How to get rid of the smell of mold from handbags
You probably know how much we women cherish our handbags and purses, considering them our most precious treasure.
Moreover, the mere thought that they could be damaged, compromising their aesthetic side, leads us to almost unbearable anxiety.
But one of the problems that are often not given too much importance is the smell of mold, a thorn in the side of us women that if it is not extracted in time may compromise your bag or clutch forever.
So, today, I’ve decided to give you some tips on how to get rid of the smell of mold in your handbags. But first, let me tell you why handbags get moldy and how you can prevent them.
Why does mold form in bags?
Mold is a type of fungus, black, white, or green in color, that forms in very humid and poorly ventilated environments, giving off a very unpleasant smell.
There are several ways of eliminating it (more on this in a moment), but the important thing is to prevent it from forming.
The main reason why bags get moldy is that the wardrobe in which you keep your bags may be closed for too long without them being exposed to sunlight.
So remember to keep the environment of your handbags as healthy as possible, so that there is almost no chance of mold forming and getting inside your handbags or purses.
How to prevent mildew in handbags
Preventing mildew in your handbags or clutches is crucial, and to do this it is essential that you take care of your bag systematically.
So it is essential that you know how to store your bag properly to avoid this unpleasant problem.
As I have already mentioned, I suggest you store your bag or pochette inside a wardrobe and keep its doors open periodically (you can also keep it closed, but don’t exaggerate).
Another solution would be to store your purse or clutch bag inside your wardrobe in a box or bag.
But remember to put silica gel sachets inside the box or bag, which you can buy online or from specialist shops, to absorb moisture.
To prevent your bags from smelling musty, periodically open your cupboard (where you keep your bags) and air them out so that the bags can get some sunshine.
I also recommend that you give your bags a brush and apply moisturizing cleansing milk to their skin.
Tips on how to get rid of the musty smell from bags
Now let’s see how to get rid of the musty smell from your bags.
- White vinegar
To eliminate the musty smell from your bag, you can use white vinegar with distilled water as a solution.
Use these two liquids together (with the same amount) using a sponge and start rubbing them into the inside of your bag or outside, where the mold has formed.
Before applying the solution, test a small hidden spot on the bag to see whether the bag will be stained.
Finally, dry the bag with a clean, wet cloth and place it in the open air (avoid contact with sunlight).
- Baking soda
Another good solution is to use bicarbonate of soda.
So, what you need to do is to take a cloth bag or a sock that you do not use, fill the bag (or sock) with bicarbonate of soda, and put it inside your bag.
Then close your bag inside a plastic bag or an airtight container and wait 24 hours. If the problem is not resolved, I recommend repeating the operation from the beginning.
- Coffee
You should know that coffee, besides being an indispensable pleasure for us, is also a food product that can remove unpleasant odors.
So, in order to remove the musty smell inside your bag using coffee, take a sock and fill it with coffee (even instant coffee). Knot the sock (so that the fragrance remains) and put it inside your bag.
Compared to baking soda, the waiting time is at least a week. During this time, the coffee should be able to absorb, and therefore eliminate, the musty smell. If not, wait a few more days.
- Liquid soap
A simpler, yet effective solution is to use liquid soap.
So, to remove the musty smell from your bag, take the liquid soap, mix it with a little water and apply it with a clean sponge or cloth (wring out the cloth before proceeding).
Once finished, again, allow the bag to dry in the open air and not in sunlight. If the musty smell persists, repeat the operation.If you want to know more about this topic, read the article: “How to clean leather bags: secrets for a perfect bag”.
