How to Remove Mold from Bags

Co-authored by Melanie Garcia

Last Updated: July 12, 2024 Fact Checked

What happens when the inside of your bag becomes damp or wet? Mold or mildew. Mold and mildew are types of fungus's that will leave stains and nasty smells to the inside of your bag. However, you don't always have to throw your bag out when you discover it has mold. You can simply use one of these natural methods of removing them to get your bag back to looking its best.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

Washing Your Bag with White Vinegar

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Your bag needs to be totally empty.
The only difference is that you need to use hot water!

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Lay it out in the sunlight to air-dry for 24 hours, inside out.

Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

Sponging Your Bag with White Vinegar

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Your bag can't have anything in it.
It should not be dripping wet, nor should it be slightly wet.

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

Using Baking Soda

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It needs to be absolutely empty.
Leave your bag out to completely dry for 24 hours.
If it does not completely cover the bottom of your bag, add another 1/2 cup of baking soda.
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Melanie Garcia
Professional House Cleaner

Expert Interview. 10 October 2019.}
Put your bag into the laundry machine, and wash it on the cycle you should use.

Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

Using Denatured Alcohol for Leather Bags

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University of Missouri Extension
University of Missouri program dedicated to research-based, practical public education

Go to source} Mix them together until a cloudy solution is formed.
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If your bag cannot be put in the dryer, leave it outside to air dry for 24 ours.

Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Using Saddle Soap for Leather Bags

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Using purchased or homemade saddle soap, dampen a cloth with water.^{[4]
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Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

Using a Brush

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This method does not work as well as some of the others, but it will still get the majority of the mold and mildew off.

If you used a sheet, throw the mold and mildew away, then wash it and put it back.

Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

Removing the Smell

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services

Go to source} Close you bag, and leave it outside in the sun for 2 hours. Once it's been 2 hours, take the bag inside and toss the sheets away. The smell should now be gone!
In the morning, dump the baking soda out.^{[6]
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Melanie Garcia
Professional House Cleaner

Expert Interview. 10 October 2019.}
When a bag is completely dry, the smell will often away.

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Question

How can I get rid of the musty mold smell after cleaning it out?

Melanie Garcia
Professional House Cleaner
Melanie Garcia is the Co-Owner of Oranges & Lemons, a small, family cleaning business based in Downtown Los Angeles, California (DTLA) in operation for over 40 years. Oranges & Lemons operates while partnering with the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Hand in Hand: Domestic Employers Network.

Melanie Garcia

Professional House Cleaner

Expert Answer

Pour some baking soda into your bag and let it sit overnight. It will help absorb all the bad leftover odors.

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Question

How do I remove golden print on my trolley bag?

Community Answer

Try to wash it away using a very good detergent. If that doesn't work, then try to hide it by pasting a good design over it. If nothing works, then buy a new trolley bag!

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Tips

If your bag is very high end, and can't be washed or dried normally, you may have to take it in to dry cleaners. Simply use the brush method, then take your bag into a dry cleaners and point out any spots that still remain

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Warnings

Always make sure to check washing instructions for your bag. If your bag can't be washed, you don't want to throw it in a washer and destroy it!

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