It is almost inevitable that your leather car seats, leather jacket or leather shoes will be exposed to rain, puddles, or water spills. So it helps to know what happens to leather when it does become wet.
How to Treat Leather Water Damage
Water strips leather of its natural oils and when wet leather dries, you’ll often find that it becomes dry and brittle. While rain can ruin leather, the following steps can help you treat and fix water-damaged leatherto help preserve your valuable leather apparel.
How to Fix Water-Damaged Leather
- Dry leather piece completely at room temperature. Do not use a blow dryer or other heat source.
- Gently wipe off any excess dirt. Usea soft, lint-free cloth to remove debris and dirt. If your leather needs a deeper cleaning, use Leather Honey Leather Cleaner.
- Allow the leather to dry. Once you have finished cleaning the water-damaged leather, allow it time to dry again.
- Apply Leather Honey Leather Conditioner. Apply a thin, even coat of Leather Honey Leather Conditioner to all areas – not just those that were wet.
- Repeat Application if Necessary. If the water-damaged leather appears to need another round of cleaning and conditioning, repeat the steps above.
How to Remove Dried Water Spots From Leather
If your leather apparel has dried with water stains, use Leather Honey Leather Cleaner to gradually work the water spots out, covering the entire area with a sweeping motion. Let the leather air dry and apply Leather Honey Leather Conditioner.
Prevent Water Damage Before it Happens
It is important to refer to our leather care guides before cleaning and conditioning your leather. Leather Honey leather care products can be used to pre-treat your leather pieces to prevent potential water damage. To be proactive, clean your boots regularly with Leather Honey Leather Cleaner and condition every six months with Leather Honey Leather Conditioner. Leather Honey Leather Conditioner will act as a water-repelling agent. If your leather piece is well moisturized it will cause moisture to bead on the surface instead of penetrating into the leather fibers.
More to Know About How to Deal with Water-Damaged Leather
Some common questions people have about what happens to leather when it's wet.
Is it OK for leather to get wet?
It is best to not allow leather to get wet. When leather is wet, it will dry out and possibly crack.
How do you fix leather after it gets wet?
You can fix leather after it gets wet by cleaning it and then conditioning it. Leather needs its natural moisture and oils, so act as quickly as you can.
What happens if leather absorbs water?
If leather absorbs water, the natural oils eventually dry out along with the water. Over time, this will damage your leather.
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