method, easily available form, in stores you can find cardboard, plastic and fabric ones.
• Bags – you will save space, but they will not provide adequate separation from other shoes in the wardrobe. There are even scented bags available on the market.
• Hangers – a good solution for boots and high shoes, by fastening the uppers with clips. It is best to protect it, for example, with cardboard under the clip, so that it does not leave an imprint on the leather shoes.
• Organizers for the door or wall of the wardrobe - an inexpensive solution. Organizers with patch pockets made of fabric allow you to keep your wardrobe tidy.

If you follow the above advice and properly care for and store your shoes, mold will most likely not attack them. However, if it does occur, our tips on how to remove mold from shoes should come in handy. Otherwise, it will be time for a new purchase - a model will surely catch your eye at KeeShoes!