Mouldy smell on leather

[Gragson]

I bought a motorbike seat about 4 years ago as new old stock, condition is excellent.
I want to start using it but it really stinks of mould. I have used leather clean and conditioner, not made any difference.

I have read that wiping down with dilute white vinegar or coating it in baking soda and leaving in a bag for a few days might work. Anyone tried that or better ideas, it really does stink!

Seat is leather covered, about 35/40 years old

 

[colnerov]

Hi, We used to get this with cars sat around closed up and mould on steering wheels and trim, anti-bacterial sprays don't work long term. Wipe them off with a petrol wet cloth then clean and condition, it removes it quickly and efficiently and it doesn't come back.

Colin

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

@mrsbruce
One for you me thinks.

 

[Gragson]

Hi, We used to get this with cars sat around closed up and mould on steering wheels and trim, anti-bacterial sprays don't work long term. Wipe them off with a petrol wet cloth then clean and condition, it removes it quickly and efficiently and it doesn't come back.

Colin

Cheers Colin, odd thing is visually the leather looks in great condition, no visible mould, it just stinks of musty old mould. Might give the petrol wipe a go later, i'ts worth a few bob so will try a test area in case of reaction.

Cheers
Chris

 

[colnerov]

Cheers Colin, odd thing is visually the leather looks in great condition, no visible mould, it just stinks of musty old mould. Might give the petrol wipe a go later, i'ts worth a few bob so will try a test area in case of reaction.

Cheers
Chris

Hi, You don't need to soak it it should just wipe it off with it damp. If it still smells (just read the OP again properly) it could be in the foam underneath so removing the cover maybe called for.

Colin

 

[mrsbruce]

Hi, You don't need to soak it it should just wipe it off with it damp. If it still smells (just read the OP again properly) it could be in the foam underneath so removing the cover maybe called for.

Colin

Yup! Chances are it’s the inside that’s bad.

 

[Gragson]

I'm no bloodhound but reason I thought it was more the leather than the inside foam is that I could get my snout quite close into the foam from the holes beneath which was nothing like the really mouldy smell of the leather on top.
Well, the petrol wipe worked a lot better than expected with no ill effects to the old leather and has got rid of the mouldy smell, I did it twice. Before and after pics, can you smell the difference?