Reasons Why Leather Become White and Ways To Prevent It

Every now and then, leather turns white. Bacteria and fungi are the most common perpetrators that make this happen. Also, when you don't properly store the leather. Or when leather is actually stored for a very long period of time. Moist storage areas grow bacteria and fungi. Other factors can be salt stain, metal, or fatty bloom.

Leather is a luxurious material that necessitates proper care if it is to stay in its original state for a long time. If mistreated, it will start tearing off. Leather turning white is a widespread issue that can be due to a lack of attention.

The following are the reasons and preventive measures for leather turning white.

Salt Stain

Salt causes shoes, boots, gloves, and leather jackets to turn white. Salts help in the de-icing of the snow. This assists people in driving cars on snowy roads. But it can damage the leather that comes into contact with it. On a snowy day, salt gets saturated into your leather items, and after a while, the salt starts to react with the leather, causing the leather to turn its surface white. Salt is an alkaline substance. When the salt begins to break down, it abolishes molecules of leather. The salt responds to tanning agents, making the leather exterior soft, powdery, and gritty like sandpaper.

This can be prevented by purchasing a specific leather repair kit for damage and avoiding salt damage by dodging places where snow is present. For comprehensive stain removal techniques, read this detailed guide.

Bacteria Or Fungus

Bacteria and fungus turn leather white as leather is a very porous material, which means that it will absorb things and can be damaged by them. When stored in damp places, leather goods cause bacteria and fungus to grow like mildew. The best thing to do is to place leather products in a dry place.

If your leather has mold covering its surface, causing it to be white, then use rubbing alcohol to remove it. For proper storage tips to prevent mold growth, check out this care guide. Additionally, if your leather has developed unpleasant odors from mold or bacteria, you can see how to remove them here.

Fatty Bloom

Leather items are exposed to high humidity for a long period of time. The product's pores expand, letting oils from within the leather leak out of it. Fatty substances leave from leather products, and they will settle on the exterior, which turns it white.

The best way to stop fats from leaking out of leather is by making sure you keep the product in a dry and ventilated place so that moisture does not get stuck within the pores. Use a leather cleaner especially made for grease and oil stains. If the item is turning white with the help of a small brush, remove excess oils and dirt.

Sun Damage

Sunlight comprises a large number of ultraviolet rays that cause the leather to fade, causing it to become dull in color. Without any shade or protection, if the leather is left under the sun for a long period of the day, the sun's ultraviolet rays will damage and destroy the leather fibers. The material becomes visibly less bright as molecules break down from the light of the sun.

Here are methods to protect leather products from sun damage.

• On the leather items, apply a UV protectant spray. Or make sure all leather items are well covered in the form of shades.
• Apply a protective oil or wax coating on the leather products before using them out in sunlight. This protection between the leather and sunlight keeps it from fading, turning white, and cracking. Learn more about sealing your leather here.
• Wear socks before putting on leather shoes. Do not lay in your leather car seats in a bathing suit.

Preventative Measures

Use the materials such as cleaner and conditioner in your closet to restore leather car seats, jackets, etc. For everyday maintenance, explore our collection of premium men's leather jackets and women's leather jackets that are built with quality materials designed to resist common leather issues.

Mold Removal Technique

Depending on the leather, what could have led you to this situation? Some people own leather that is finished, unfinished, or suede. By using a soft brush, make sure all the mold or mildew residue vanishes from the leather, and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose debris. If that doesn't work out, gently pat or shake the leather. Add three drops of dish soap or leather cleaner to your microfiber, then rinse it off. Finally, wipe off the suds from the leather surface once it's carefully cleaned. Use rubbing alcohol and detergent to dampen the cloth, then, with the solution, rinse and dry it. The leather should be totally dried. Buff it until there are no residues left. Let it rest for 24 hours.

If you need professional-grade cleaning methods for stubborn mold issues, explore different cleaning techniques here. For leather items that require extra care and disinfection, see this comprehensive disinfection guide.

Protection Against Bacteria and Fungus

Using a soft hairbrush, dust off the white portion with a lint-free towel and eliminate the residue. Once the surface has been carefully cleaned and dusted off, you can eject remover using a microfiber cloth.

Use Suitable Metal Hardware

Find which type of metal hardware your leather item comes with and change them to non-reactive ones so it doesn't react with your leather, such as silver.

• Use a soft bristle brush around parts of the leather with brass.
• Avoid storing them in damp places
• Clean and condition your leather frequently. Check out proper conditioning techniques here.

Everyone has at least one item of leather, and steps taken for proper care of leather products can go a very long way. A couple of factors cause the leather to turn white. Knowing how to stop the leather from turning white is vital. There's still hope if your leather shows signs of fungus or bacteria. The above steps can help fix leather products and revive your precious leather jacket or other accessories.

Whether you own a classic bomber jacket, a stylish biker jacket, or any other leather item, proper care will ensure it stays pristine for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why does my leather jacket have white spots?

White spots on leather jackets are typically caused by salt stains from winter weather, fatty bloom (natural oils rising to the surface), mold or mildew growth from improper storage, or mineral deposits from hard water. The specific cause can usually be identified by examining when and where the white spots appeared.

Can white discoloration on leather be removed?

Yes, most white discoloration on leather can be removed. For salt stains, use a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. For mold, use rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth. For fatty bloom, gentle buffing with a dry cloth often helps, followed by proper conditioning. Always test any cleaning method on a hidden area first.

How do I prevent my leather from turning white?

To prevent leather from turning white, store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight and moisture. Regularly clean and condition your leather items every 3-6 months. Avoid exposing leather to salt during winter months, and use protective sprays or sealants to create a barrier against moisture and environmental factors.

Is white mold on leather dangerous?

Yes, mold on leather can be harmful to both the leather and your health. Mold breaks down leather fibers, causing permanent damage over time. Mold spores can also trigger allergies and respiratory issues in humans. If you discover mold on your leather, address it immediately using rubbing alcohol and ensure proper ventilation during cleaning.

Does conditioning leather prevent it from turning white?

Regular conditioning helps prevent certain types of white discoloration, particularly fatty bloom and dryness-related issues. Conditioners keep leather supple and maintain moisture balance, preventing natural oils from migrating to the surface. However, conditioning alone won't prevent salt stains or mold growth from improper storage.

Can sun exposure cause leather to turn white?

Yes, prolonged sun exposure can cause leather to fade and develop a whitish, bleached appearance. UV rays break down the dyes and natural pigments in leather, resulting in discoloration and weakened fibers. Always store leather away from direct sunlight and consider using UV-protective sprays for items regularly exposed to sun.

Should I use water to clean white spots on leather?

Water should be used sparingly and carefully on leather. While diluted solutions (like water mixed with vinegar or mild soap) can effectively remove certain stains, excessive water exposure can cause additional damage, including more water stains, stiffness, or warping. Always use minimal moisture and dry thoroughly after cleaning.

How often should I check stored leather items for white discoloration?

Check stored leather items at least once every 2-3 months, especially during humid seasons or if stored in basements or closets with poor ventilation. Early detection of mold, mildew, or other issues prevents extensive damage and makes treatment much easier. Regular inspection is a key part of proper leather maintenance.