Summer is a tough season for leather products.
This is the time of year when leather comes into increased contact with things that can be dangerous to it, such as high temperatures, humidity, direct sunlight, sweat, and various chemicals.
Without realizing it, you may be putting your precious leather wallet or bag at risk of damage.
It is very important to know in advance the problems that are likely to occur in summer situations in order to keep your leather products in good condition.
This time, we will introduce four common summertime situations and how to deal with them . Armed with the right knowledge, you can enjoy using your leather products this summer!
Four major situations where you should avoid wearing leather products in the summer
In everyday life during the summer, there are factors that can damage leather products that are easy to overlook. Here, we will look at four situations that we often receive inquiries about during the summer, and introduce the dangers and appropriate countermeasures for each.
1. Leaving it inside the car or on the dashboard
When shopping or out and about, people often leave their wallets or bags on the dashboard or seat of their car . In the hot summer sun, the temperature inside the car can rise rapidly, so care must be taken.
In recent years, summers have been particularly hot, and temperatures inside cars can reach 50-70°C. The heat resistance temperature of leather products is generally around 40-50°C, so Leaving leather items in your car can lead to the following symptoms:
- Deformation or warping of leather
- Cracks and fissures
- Fading or discoloration
It's fine for a short while, but leaving it in the car for more than an hour could cause some damage.
Be mindful to carry it with you as much as possible or park your car in the shade.
2. Damage caused by sweat
A case where you spend a long time with your leather wallet in your pants pocket .
Many people carry their wallets in their pants pockets. However, in the summer, we sweat a lot and the inside of our pockets can become hot and humid, so it may be best to be a little careful.
For people who sweat a lot, the humidity inside a pants pocket can reach nearly 90%. In this environment, salt can harden and discolor the leather, and moisture can cause mold and mildew, among other damage.
On days when you think it's going to be hot or you're likely to sweat, it's best to carry your leather goods in a bag. If you do put them in your pants pocket, it's best to wear breathable clothing.
Also, on days when you sweat a lot, it is important to store your leather products in a well-ventilated place immediately after returning home.
3. Contact with water droplets or condensation
This is the case when condensation from a plastic bottle or water bottle inside a bag adheres to leather products .
In the summer, we often carry cold drinks in our bags, which is a common situation.
In the summer when air conditioning is used, the temperature difference between the cool indoor air and the outside air causes water droplets to form on the surface of the container. If there is a large temperature difference, condensation can occur in just 15 minutes, and we receive many inquiries every year from customers who say, "My leather product came into contact with water droplets from a drink and became stained."
In particular, vegetable-tanned leathers such as cordovan and buttero are susceptible to water stains and are prone to stains and blisters, so be careful.
It is important to cover plastic bottles and water bottles or use a sub-pocket in your bag to prevent drinks from coming into direct contact with leather products.
4. Alcohol-based disinfectant and antiperspirant spray
In recent years, we have received an increasing number of inquiries about cases where alcohol, such as that used in disinfectants and antiperspirant sprays, has come into contact with leather .
It seems that many people end up staining leather after using disinfectant or antiperspirant spray when their hands are still wet.
The photo shows the surface of Buttero with alcohol on it. After just a few minutes, it becomes sore like this.
Alcohol-based ingredients will dissolve the leather dye and damage the protective surface layer.
In particular, if a disinfectant with an alcohol concentration of 70% or more comes into contact with leather products, the dye will begin to dissolve within a few minutes to a few tens of minutes, causing the surface to crack, harden, and become rough.
If you use disinfectant or antiperspirant spray, make sure to wait until it has completely dried before touching your leather product. If it does get on your leather product, wipe it off immediately with a dry cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We have also compiled some frequently asked questions about leather care and damage in the summer. Please use this as a reference.
Q: Can leather products that have become moldy be revived?
A: If the mold is on the surface, it can often be removed with an alcohol-based cleaner. However, if the mold has penetrated deep into the leather, it will be difficult to remove completely. If you find mold, it is best to deal with it as soon as possible.
Please also see this article for information on removing mold from leather products.
Q: Does air conditioning have a negative effect on leather products?
A: There's no need to worry too much about it, but if your leather product is exposed to direct cold air for a long period of time, it may dry out. Avoid storing your leather in a place where it will be exposed to direct air conditioning, and try to maintain a moderate humidity level.
Q: What is the most effective way to extend the life of leather products?
A: Regular maintenance is important. In particular, cleaning it about once a month during the summer and storing it in a well-ventilated place will help keep it in good condition for a long time.
If you do this before purchasing, we recommend that you do some pre-care so that you can use it safely in the summer.
Q: What is the best place to store leather products during the summer?
A: Ideally, store it in a cool, dark place with humidity levels between 40% and 60%. If you will not be using it for an extended period of time, you can remove excess humidity by stuffing it with dry newspaper.
Please also refer to this article.
Know what not to do with leather and stay comfortable in the summer.
What did you think?
Leather care in the summer is the most important time of the year. High temperatures, high humidity, UV rays, sweat, and chemicals make this a harsh season for leather, so it's important to have the right knowledge and preventative measures.
By avoiding the four no-no situations introduced here and practicing proper care methods, you can keep your precious leather products in beautiful condition and enjoy them for a long time.
In particular , being aware of "prevention" is key to using leather products for a long time .
Know what not to do with leather and enjoy using leather products in the summer!
If you have any questions or concerns about leather care, please feel free to contact us at any time.
In the unlikely event that major damage occurs and recovery is difficult, we will do everything we can to repair the damage.
If you are using Munekawa products, please don't give up, but contact us first.
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