How to remove mold from shoes?

Where does mold on shoes come from?

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

How do I get rid of mold on my shoes?

If prophylaxis has failed and mold has formed on your shoes, there are ways to get rid of it. A proven way to remove mold is using the eco-friendly method vinegar with water. Before that, try cleaning the mold with a dry, hard shoe brush alone. This should be done gently so that the mold does not penetrate deeper. The residue is best removed with a damp cloth. Proper cleaning involves washing your shoes with a 1: 1 solution of vinegar and water. Subsequently, 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, preferably near the heater in autumn and winter (but not on it or under it, so that the shoes do not deform). Another method is to use turpentine oil and glycerin. First, spray the surface of the shoe with the oil, and then rub the glycerin into the leather upper.

However, the above methods will not work for suede or fabric shoes. Here you should use spirit or other high-percentage alcohol or ammonia water (a solution of ammonia with water). There is no guarantee, however, that cleaning mold from such a demanding material will be successful. Remember to proceed with caution and do not repeat this procedure many times, because high-percentage alcohol can dry the skin, and consequently lead to the destruction of shoes.

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 give the shoes to the shoemaker. It is best, however, to avoid this unpleasant phenomenon, you should properly care for and maintain your footwear. The final, but most often chosen solution is the purchase of new shoes. So if your old booties moldy and you do not want to fight the raid, maybe you will like the models black flat ankle boots with Y225 buckles or Marquiz Warm black fur bags. For men, however, we recommend it Chelsea boots, e.g. Brown leather ankle boots or Leather boots on the Nikopol 702 zipper.

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 wash the inner insoles.
• Wet shoes should be dried slowly, preferably at room temperature, in a ventilated room or outdoors. For this purpose, shoes must not be dried on a radiator or with a hair dryer, as this may cause cracking or deformation of the shoes.
• Suitable products must be used for footwear care. Grain leather requires greasing. Suede and nubuck cannot be treated with polishes and creams for grain leather. When shoes are made of waterproof materials, appropriate impregnation and waxing of the shoes is necessary.
• Metal elements in footwear, such as fasteners and eyelets for shoelaces, should be greased to prevent rust.
• It is recommended to avoid washing shoes in the washing machine.

How to store shoes so that they do not rot?

Proper shoe storage is not without significance for the prevention of mold on footwear. Always keep clean and dry shoes in the lockers. The best way to keep your shoes in shape is to use shoe trees or other fillers such as cardboard or newspaper. In order to protect the shoes from dust, deformation and at the same time not to clutter the interior, manufacturers offer various storage methods. Depending on the available space, footwear can be stored in shoe cabinets, organizers, and wardrobes. There are various options on the market for storing shoes indoors: on shelves, rails, ladders, racks. Additionally, you can secure your footwear, and at the same time keep order by using any of the solutions listed below:

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

If you follow the above advice, properly care for and store your shoes, mold will probably not attack them. However, if it does, our tips on how to remove mold from shoes should be helpful. Otherwise, it's time to make a new purchase - a model will surely catch your eye on KeeShoes!