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White Spots on Leather Bags: Is It Mould, Salt, or Something Else? (Complete Identification Guide)

  • 52 minutes ago
  • 14 min read

Quick Answer: White spots on leather bags in Singapore are most commonly mould (fuzzy texture, musty smell, appears in humid storage), salt stains (crusty, odourless, appears after rain), or finish deterioration (smooth, shiny loss, occurs with age/wear). To identify: smell the spot (musty = mould, no smell = salt/finish), feel the texture (fuzzy = mould, crusty = salt, smooth = finish damage), and check location (storage = mould, post-rain = salt). Each requires different treatment: mould needs No-Mould Leather Cleaner + conditioning, salt needs gentle wiping + conditioning, finish issues may need professional help.


Table of Contents


Why White Spots Appear on Leather in Singapore

Finding white spots on your leather bag can be alarming, especially if it's an expensive piece. In Singapore, white spots are more common than in temperate climates due to our unique environmental conditions.


Singapore's Perfect Storm for White Spots

Humidity: 84% average year-round creates ideal conditions for:

  • Mould growth (white/fuzzy spots)

  • Mineral deposits from moisture evaporation

  • Salt crystallization from sweat and rain

Temperature: Constant 25-31°C means:

  • Mould spores germinate year-round (no dormant winter period)

  • Leather constantly absorbs and releases moisture

  • Salt and minerals don't have freeze periods to break down naturally

Rainfall: Frequent tropical downpours bring:

  • Salt from roads and pavements onto leather

  • Water marks that dry into white spots

  • Mineral deposits from rainwater

Air conditioning: Indoor/outdoor transitions cause:

  • Condensation on leather surfaces

  • Temperature shock that can affect finishes

  • Drying that brings minerals to leather surface


Why Immediate Identification Matters

Different white spots require completely different treatments:

  • Wrong treatment can worsen the problem

  • Mould spreads rapidly if left untreated (2-4 weeks to penetrate leather)

  • Salt stains can set permanently if not addressed quickly

  • Finish damage may be irreversible if caught too late

In Singapore specifically: According to our data from 5,000+ leather care consultations since 2013:

  • 68% of white spots are mould (highest in Nov-Jan monsoon season)

  • 22% are salt stains (common after rain exposure)

  • 7% are finish deterioration (age/wear related)

  • 3% are mineral deposits or other issues

Understanding what you're dealing with is the first step to saving your bag.


The 4 Types of White Spots: Quick Identification

Type 1: Mould (Most Common in Singapore)

Visual appearance:

  • White, green-white, or grey-white in colour

  • Fuzzy or powdery texture

  • Often appears in patches or clusters

  • May have slight green or black tinge as it matures

  • Grows larger over time (days to weeks)

Location typically found:

  • Bag bases (touches surfaces)

  • Corners and crevices

  • Interior lining

  • Areas that don't get airflow

  • Handles (if stored touching bag body)

When it appears:

  • During storage (especially monsoon season)

  • In humid, enclosed spaces

  • After bag has been put away damp

  • 2-6 weeks after last use

Urgency: HIGH - Act within 24-48 hours


Type 2: Salt Stains (Common After Rain)

Visual appearance:

  • White, chalky appearance

  • Crusty or crystalline texture

  • Usually in lines or tidemark patterns

  • Concentrated at bottom edges

  • Doesn't spread or grow

Location typically found:

  • Bottom edges and base

  • Areas that touched wet ground

  • Along seams where water pooled

  • On handles (from sweaty hands)

When it appears:

  • Immediately after rain exposure

  • After bag dries following wet weather

  • On bags used during humid outdoor activities

  • Where leather contacted salt-treated surfaces

Urgency: MEDIUM - Best treated within 1 week


Type 3: Finish Deterioration (Age/Wear Related)

Visual appearance:

  • White, milky, or cloudy patches

  • Smooth texture (not fuzzy or crusty)

  • Loss of sheen or colour intensity

  • May look like leather is "blooming" or "blushing"

  • Often symmetrical wear patterns

Location typically found:

  • High-wear areas (corners, handles)

  • Areas exposed to sun/light

  • Friction points

  • Over entire surface if bag is old

When it appears:

  • Gradually over months/years

  • After prolonged sun exposure

  • With age (leather aging process)

  • After using wrong care products

Urgency: LOW to MEDIUM - Gradual issue


Type 4: Water Marks / Mineral Deposits (Less Common)

Visual appearance:

  • White rings or circular marks

  • Hard, crusty deposits

  • May be slightly raised

  • Ring shape is distinctive

Location typically found:

  • Where water droplets dried

  • Random spots on exterior

  • Near zippers (condensation)

When it appears:

  • After water exposure

  • After condensation dries

  • In hard-water areas

Urgency: MEDIUM - Treat within days


The Complete Diagnostic Test: 3-Step Identification

Use this systematic approach to identify exactly what you're dealing with.


