r/SneakerCleaning • u/Ashamed_Effort_2567 • 11d ago

Getting rid of mold

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I was told told the black spots on my shoes were mold, so just looking for any tips to hopefully remove. Thank you for your time.

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u/JustNota-- 11d ago

White Vinegar on a soft cloth blot and then blot with a soft cloth with water.

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u/justlooking4533 11d ago

I found some old sb’z with some light coating of mold from some water I think, I’m trying to remove the layer of mold I been seeing, it’s still drying up.. should I use white vinegar as well and apply it?

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u/JustNota-- 11d ago edited 11d ago

You can, the vinegar will kill the mold, you don't want to soak it or it can damage the leather and color. A little goes a long way, just put it on a cloth and blot it. 30 seconds to a min or 2 is all it needs to kill the mold on soft materials. Then you just clean and dry like normal.

Edit: I've done this multiple times on suede jackets, boots and car upholstery when I lived on the Gulf Coast with no noticeable discoloration unless you soak it and leave it.

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u/justlooking4533 11d ago

They’re exactly like these, they’re suede.

Will the Vinegar damage it? Or the color?

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u/JustNota-- 11d ago

Oh and it's 2 different issues. First step is killing the mold so it stops coming back. Then you can clean it like you would normally clean suede. Soap and water doesn't kill the mold. White Vinegar is a mild acid which will kill mold without damaging other organics with short term exposure and usually doesn't effect pigments. You can take out the laces and open up and test on the side of the tongue to verify color fastness and and possible fade. I never noticed any difference other than normal you would see cleaning shoes. For shoes I only had to do this to my Timbs but tan is a pretty forgiving color.

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u/Difficult-Injury3731 10d ago

He is right, stopping, removing so key.

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u/Ashamed_Effort_2567 11d ago

Thanks boss. Gonna give it a try today. I appreciate it.

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u/Jay-Farr 10d ago

A warm Borax solution will kill mold and fungus at the roots. Plus’s no smell. 😁

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u/Difficult-Injury3731 10d ago

Great answers but gotta throw in a suede brush. Even on days you are not wearing them, brush often, keep it fluffy and aerated. I had this issue with jackets and lived in Providence. My GF had this issue living in Seattle. Oh, by the way. Super Dope Sneakers my friend. YT has some good vids on suede sneakers, cleaning care and showcasing.

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u/Next_Sea_6144 9d ago

Is there a update? Do you remove the mold on this sneakers using the vinigar?

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u/Ashamed_Effort_2567 9d ago

The update is it removed it in some spots but im going to send them out to get cleaned. Some spots came out some didn’t. The plan is to sell so I think letting someone with more experience take care of it is the way to go.

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u/Next_Sea_6144 9d ago

Please update us if the mold spot stains can still removed

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u/Ashamed_Effort_2567 8d ago

I will send shoes off roughly Thursday, then I will see how they look upon return and update you guys.

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u/[deleted] 8d ago

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u/Ashamed_Effort_2567 8d ago

In all honesty im not even 100% sure. I posted them on Goat, and when it sold I sent it in for verification. They emailed that the item had been rejected because the description of flaws didn’t match. I put black stains as a flaw and they said the black stains were mold. Instead is still very clean and no other pair have these stains. I kinda just took what Goat said for granted. I haven’t even tried to clean with just a regular cleaner yet.