09/04/2026
If you’ve ever pulled one of your leather notebooks off the shelf and thought, “Oh no. Is that mold?” Don’t panic.
Most of the time, what you’re seeing is wax bloom.
Wax bloom happens when the waxes and oils in the leather work their way to the surface, especially when the leather has been sitting for a while or gets cold. It can leave this white, dusty-looking residue that looks a whole lot like mold.
Actual mold needs the right conditions to grow. Moisture, humidity, and low airflow are usually involved.
The good news is wax bloom is really easy to deal with.
Watch what happens when I work this leather back up. The difference at the end is pretty satisfying.