STEP 1: The Smell Test (Most Reliable)

How to do it:

  1. Bring your nose close to the white spots (5-10cm away)

  2. Take a deep breath through your nose

  3. Note what you smell

What the smell means:

Musty, earthy, or damp smell = MOULD

  • Distinctive smell you'll recognize once you've smelled it

  • Similar to wet basement or old books smell

  • Gets stronger if you breathe on the spot (activates mould)

  • May smell like mushrooms or soil

No smell at all = SALT STAINS or FINISH DETERIORATION

  • Salt is odourless

  • Finish issues have no smell

  • Leather itself may still smell like leather

Chemical or plasticky smell = FINISH DAMAGE from wrong products

  • Indicates someone used incorrect cleaning product

  • May smell like shoe polish, chemicals, or synthetic fragrance

Reliability: 95% accurate for mould identification


STEP 2: The Touch Test (Texture Analysis)

How to do it:

  1. Gently touch the white spot with clean finger

  2. Note the texture

  3. Try to rub it gently

What the texture means:

Fuzzy or velvety to touch = MOULD

  • Feels soft, not hard

  • May come off on your finger (white/grey powder)

  • Leaves a smudge if rubbed

  • Feels slightly damp or sticky

Crusty or gritty to touch = SALT STAINS

  • Feels rough and crystalline

  • May crunch slightly under pressure

  • Dry texture

  • May brush off as white powder that looks like salt

Smooth, no texture change = FINISH DETERIORATION

  • Leather feels normal

  • Just looks different (white/cloudy)

  • May feel slightly sticky if finish is breaking down

  • Can't rub off

Hard and raised = MINERAL DEPOSITS

  • Feels like a small bump

  • Very hard to touch

  • Won't rub off easily

Reliability: 85% accurate when combined with smell test


STEP 3: The Location and Context Test

Answer these questions:

Where is the bag usually kept?

  • Enclosed wardrobe without ventilation → Higher chance of mould

  • Open shelf in air-conditioned room → Less likely mould

  • Humid storeroom → Very high chance of mould

When did spots appear?

  • During storage period → Likely mould

  • Right after rain → Likely salt

  • Gradually over time → Likely finish deterioration

Where on the bag are the spots?

  • Base/corners/crevices → More likely mould

  • Bottom edges in line patterns → More likely salt

  • High-wear areas evenly → More likely finish issues

  • Random spots → Could be water marks

Recent history:

  • Caught in rain recently? → Salt stains likely

  • Stored for 2+ months? → Mould likely

  • Used in hot sun/car? → Finish damage possible

  • Stored in plastic? → Mould almost certain

Reliability: 70% accurate alone, 99% when combined with smell + touch tests


Quick Diagnostic Flowchart

START: I see white spots on my leather bag
    ↓
Does it smell musty/earthy?
    YES → 95% MOULD (go to Mould Treatment)
    NO → Continue
    ↓
Does it feel fuzzy or powdery?
    YES → 90% MOULD (go to Mould Treatment)
    NO → Continue
    ↓
Does it feel crusty/gritty?
    YES → Was bag exposed to rain?
        YES → 95% SALT (go to Salt Treatment)
        NO → Continue
    ↓
Is it smooth with no texture?
    YES → Is bag old or in high-wear area?
        YES → 90% FINISH DETERIORATION (go to Finish Treatment)
        NO → May be water marks (go to Water Mark Treatment)

Mould Identification and Treatment

Detailed Mould Identification

Visual characteristics in Singapore:

  • Early stage (1-2 weeks): Fine white powder, barely visible, slight musty smell

  • Medium stage (3-4 weeks): White fuzzy patches, clearly visible, strong musty smell

  • Advanced stage (5+ weeks): Green-white, grey, or black patches, very fuzzy, penetrated into leather

Mould growth patterns: In Singapore's climate, mould typically:

  • Starts in one corner or crevice

  • Spreads outward in patches

  • Grows faster in monsoon season (Nov-Jan)

  • Appears first on bag bases and interiors

  • May appear on handles if they were stored touching bag

100% confirmation test: If you see white spots AND it smells musty AND it feels fuzzy = It's definitely mould. No other white spot has all three characteristics.


