Protecting Leather From Mold & Mildew
I recently reloacted to a region that experiences warm and humid conditions year-round, and am looking for ways to keep my tack and other leather goods mold and mildew free. This was never an issue in any of the other regions I have resided, so I have little experience with this sort of thing - my tack is an investment, so I'm hoping someone out there in the Equestrian Community can help me find a way to keep it free from mold and mildew.
I keep my tack at home, in corner of a room rather than in an enclosed space to ensure that it gets air-circulation, altho the 3 saddles are stacked one atop the other at the moment since I only have one standing rack. Using a dehumidifier in the room isn't an option. Each saddle has a fleece-lined waterproof nylon cover, altho I'm not sure if they would be better off left uncovered. The saddles aren't getting much use right now, as the horses I am working with already have thier own tack, so I'm just trying to keep them in good shape while stored. I'm happy to give them cleaning/conditioning as needed if there are any products that would help keep them free from mildew - I usually only clean/conditon my tack using glycerin saddle soap, altho I'm not sure if that's a help or a hindrance when it comes to keeping leather healthy in humid climates. I am aware of treating mildewed leather with white vinegar, but am curious as to whether there is any sort of product that would effectively assist in sealing out the mold spores in the first place.
Any advice would be much appreciated - thanks in advance!
I keep my tack at home, in corner of a room rather than in an enclosed space to ensure that it gets air-circulation, altho the 3 saddles are stacked one atop the other at the moment since I only have one standing rack. Using a dehumidifier in the room isn't an option. Each saddle has a fleece-lined waterproof nylon cover, altho I'm not sure if they would be better off left uncovered. The saddles aren't getting much use right now, as the horses I am working with already have thier own tack, so I'm just trying to keep them in good shape while stored. I'm happy to give them cleaning/conditioning as needed if there are any products that would help keep them free from mildew - I usually only clean/conditon my tack using glycerin saddle soap, altho I'm not sure if that's a help or a hindrance when it comes to keeping leather healthy in humid climates. I am aware of treating mildewed leather with white vinegar, but am curious as to whether there is any sort of product that would effectively assist in sealing out the mold spores in the first place.
Any advice would be much appreciated - thanks in advance!