Advice please: mould on leather shoe soles

[SometimesAlwaysNever]

I’d be very grateful for some advice please. Very sadly the soles of several of my leather goodyear welted shoes have been afflicted by mould.

I’ve searched several threads but am struggling to identify some conclusive advice. I appreciate there may be little I can do however it would be a very sad day if I have to dispose of them which is why I’m reaching out to the sartorial community.

The mould is enjoying the bottom and sides of the shoes‘ soles. So far I’ve been regularly cleaning with a damp cloth, whilst researching what to do, including perhaps a more aggressive treatment as the mould is coming back despite exposing the shoes to fresh air and sun. I’ve read about vinegar, saddle soap, even dare I say, bleach?

Appreciate any insights. Thanks in advance.

 

[Mr G from SD]

I had this happen to a few pairs during current times when many of us are wearing dress shoes less often.

I used a Clorox wipe to gently wipe it away, not applying too much pressure in case it may remove the edge dressing color, etc. and being careful not to touch the uppers with the wipe. Also used a brush to go over the welt stitching/tighter spaces. That has seemed to do the trick.

I also put them in dust bags & boxes after cleaning. Seems to have been more common with shoes left out in the open, in my experience.

 

[florent]

Bleach works well in my experience.
There's always a risk of mould growing back so if you're caught under rain let them rest on their side in a well ventilated area so the sole dries quickly.

 

[SometimesAlwaysNever]

Thank you to both of you for your replies - most appreciated. I’ll give those a go. If the diagnosis is terminal, at least it means I have an excuse to go shopping!