Safe Mould Removal Protocol

What you'll need:

  • No-Mould Leather Cleaner (SGD $15.60)

  • Natural Leather Care (SGD $15.20)

  • Soft microfibre cloths (3-4 clean ones)

  • Soft-bristle brush

  • Disposable gloves

  • Face mask

  • Well-ventilated area

Step-by-step removal (for surface mould):

Step 1: Safety and preparation (5 minutes)

  1. Put on gloves and face mask (mould spores are harmful)

  2. Take bag to well-ventilated area (outdoors or balcony ideal)

  3. Lay out on clean surface

  4. Have all materials ready

Step 2: Initial mould removal (10 minutes)

  1. Use soft-bristle brush to gently brush off loose mould

  2. Brush AWAY from you (don't breathe in spores)

  3. Immediately seal brush in plastic bag (dispose after)

  4. Use dry cloth to wipe away remaining loose spores

  5. Dispose of cloth (don't reuse)

Step 3: Deep cleaning (20 minutes)

  1. Spray No-Mould Leather Cleaner onto clean microfibre cloth

    • NEVER spray directly on leather

    • Cloth should be damp, not soaking

  2. Wipe mouldy areas gently but thoroughly

  3. Use circular motions

  4. Turn cloth frequently (use fresh section for each pass)

  5. You may need 2-3 clean cloths total

  6. Pay extra attention to crevices and seams

  7. Wipe entire bag, not just mouldy spots (spores can be invisible)

Step 4: Drying (6-12 hours)

  1. Place bag in air-conditioned room

  2. Good air circulation (fan helpful but not essential)

  3. Do NOT use hairdryer or direct heat

  4. Check after 6 hours - should feel completely dry

  5. If any dampness remains, continue drying

Step 5: Conditioning (next day)

  1. Wait 24 hours after cleaning

  2. Apply Natural Leather Care to entire bag

    • Small amount on clean cloth

    • Work into leather using circular motions

    • Extra attention to affected areas

  3. Allow to absorb (30 minutes)

  4. Buff with clean dry cloth

  5. Let sit 24 hours before use or storage

Step 6: Enhanced storage

  1. Use 3-4 anti-mould patches (double normal amount)

  2. Breathable dust bag

  3. Check weekly for first month

  4. Check bi-weekly for second month

  5. If no recurrence after 2 months, return to standard monitoring

Why No-Mould Leather Cleaner for mould:

  • Contains witch hazel (natural antifungal properties)

  • pH-balanced for leather (won't damage)

  • Designed for Singapore's tropical mould strains

  • Safe for designer bags including Hermès, Chanel, LV

Expected results:

  • Surface mould: 95%+ removal success rate

  • Slight mould penetration: 70-80% improvement

  • Deep penetration: Professional help needed


When to Seek Professional Help for Mould

Go professional if:

  • Mould visible on both sides of leather (penetrated through)

  • Bag worth >SGD $5,000

  • Exotic leather (crocodile, ostrich, python)

  • Mould returns within 2 weeks after cleaning

  • Strong musty smell persists after cleaning

  • Visible discolouration or staining present

  • You're uncertain about DIY treatment

Professional mould removal costs in Singapore:

  • Basic treatment: SGD $150-300

  • Medium severity: SGD $300-600

  • Severe cases: SGD $600-1,200

  • Exotic leather: SGD $1,000-3,000


Salt Stain Identification and Treatment

Detailed Salt Stain Identification

Visual characteristics:

  • White, chalky lines or patches

  • Often forms tidemark or waterline pattern

  • Concentrated at bottom edges

  • Crusty texture

  • May look like frost or crystalline deposits

How salt gets on leather in Singapore:

  • Roads treated with de-icing compounds (rare, but some roads near construction)

  • Salt from sea air (coastal areas)

  • Sweat crystallization (hands, body contact)

  • Minerals in rainwater (urban runoff)

  • Pavement salts (pedestrian areas)

Typical locations:

  • Bottom 5-10cm of bag

  • Where bag touched wet pavement

  • Handle areas (from sweaty palms in humid weather)

  • Shoulder strap contact points

100% confirmation test: Salt stains + completely odourless + crusty texture + appeared after rain/wet exposure = Definitely salt


Salt Stain Removal Protocol

What you'll need:

  • No-Mould Leather Cleaner (safe for removing salt)

  • Natural Leather Care

  • Soft microfibre cloths

  • Bowl of distilled water (if available) or filtered water

  • Soft brush

Step-by-step removal (for fresh salt stains):

Step 1: Dry brush (5 minutes)

  1. Let salt stains dry completely first (don't treat while wet)

  2. Use soft brush to gently brush away loose salt crystals

  3. Brush in direction of leather grain

  4. Dispose of brushed-off salt

Step 2: Gentle cleaning (15 minutes)

  1. Spray No-Mould Leather Cleaner on microfibre cloth

    • Use minimal amount

    • Cloth barely damp

  2. Gently wipe salt-stained areas

  3. Don't scrub hard (can damage leather)

  4. Turn cloth frequently

  5. For stubborn salt: very slightly dampen clean cloth with distilled water, wipe gently, then immediately dry with dry cloth

Step 3: Drying (2-4 hours)

  1. Let bag dry completely in air-conditioned room

  2. Check no moisture remains

  3. Salt areas should now appear darker (normal - leather absorbed slight moisture)

Step 4: Conditioning (same day or next day)

  1. Apply Natural Leather Care to entire bag

    • Salt removal can dry leather

    • Extra conditioning for affected areas

  2. Let absorb 30-60 minutes

  3. Buff well

  4. Salt-stained areas should return to normal colour after conditioning

For old/set salt stains:

  1. May need 2-3 cleaning sessions

  2. Wait 24 hours between sessions

  3. Condition after each session

  4. Some faint marks may remain (this is leather texture difference, not damage)

Expected results:

  • Fresh salt stains (1-7 days old): 95% removal

  • Old salt stains (1-4 weeks): 70-80% improvement

  • Very old salt stains (months): 50% improvement, may need professional help

Prevention of Salt Stains

Immediate action after rain exposure:

  1. Wipe bag down with dry cloth as soon as possible

  2. Don't let water dry on leather (this causes salt deposits)

  3. Air dry completely before storage

  4. Condition within 48 hours

During rainy season:

  • Avoid using light-colored leather bags

  • Wipe bags immediately upon reaching shelter

  • Consider rain covers for expensive bags

  • Don't put wet bags directly in wardrobes


Finish Deterioration Identification and Treatment

Detailed Finish Deterioration Identification

Visual characteristics:

  • Whitish, cloudy, or milky appearance

  • Loss of sheen or lustre

  • Colour looks faded or lighter

  • Smooth texture (leather still feels normal)

  • Often gradual and symmetrical

Common causes in Singapore:

  • Air-conditioning exposure (dries out finish)

  • Heat exposure (cars, direct sun through windows)

  • Age (leather naturally ages)

  • Wrong cleaning products used

  • Over-conditioning or under-conditioning

Typical locations:

  • Corners (friction and wear)

  • Handles (oil, sweat, friction)

  • Areas exposed to light

  • Entire surface if environmental damage

100% confirmation test: Smooth white/cloudy areas + no smell + no texture change + gradual appearance over time = Finish deterioration


Treatment for Finish Deterioration

Mild finish blooming (reversible):

What you'll need:

  • Natural Leather Care

  • Soft microfibre cloths

  • Clean, dry environment

Treatment:

  1. Clean gently with No-Mould Leather Cleaner

  2. Let dry completely

  3. Apply Natural Leather Care generously

    • Work into affected areas

    • Let sit 1-2 hours (longer than normal)

  4. Buff thoroughly with clean cloth

  5. Repeat conditioning every 2 weeks for 2 months

Expected results:

  • 60-70% improvement for mild blooming

  • Sheen may return partially

  • Color may deepen slightly

 

Moderate to severe finish damage (may be irreversible):

Signs it's beyond DIY:

  • Finish is peeling or flaking

  • Leather feels sticky or tacky

  • Color has changed dramatically

  • Blooming doesn't improve with conditioning

Professional options:

  1. Re-finishing: SGD $200-600

    • Specialist removes old finish

    • Applies new protective finish

    • Can restore appearance significantly

    • Not all leathers can be refinished

  2. Color restoration: SGD $300-800

    • For bags with color loss

    • Specialist re-dyes leather

    • Labor-intensive process

    • Results vary by leather type

  3. Accept the patina:

    • Some finish deterioration is natural aging

    • Creates character and unique appearance

    • Not always a bad thing for casual/vintage bags


Prevention of Finish Deterioration

General prevention:

  • Regular conditioning (every 3 months in Singapore)

  • Avoid extreme temperatures (don't leave in hot cars)

  • Limit sun exposure

  • Use only pH-balanced leather care products

  • Never use household cleaners

For bags prone to finish issues:

  • Extra conditioning in air-conditioned environments

  • Rotate use (don't use same bag daily)

  • Store properly with anti-mould patches


Water Marks and Mineral Deposits

Identification

Visual characteristics:

  • Ring-shaped white marks

  • Hard, crusty deposits

  • May be slightly raised

  • Usually circular (where droplets dried)

Common causes:

  • Water droplets dried on leather

  • Condensation from cold drinks

  • Rain spots that weren't wiped immediately

  • Hard water minerals


Treatment

For water rings:

  1. Very lightly dampen the ENTIRE panel where the ring is

    • Use distilled water on cloth

    • Goal is to blend the ring into surrounding area

  2. Let dry slowly and evenly in air-conditioned room

  3. Condition once completely dry

  4. Ring should disappear as area dries evenly

For mineral deposits:

  1. Try gentle cleaning with No-Mould Leather Cleaner first

  2. If deposits remain, use slightly damp cloth with distilled water

  3. Gently work deposits loose

  4. Dry thoroughly

  5. Condition well

Prevention:

  • Wipe water off immediately

  • Don't let droplets dry on leather

  • Use coasters for drinks near leather items

  • Treat bags with leather protector spray (test first)


Prevention Guide for Each Issue

Preventing Mould (Most Important in Singapore)

Storage protocol:

  • Breathable cotton dust bags (NEVER plastic)

  • 2 anti-mould patches per dust bag

  • Enclosed storage (wardrobe/box with patches)

  • Monthly inspections

  • Replace patches every 1-3 months

Before storage:

  • Clean with No-Mould Leather Cleaner

  • Condition with Natural Leather Care

  • Ensure 100% dry

  • Add fresh anti-mould patches

During monsoon season (Nov-Jan):

  • Check bi-weekly (not monthly)

  • Add 50% more patches (3 instead of 2)

  • Replace patches every 4-6 weeks

  • Never store damp items

Success rate with proper prevention: 95%+


Preventing Salt Stains

During rainy season:

  • Wipe bags immediately after rain exposure

  • Don't let water dry on leather

  • Carry small cloth for emergency wiping

  • Avoid placing bags on wet surfaces

After wet exposure:

  1. Wipe down immediately with dry cloth

  2. Stuff with newspaper (absorbs moisture)

  3. Change newspaper after 2 hours

  4. Air dry completely before storage

  5. Condition within 48 hours

Success rate with prevention: 90%+


Preventing Finish Deterioration

Regular maintenance:

  • Condition every 3 months minimum

  • Wipe down after each use

  • Avoid extreme temperatures

  • Store away from direct light/sun

Product selection:

  • Only use pH-balanced leather care products

  • Never use household cleaners

  • Test new products in hidden areas

  • Stick to products designed for your leather type

Success rate with prevention: 80% (some aging is natural)


When White Spots Indicate Permanent Damage

Signs of Irreversible Damage

For mould:

  • Mould penetrated through leather (visible both sides)

  • Leather feels weakened or fragile

  • Permanent discoloration remains after treatment

  • Musty smell persists after multiple cleanings

  • Leather texture changed (rough, bumpy)

  • Timeline: Usually if mould left untreated for 3+ months

For salt stains:

  • Leather permanently lightened in lines

  • Texture permanently rough in salt areas

  • Leather feels drier despite conditioning

  • Timeline: Usually if salt left for 6+ months

For finish deterioration:

  • Finish peeling off in flakes

  • Leather color completely changed

  • Leather feels sticky or tacky

  • Surface cracking

  • Timeline: Varies, usually years of neglect


Assessing Repair vs. Replacement

Consider professional restoration if:

  • Bag value >SGD $1,000

  • Sentimental value (gift, inheritance)

  • Rare or discontinued style

  • Damage is localized (not entire bag)

Consider replacement if:

  • Restoration cost >70% of bag value

  • Damage is extensive (entire bag affected)

  • Bag was inexpensive to begin with

  • Professional says restoration unlikely to succeed

Professional assessment costs: Usually free to SGD $50


Product Guide: What to Use When

For Mould (White Fuzzy Spots)

Use:

  • No-Mould Leather Cleaner - SGD $15.60

    • Primary mould removal product

    • Contains witch hazel for antifungal properties

    • Safe for all smooth leather types

  • Natural Leather Care - SGD $15.20

    • Use AFTER mould cleaning

    • Restores protective barrier

    • Prevents recurrence

  • Anti-Mould Patches - SGD $5.00

    • Essential for prevention

    • Use 2-4 patches per bag in storage

    • Replace every 1-3 months

Do NOT use:

  • Vinegar (damages leather)

  • Bleach (destroys leather)

  • Alcohol (dries out leather)

  • Baby wipes (wrong pH)

For Salt Stains (White Crusty Lines)

Use:

Can also use:

  • Distilled water on cloth (very sparingly)

  • Soft brush for dry salt removal


For Finish Deterioration (White Cloudy Areas)

Use:

May need:

  • Professional refinishing services

  • Color restoration specialist

  • Leather expert assessment


For Water Marks (White Rings)

Use:

Technique matters more than product for water marks


Quick Reference Guide

White Spot Decision Tree

I see white spots on my leather bag
    ↓
SMELL TEST: Does it smell musty?
    YES → MOULD → Use No-Mould Leather Cleaner + Natural Leather Care + 3-4 Anti-Mould Patches
    NO ↓
    
TOUCH TEST: Is it fuzzy/powdery?
    YES → MOULD → Same treatment as above
    NO ↓
    
HISTORY: Was bag exposed to rain recently?
    YES → Is it crusty? 
        YES → SALT STAINS → Use No-Mould Leather Cleaner + Natural Leather Care
    NO ↓
    
APPEARANCE: Is it smooth and cloudy?
    YES → FINISH DETERIORATION → Use Natural Leather Care (may need professional help)
    NO ↓
    
SHAPE: Is it ring-shaped?
    YES → WATER MARKS → Distilled water technique + Natural Leather Care


Emergency Contact Guide

DIY treatment appropriate:

  • Fresh mould (surface only, <2 weeks old)

  • Salt stains (any age)

  • Mild finish blooming

  • Water marks

Professional help needed:

  • Mould penetrated leather

  • Mould on exotic leather

  • Bag worth >SGD $5,000 with mould

  • Extensive finish damage

  • Color restoration needed

  • Any uncertainty about treatment


Summary: Identifying and Treating White Spots

The 3-Second Identification

  1. Smell it - Musty = Mould

  2. Touch it - Fuzzy = Mould, Crusty = Salt, Smooth = Finish issue

  3. Think context - In storage = Mould, After rain = Salt, Gradual = Finish


The Treatment Essentials

Complete white spot treatment kit:

  • No-Mould Leather Cleaner (SGD $15.60) - For mould and salt

  • Natural Leather Care (SGD $15.20) - For all post-treatment conditioning

  • Anti-Mould Patches (SGD $5.00) - For prevention

Total: SGD $35.80 for complete identification and treatment capability


Most Important Takeaway

In Singapore, white spots are usually mould (68% of cases).

If in doubt:

  1. Do the smell test first

  2. If musty smell = treat as mould immediately

  3. If no smell = you have time to identify further

  4. When unsure = treat as mould (safer to over-treat than under-treat)


Ready to Treat Your White Spots?

Get the complete treatment kit:


Questions about your specific white spots?

Our team can help identify your white spots and recommend the right treatment. We've analysed thousands of white spot cases since 2013.

 
 
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