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G'day fellas,
I have a couple of strops that really just dont get used. They have been hanging on the back on my bedroom door for a long time without being taken out.
I looked at them today and realized that the surface of the leather has some very unattractive mold growing on it.
Any of you guys got any advice on treating this issue.
My concern being that if I simply wipe it off it will come back, but chemical treatments may damage the leather.
Thanks
Grant
Be sure and clean the item outdoors. Don't spread the mold spores inside your living area.
Consumer Tips and Alerts- Mold and Mildew on Leather
http://dgsaddlery.com/killing-mold-on-leather/
The first thing is get it away from moisture. That's what is doing it. They have some quality leather cleaners out there. Personally I like Bick but there is lexol too.
UV light will kill mold in a couple seconds. You will need to go over every inch slowly. As stated above wipe the mold out doors. Make sure other leather and natural materials like wool in your closet are not affected as well or it will come right back.
Mold spores are everywhere and will germinate and grow wherever there is food and enough moisture. Mold converts dead vegetation and other organic material into soil. Since mold is everywhere, keeping leather clean, dry, and in a well ventilated location is key for preventing mold growth.
I suggest trying a cleaning outdoors using a damp clean cloth and letting the strop dry in sunlight. Storage in a different location than where the mold developed would be beneficial. Long term storage in direct sunlight damages leather. It is also good to handle, inspect, and clean leather periodically just like inspecting carbon steel razors for possible rust. Leather that has not been handled for a long time stored in drawers and dark closets is at risk if there is enough moisture present. Strops may eventually need a few drops of neatsfoot oil rubbed in if getting too dry, but may be OK for months or years with a simple periodic hand rub.
HTH
I would just put them in direct sunlight for a couple days than use tallow soap to clean,let dry than store them elsewhere.