When you put your clothes, shoes, and accessories away in your closet, you expect them to stay safe and clean. However, you can sometimes find mold on shoes after storing them in your closet. Needless to say, that’s something everyone wants to avoid.
Here’s what you need to know on how to prevent mold on shoes in your closet.
What Causes Mold on Shoes?
Unfortunately, there are a few different potential causes of mold on shoes. One of the top causes is moisture in your shoes that isn’t able to dry properly. If you get your shoes wet by jumping in a puddle or sweating while wearing them, that moisture can lead to mold down the line.
The insoles of your shoes, in particular, can absorb liquid and stay damp longer than many people expect. This moisture is the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow. Pay attention after washing your shoes to check that they’re completely dry before putting them away.
Another potential cause is mold that’s already in your closet. If the atmosphere inside your closet is overly damp or dirty, that could help foster mold growth on the items in your closet, including your shoes.
Trapped humidity is yet another potential culprit of moldy shoes. If you put your shoes in plastic bags or sealed containers before storing them in your closet, those containers could trap humidity and lead to mold growth.
Finally, if you have wooden shelves in your closet where you store your shoes, that could contribute to mold inside shoes. Wire shelving is a better option.
How to Remove Mold from Shoes
If you notice some mold growing on your shoes, even a small amount, it’s important to take action to remove it as soon as possible. It is possible to save your shoes if you act quickly.
Identify the Mold
The first step of removing mold from your shoes is noticing that the mold is there in the first place. The mold on shoes won’t always look like the mold you probably recognize from produce and bread in the kitchen. It can come in a variety of colors including green, black, brown, and even shades of orange. White mold on shoes is also quite common. Generally, you can expect mold on shoes to be a dark green or brown color that appears in patches of small circular shapes.
Removal Process
When you see something you think is mold on your shoes, you should proceed with an applicable removal process. You don’t need any heavy chemical cleaners, you can often remove mold on shoes with a cloth, a brush, and white vinegar, among some other tools.
Start by going outside and using the brush to scrub off all the mold and mildew you can see on the shoes. It’s best to complete the whole cleaning process outside as this can prevent the spread of mold throughout your home. Remember to wear a mask and gloves if the mold is substantial.
Once you have gotten as much mold off as possible, move on to the next step. You should mix one part water with one part white vinegar in a bucket. A half cup of each should be plenty.
Using your cloth, wipe off the shoes with the vinegar and water solution. Continue cleaning the shoes with the vinegar solution until no more mold is visible. At that point, you should leave the shoes to dry completely in the sun.
Keep in mind that this method is not effective for cleaning suede shoes. It’s also worth noting that the vinegar solution can leave a strong smell. You may want to get rid of it by finishing off the cleaning process by rubbing down your shoes with some soap and water. Spraying essential oils may also help.
If this cleaning process doesn’t eliminate all the mold the first time, you can repeat the process again to see if that’s enough. In some cases, it simply won’t be possible to get rid of all the mold even after rounds of thorough cleaning. You may need to simply throw those pairs of shoes out and replace them, unfortunately.
How to Remove Mold Inside of Leather Shoes
The easiest way to get rid of mold is by using rubbing alcohol or medical-grade isopropyl. You can also use a mixture that consists mostly water with just enough spirit in it for killing black spores on your shoes’ interior surfaces, which have been shown not only through research but personal experience as well (I’ve found this method works best when there are small amounts).
Rubbing these types together creates Episcopal homicide; they’ll kill anything immediately! The longer you leave them sit after application–up until about five minutes before removing from footwear.
How to Remove Mold from Suede Shoes
Removing mold from suede shoes requires a gentle yet effective approach to preserve the delicate material. Begin by brushing off any loose mold with a soft-bristle brush, being careful not to spread it further. Dampen a cloth with a mixture of white vinegar or mild soap and water, then gently wipe the affected areas. Allow the suede shoes to air dry thoroughly, avoiding heat sources.
Once dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap. For persistent odors, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda inside and let it sit overnight before brushing off. To prevent future mold growth, store your suede shoes in a cool, dry place and consider professional cleaning for extensive issues. Regular care will ensure your suede shoes remain stylish and mold-free.
How to Prevent Mold on Shoes in your Closet
By following the previous steps you can get mold off shoes that are already moldy, but what about preventing mold in the first place?
One method you can use to prevent mold from growing on your shoes is using silica gel packets. These gel packets come with all sorts of new products, especially handbags and shoes. When you purchase a new product that comes with silica gel packets, you should set keep them to put in your shoes instead of throwing them out.
When you put them in your shoes in your closet, they’ll absorb moisture and deodorize, greatly reducing the chance of mold growth. It’s a simple but effective method to prevent mold growth. If you don’t have silica gel packets on hand, you can substitute them for dry tea bags. Just make sure to change out the silica gel packs or tea bags once they absorb enough moisture to feel damp.
Alternatively, you can simply completely dry your shoes before storing them in your closet. After you take your shoes off, leave them to dry in a well-ventilated area or right in the sone. Once they’re completely dry, you can store them as usual. Remember to take any insoles out to dry separately since they usually absorb the most moisture.
Moisture can also build up in your shoes over the day. If you notice that your shoes are absorbing a lot of sweat, it might be worth carrying an extra pair of socks with you and changing them as needed. If you’re going to the gym, try to wear a different pair of shoes so that each pair has a chance to dry.
You might also consider getting a dehumidifier in your closet if it has excess moisture. The dehumidifier will pull the extra moisture out of the air and help prevent mold on shoes stored in your closet.
Remember to regularly clean your shoes (even if they’re not yet moldy) to help prevent future problems.
Is Mold on Shoes Dangerous?
Moldy shoes don’t just look gross, they’re also potentially dangerous to your health as well. There may be bacteria and fungi in your moldy shoes that could cause foot infections or other issues if you wear the shoes before cleaning them thoroughly.
The mold from your shoes can be dangerous spreading to other parts of your home, leading to a more serious mold problem. The bottom line is that you should take mold on shoes seriously and take the applicable steps to prevent it when possible.
Tackling Mold Head On
If you’re dealing with a mold problem in your closet or anywhere else in your home, it’s always a good idea to get in contact with experts to help you. For dealing with water damage and mold repair, there’s no better choice than Jenkins Environmental Services.
All our technicians are certified and highly trained in mold remediation. Contact us today to learn more about how Jenkins Environmental Services can help protect you from the risks mold can pose.
Get Professional Mold Removal and Remediation help today!
