Need help/advice on Leather. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chilcutt · #1 03-20-2011, 01:36 AM

Since I moved to this part of the Globe (Singapore), I noticed that my leather jacket, and other leather items have developed some mold spots, and a funny smell.

I suspect the climate here, as it is 1 degree above the equator, sub-tropical, moist, rainy, humid all the time.

I also suspect that some of the mold issues may be due to lack of proper air ventilation.

I do not use my airconditioner, only fans.

Any advice?

Aquaticedge · #2 03-20-2011, 01:59 AM

Good leather conditioner and a dehumidifier?

jplinville · #3 03-20-2011, 06:39 AM

X2 on the dehumidifier. Leather will degrade in warm, moist conditions.

Ara T. · #4 03-20-2011, 06:57 AM

Dehumidifier won't work when actually going outside though with the leather

I can't imagine leather being very comfortable there anyways. I would look at some leather sealant type products, usually come in a spray can.

chilcutt · #5 03-20-2011, 08:07 AM

I havent had the need to wear my leather here, its just too darn hot. So, it just remained hung up in a stuffy closet for over a year.
Availability of quality leather care products may be problematic over here as well, simply becuase leather products are not a hot seller , as they are in the States.
I will attempt to find a reputable store that can clean my jacket, recommend a good conditioner/sealant, and go from there.

If push comes to shove , I will mail the jacket back home.

I just threw this out on Forum, in hopes that someone may have lived in a climate such as this tropical place, and how they overcame this leather /moisture/mold issue.

kip Foss · #6 03-20-2011, 11:29 AM

In the mid 70s I lived in SE Asia and traveled through Singapore many times. I think the humidity is much the same there then as it is how. If you will check around at places that have open air patios, etc. you will see that they probably still use the old rattan furniture. The climate is why they use this stuff, plus it is pretty cheap to replace.

Leather in that humidity is like a cheap buffet for mold and mildew. Between leather's natural organic nature and lots of your body sweat and skin flakes what more could mold ask for. If you leave you house open no ac or dehumidifier will keep up with the incoming humidity. It is either a closed house, ac and the couch or open house and rattan.

chilcutt · #7 03-20-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kip Foss

In the mid 70s I lived in SE Asia and traveled through Singapore many times. I think the humidity is much the same there then as it is how. If you will check around at places that have open air patios, etc. you will see that they probably still use the old rattan furniture. The climate is why they use this stuff, plus it is pretty cheap to replace.

Leather in that humidity is like a cheap buffet for mold and mildew. Between leather's natural organic nature and lots of your body sweat and skin flakes what more could mold ask for. If you leave you house open no ac or dehumidifier will keep up with the incoming humidity. It is either a closed house, ac and the couch or open house and rattan.

Nothing has changed since you were here awhile back. When I arrived a year ago, I purposely did not run the aircon 24-7 so that my body could get used to the climate.
Sleep ,or at least -trying to sleep, was a miserable, sweaty, tossing-n-turning affair for 3 entire months. Finally my body started to get used to the climate.
'Open house' is what I suggested, but the wife isnt having that. And yes, Rattan furniture is the norm here. No carpet, everything is tile.

Looks like I will be visiting the post office soon.

Thank You.

Chilcutt~

my83300cd · #8 03-21-2011, 09:21 PM

I lived in KL back in the mid 70's- we left all the leather/fur in storage in the States before we moved.
You might try finding a place that cleans and stores furs there.
I've got a radio with a leather cover we had in Puerto Rico back in the 60's- and it still has a funk to it that has never come out.

chilcutt · #9 03-21-2011, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by my83300cd

I lived in KL back in the mid 70's- we left all the leather/fur in storage in the States before we moved.
You might try finding a place that cleans and stores furs there.
I've got a radio with a leather cover we had in Puerto Rico back in the 60's- and it still has a funk to it that has never come out.

Ah yes...Malaysia. You were there before they built the Petronis towers. I believe I have a photo of them in my picture album here.
What I did until can find a solution, is sent my jacket w/my wife to be left in her office-which has 24 hour air-con.

my83300cd · #10 03-22-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilcutt

Ah yes...Malaysia. You were there before they built the Petronis towers. I believe I have a photo of them in my picture album here.
What I did until can find a solution, is sent my jacket w/my wife to be left in her office-which has 24 hour air-con.

Looks like you found the storage solution.

Yeah, KL was a little different then. We arrived shortly before the national monument was blown up (same sculptor as the Iwo Jima monument) and the same year the Japanese Red Army took hostages in my Dad's office building.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode