Problem

Mould on a leather or canvas bag

By the Madrasah Bag team · Updated 2026-09-24

Quick fix

Take the bag outside, brush the mould off with a soft brush, then wipe leather with a cloth dampened in a 50:50 mix of water and white vinegar (or water and rubbing alcohol), and canvas with warm soapy water. Dry it fully in a warm, airy place, not direct heat, then condition leather. Check any books or Quran that were inside for mould, and keep them separate until you're sure they're clean.

How to clean it

Take everything out. Put the Quran and books somewhere separate and dry.
Outside, brush off loose mould with a soft brush. Wear a mask if you're sensitive to it.
Leather: wipe with a cloth dampened in 50:50 water and white vinegar, or water and rubbing alcohol. Test on a hidden spot first.
Canvas or nylon: scrub with warm soapy water. Some canvas can be machine-washed; check the label.
Dry fully in a warm, airy room, not on a radiator.
Condition leather once it's dry.

The books inside

Wipe covers gently with a dry cloth outdoors and let them air. If a Quran has mould through the pages, it's usually best retired respectfully. See BookBurial.

Stopping it coming back

Never store a bag damp
Store it in a cotton bag, not plastic
Keep it out of cold, damp cupboards and lofts

Questions people also ask

Can you get mould out of a leather bag?

Usually, yes, if caught early. Brush it off outside, wipe with diluted white vinegar or alcohol, dry thoroughly and condition.

Handmade to order, built to last. We make each leather madrasah bag by hand, to order, in Scottish leather. Delivered in around 14 days. £139.99 + £8.99 UK delivery.

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See the Madrasah Bag size and care guide for our bag's dimensions.

More on bag care and repair

← How to care for a leather madrasah bag: the full topic guide