I pulled out shoes I haven’t worn all winter and found white fuzzy patches growing on the leather. What is this?

cloth. This identification step is key to choosing the correct cleaning strategy.

The way shoes are stored during winter plays a significant role in mold development. Enclosed spaces with poor air circulation, such as boxes or plastic bags, trap moisture and create an ideal breeding ground for mold. If shoes are stored in attics or basements, which frequently experience temperature fluctuations, the risk is even higher.

To prevent a ‘cold-season mold bloom,’ it’s essential to ensure shoes are completely dry before storage and kept in a well-ventilated, climate-controlled area. Using desiccants like silica gel packets can help absorb excess moisture and prevent mold growth.

While mold on shoes might seem like a minor inconvenience, it can pose health risks, especially for individuals with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems.