How To Store Leather Items? So It Doesn’t Crack or Fade

Leather’s biggest enemy is moisture and heat. If it gets too much heat, it will dry up and cracks can appear, and if kept in too much moisture, fungus and mildew might stick on it. And once the leather starts getting dry, then you can’t do anything to retain it.

So if you want your leather product to look absolutely tight, remain shiny, and last for year, then you will have to follow the basic rules or techniques of storage. Every type of leather needs to be handled differently. Some need extra moisturization and some just need proper ventilation.

Many people think that once they buy a leather bag, jacket, or shoes, that’s it! But the real part starts after that. If not taken care of it properly, you can see your expensive leather products getting ruined within no time. If any thing is maintained properly, its life can be doubled. So let’s understand how to store leather properly so that it maintains its original look and feel for a long time.

Importance of Properly Storing Leather Products

Leather is a very classy material and if it is not kept properly, it can get spoiled very soon. Just like any other material, leather products also need proper care. So, let’s understand why it is so important to store leather products in the right way!

1. Leather requires an extra care

Leather is not plastic type but a natural material which is affected by air, dust, heat, and moisture. If you don’t keep it in a right way, it will get damaged soon.

2. It is important to protect it from moisture

The connection between leather and water is old! If kept in excess moisture, then fungus and mildew start to grow, which slowly dry the leather. And if kept in a completely dry place, then the leather starts drying and cracking. It is important to avoid both.

3. Wrinkles and cracks should not occur

Rolling or pressing leather can cause wrinkles and cracks on it. And once these cracks appear, then its original look is ruined. No matter how much you polish it, that original shine will not return.

4. Lifespan increases with proper storage

If you store leather products in the right place and in the right way, then it will last for a long time. Otherwise you will have to buy new ones again and again.

5. Smell is also a matter to concern

If you keep leather in a place where there is too much dampness or airtight environment, then it will start smelling strange. And it becomes difficult to remove it.

Best Ways To Store Different Types Of Leather Material

If you do not take care of them properly, the original look of the leather will be lost, wrinkles and cracks will appear, and after a few days, when you look at it, you will think, “Oh God!!, what happened to my leather?”

So, if you want your leather to remain tight, not lose its shine, and remain in its original shape for years, then you will have to store it in the right way.

Real Leather

The charm of real leather is at a different level. This is full-grain or top-grain leather, which is made from real animal hide. Meaning, it has a very natural texture and its feel is also very premium. But the problem is that it has to be kept with a lot of care, otherwise its real shine can be lost.

Best Steps to Store Real Leather:

Take care of moisture: Leather should not be kept in a very dry place nor in a very humid place.

Keep away from direct sunlight: Sunlight is very dangerous for leather. If kept in direct sunlight, its color will fade and the texture can also become hard.

Store in a breathable cover: Never close leather in plastic bags or airtight boxes, otherwise it will not get air and the smell and fungus will grow. A cover of soft cotton or muslin cloth is the best.

Conditioning is great: The original charm of leather will remain only when it gets regular moisturization. Keep it soft and supple by applying leather conditioner or mink oil once every 6 months.

Keep it hanging on a hanger: If it is a leather jacket or coat, do not fold it, otherwise permanent wrinkles can appear. It is best to store it hanging on a hanger.

Faux Leather

This is the affordable version of real leather, which is made of synthetic materials. Its look and feel is like real leather, but its life span is less. If this is also not stored properly then it will start peeling soon or cracks can appear.

Best Steps to Store Faux Leather:

Avoid Over-Folding: Faux leather is not as flexible as real leather. If you fold or press it too much, it will start to tear or the outer layer will start to peel.

Keep it in a dry and cool place: Direct sunlight and excessive heat are the real enemies of faux leather. If it gets too much heat, its surface will become hard and will start to crack quickly.

Clean it with a microfiber cloth: Clean it from time to time with a dry microfiber cloth, so that dust or grime does not stick. If it gets too dirty, you can use a slightly damp cloth.

Protect from moisture: Faux leather does not have pores, so if kept in a very moist place, fungus will quickly grow. It is best to store in a well-ventilated place.

Vegan Leather

Vegan leather is a modern commodity. It is made without animal hides, and has many sustainable options. It is a mix of polyurethane (PU) or PVC, or can be plant-based materials as well. Its texture and feel is similar to real leather, but its storage part is different.

Best Steps to Store Vegan Leather:

Keep it away from heat and sunlight: Vegan leather may lose its texture and develop cracks if exposed to too much heat or direct sunlight. Always store it in a shaded and cool place.

Avoid overloading: Vegan leather is flexible, but there is a limit to it. If you overstuff bags or wallets, the shape may be lost and stitching may also become loose.

Clean with a damp cloth: If vegan leather gets dirty, just wipe it with a lightly damp cloth. Do not use too much water, otherwise its surface may get damaged.

Breathable Storage is Best: Do not store vegan leather in a plastic bag, otherwise it can have a sticky smell. Cotton bag or open shelf is the best option.

Synthetic Leather

Synthetic leather and faux leather are almost the same, but synthetic leather is more durable. It is mostly made of PU and PVC, which is waterproof but also heat-sensitive.

Best Steps to Store Synthetic Leather:

Avoid Excess Heat: If synthetic leather is kept in a very hot place, its material starts sticking and the texture can get spoiled.

Store in a Soft Cloth Cover: To protect it from dust and scratches, it is best to store it in a soft cotton or velvet cover.

Allow it to be exposed to air: Synthetic leather will look fresh for longer if it gets some air.

Regular cleaning is a must: It is best to clean it lightly with a dry cloth or mild soap solution, so that its shine remains.

Plant-Based Leather

Plant-based leather is an excellent eco-friendly and sustainable option. It is made from pineapple leaves, mushrooms, apple peels, or cork. Its texture is similar to real leather, but its storing techniques are quite different.

Best Steps to Store Plant-Based Leather:

Avoid Water Exposure: It is made from natural materials, so excess water or moisture can spoil it quickly.

Store it on a soft surface: Plant-based leather is not very rigid, so use soft padding while storing it.

Dry and cool place is best: If kept in proper ventilation, its texture and durability will remain for a long time.

How To Store Different Types Of Leather Products

Leather Jackets

Leather jacket is a great style icon. A good leather jacket is fun in itself, but if it is not stored properly, its colour, shape and shine can be lost.

Best Steps to Store Leather Jacket:

Keep it hanging on a hanger: Don’t make a habit of folding and storing a leather jacket, otherwise wrinkles and creases will appear which will never go away. Always keep it hanging on a well-padded hanger.

Don’t use plastic cover: Leather needs to get air, so never wrap it in a plastic cover. A breathable cover made of cotton or muslin is the best option.

Keep it in a dry and cool place: Don’t keep it in direct sunlight or in areas with high humidity. If there is too much moisture in the storage, then keep a silica gel packet with it, so that the moisture can be absorbed.

Conditioning is a must: Give it a light massage with a leather conditioner every 6 months so that the leather remains soft and flexible.

Extra Tips:

If the jacket is a little damp, do not dry it directly using the hair dryer or under a heater. Let it dry comfortably at room temperature.

For jackets that have not been worn for a year, take them out from time to time and ventilate them to avoid fungus.

Leather Handbags

Leather handbags also have their own charm, but if you do not store them properly, their shape and color will get spoiled.

Best Steps to Store Leather Handbags:

Stuffing is a must: Do not keep handbags empty, otherwise the shape will be lost. Fill tissue papers or soft cloth inside.

Store in a dust bag: Storing leather bags in a cotton dust bag is the best option. Plastic bags do not allow air and moisture escapes.

Take care of the handle: The handle of the handbag should not be folded, otherwise the leather can get damaged. Always keep the handle in the proper position.

Keep away from sunlight and moisture: Excessive sunlight or moisture can fade the color of the leather. The best option is to keep it in a dry and cool area.

Extra Tips:

• Keep cleaning the surface of the handbag from time to time, so that dust and grime do not stick.
• If the storage is too humid, keep a small silica gel pack inside.

Leather Skirts

Leather skirts have a very classy look, but if there is a mess in storage, its original shine and fit can be lost.

Best Steps to Store Leather Skirts:

Fold it flat or use a hanger: Folding a leather skirt can cause creases and permanent lines, so either keep it spread out on a flat surface or hang it on a good padded hanger.

Use breathable covers: Keep skirts in cotton or fabric covers so that the leather gets air.

Save from humidity: If the storage area is too humid, keep silica gel so that the moisture gets absorbed.

Extra Tips:

• From time to time take out the skirt and get some air so that it stays fresh.
• If there is any stain on the skirt, clean it immediately with a mild leather cleaner, otherwise it can be permanent.

Leather Leggings

Leather leggings are very trendy, but if they are stored in the wrong way, they can get lost or damaged quickly.

Best Steps to Store Leather Leggings:

Roll and store: Folding can cause permanent creases, so it is best to store them by rolling them gently.

Store in a cool and dry place: Direct sunlight or heat exposure can make the material of the leggings hard.

Fabric Lining Safety: If the leggings have fabric lining inside, it is important to keep it dry and clean, otherwise there can be odor and fungus issues.

Extra Tips:

• Never iron leather leggings, otherwise the material can burn.
• Clean lightly after every use, so that sweat and dirt do not stick.

Leather Shoes

If leather shoes are stored incorrectly, they can be prone to wrinkles, fungus, and cracks.

Best Steps to Store Leather Shoes:

Use Shoe Tree: Use wooden or plastic shoe tree to maintain the shape of the shoes.

Keep in a Dry Place: Moisture can damage shoes quickly, so always store them in a dry and well-ventilated place.

Regular Cleaning is Important: Apply polish or conditioner from time to time to maintain the shine of the shoes.

Extra Tips:

• If the shoes are wet, do not dry them in direct sunlight, let them air-dry naturally.
• Keeping a piece of charcoal or silica gel inside the shoes keeps the moisture and smell under control.

Leather Pants

If leather pants are not stored properly, their shape and feel can be lost.

Best Steps to Store Leather Pants:

Keep them hanging on a hanger: Do not fold, otherwise creases will appear. It is best to use a clip hanger or padded hanger.

Avoid Overstretching: Do not keep leather pants too tight or on pressed places, otherwise the fabric can be lost.

Extra Tips:

• To avoid folding pants, it is best to use a breathable garment bag.
• If you do not have to wear it on any day, then apply light air, so that freshness is maintained.

Leather Hats

It is important to maintain the shape and form of leather hats properly, otherwise it can get spoiled.

Best Steps to Store Leather Hats:

Keep the hat on a hat stand or in a box: Keep the hat on a proper hat stand or in a wide storage box.

Keep it away from sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade the color of leather, so always store it in a shaded area.

Extra Tips:

• Keep some stuffing inside the hat so that its shape is maintained.
• If the hat is a little damp, let it air-dry naturally, do not use a hairdryer.

Common Mistakes To Avoid While Storing Leather

1. Leather Starts To Rot And Starts To Smell

If moisture is not controlled, fungus will develop and leather will start rotting. A strange and foul smell will start coming from the top, which cannot be replaced even with any perfume.

2. Colour Will Fade (Scene of colour fading)

If leather is kept in direct sunlight or in a very dry environment, its natural colour will slowly start to fade. First light, then patched and then one day you will be left with an old.

3. Leather Will Become Hard And Brittle

If leather does not get proper moisturization, then it becomes very hard and brittle. Then on bending move is enough for it to get cracks and starts looking like an old piece. Are you getting it?

4. Wrinkles And Change In Shape

If leather bags or jackets are kept in the wrong way, then their shape gets spoiled. Then no matter how much you press and steam them, it becomes difficult to get the original shape back.

5. Stitching And Joints Start To Loosen

Leather is not just a material, its stitching is also important. If you do not store it properly, then the stitching will gradually start to loosen and your products will get worn out soon.

Benefits of Storing Leather Products Properly

If you take proper care of leather, then your products will shine and last for a long time. Let’s see what are the benefits:

1. Lifespan Will Increase

With proper storage, the lifespan of leather products can be doubled. Otherwise, leather will start getting damage in 2-3 years, but if stored properly, it will easily last for 10-15 years.

2. It Will Always Look New

If you store leather in the proper way, its shine and softness will remain intact. Wrinkles and cracks will not appear and it will look absolutely fresh.

3. The Smell Will Remain Fresh

If there is proper ventilation and moisture control, then there will be no strange dirty smell in the leather. It will always smell fresh and natural, which gives a premium feel.

4. Money Will Be Saved

If you take proper care, then there will be no tension of buying new leather products again and again. You will save money and you will be able to enjoy your old leather for a longer period.

5. Natural Look And Feel of Leather Will Be Maintained

If protected from moisture and heat, then the soft and buttery texture of leather will remain. Otherwise it will either become sticky or will start cracking due to drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what temperature is it best to store leather products?

It is always best to keep leather at room temperature (20-25°C) and moderate humidity (40-50%). Too much heat or cold can destroy leather.

2. Should leather bags and shoes be stored in a box or open?

It is best to store leather shoes in a breathable cloth bag and leather bags in a soft fabric dust cover. Do not store them in an airtight box or else moisture will build up.

3. Is it important to protect leather from direct sunlight?

Yes, it is important! Direct sunlight fades the color of leather and reduces its moisture content, which leads to cracks.

4. Is it okay to fold leather jackets and store them?

No, it is best to hang leather jackets. Folding can cause permanent wrinkles and cracks that do not go away later.

5. What is the best way to clean leather products?

Wipe them regularly with a soft dry cloth and once every month and apply leather conditioner. If it gets too dirty, you can use a slightly damp cloth, but do not use too much water.

6. What should be done if leather is smelling bad?

If leather is smelling bad, keep it in fresh air, and use some baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb the smell. Do not use perfume or air freshener, otherwise it can have a bad smell.

Conclusion

If you keep these basic rules in mind, your leather will definitely look fresh and classy, no matter how old it gets. There will be no tension of wrinkles, fungus, cracks and smells, and you will also save money of buying new leather products again and again. It is very important to keep leather in the right place, keep it away from moisture, excessive heat and direct sunlight, and do proper conditioning from time to time.

If you have genuine full-grain or top-grain leather, it needs extra love. Store it in soft cloth bags, allow direct air to reach it, and do proper conditioning once every 6 months. Suede and nubuck leather products need to be brushed separately, otherwise their texture can be lost. So, have you understood? Right way of storage, right care, and leather will always remain in its original shape!