The rainy season is over and we can feel the full summer coming. However, for leather wallets and leather accessories, the coming season can be the harshest season of the year.
However, many people have heard that the rainy season and summer are bad for leather, but don't know how to actually care for it.
"Because it's an expensive wallet, I want to use it for as long as possible in good condition."
"I would like to learn the basics about leather maintenance."
In response to such requests, this time we will explain how to maintain your leather products in the summer when the rainy season ends. Please use this as a reference to enjoy your favorite items for a long time.
Why is the end of the rainy season important? Damage to leather during the rainy season
Why is care at this time so important?
The reason is that the leather often accumulates " hidden damage " during the rainy season.
Leather is said to be a "breathing material" and absorbs and releases moisture from the air.
During the humid rainy season, leather unconsciously retains a lot of moisture. If left unattended, the leather fibers can loosen, causing it to lose its shape, or it can become a breeding ground for mold.
Summer is here and sweat, high temperatures and UV rays can damage leather
Once the rainy season ends, leather products are hit by the harsh summer weather.
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Sweat (salt and water)
When you put your wallet in your pocket, it is exposed to body heat and sweat, which contains salt that can strip the leather of its oils, causing it to dry out and crack. -
high temperature
High temperatures, such as leaving it in a car, can cause the leather to warp and leak out of the oils in the leather. -
UV rays
Direct sunlight is the enemy of leather, just like it is of human skin, and will cause the color to fade and dry out rapidly.
Reset the humidity of the rainy season and protect the leather from summer damage . Maintenance after the rainy season can do both at once.
Leather Care Instructions
The first step in caring for leather is cleaning the leather .
Start by carefully removing any dirt and moisture that may have built up during the rainy season.
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Remove contents and dry in shade
First, remove all the contents from your leather goods. Then, reshape them and leave them in a well-ventilated, shady place for about half a day to allow the moisture inside to slowly escape. -
Brushing
Once you have confirmed that the entire surface is dry, use a horsehair brush to gently brush off any dust on the surface and dirt from the seams. The trick is to do this gently, stroking the surface.
If there are any stains that bother you, use a leather cleaner . Do not apply it directly to the wallet, but apply it to a cloth and then gently wipe the surface in a circular motion.
If you use a leather cleaner, test it in an inconspicuous area to make sure it has no effect on the leather.
After removing dirt, we moisturize the leather .
The leather that has been restored to its original state through cleaning is similar to human skin after washing your face: it has lost the necessary oils and is prone to drying out.
It adds the necessary oils to the leather and moisturizes it.
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Applying the cream
Take a few rice-sized amounts of moisturizing care cream onto your fingers or a dry cloth. Too much can cause blemishes, so it's best to start with a small amount. -
Spread thinly and evenly
Use your fingertips or a cloth to spread the cream evenly over the entire wallet, making sure to take care of the edges (cut edges of the leather) and around the stitching. -
Dry wipe
Gently wipe the entire surface dry with a separate cloth that is free of cream to remove excess cream and bring out the shine.
The vegetable tanned cowhide leather that Munekawa mainly uses, such as Buttero, is leather that is rich in oil, but by moisturizing it regularly, it can be prevented from drying out and cracking or becoming brittle, allowing it to be used for a long time in beautiful condition.
▶ Order Munekawa Leather Care Cream here
We are often asked, "Do I need to use waterproof spray on leather?"
Waterproof sprays are an effective way to protect leather products from getting wet, but they are not suitable for all leather products . Be sure to read the instructions on the waterproof spray to see if it is suitable for the leather in your product.
When applying the spray, hold the wallet about 20-30cm away and spray the waterproof spray evenly and quickly over the entire surface. The trick is to move quickly so as not to concentrate the spray in one place .
After spraying, leave it in a well-ventilated, shady area to dry completely. Wait until the ingredients have set without touching it.
For those who are starting to use leather products this summer. "Pre-care" for leather products
"Pre-care" is the care you do after purchasing a leather product and before you start using it.
This is sometimes called "pre-maintenance," and some people may be familiar with it as the care to be taken when first wearing new leather shoes.
Leather products are stored for a variety of periods and in different conditions from the time they are manufactured until they are purchased. By carrying out pre-care, you can provide sufficient moisture to the leather and start using it in better condition.
Summer is a particularly hot and humid season, and since this is the time when changes to the leather due to dryness and humidity can be a worry, we recommend some pre-care before you start using your leather product.
If you are considering purchasing a leather product, be sure to check with the shop to see if they offer pre-care services.
Munekawa also offers a service to pre-care your leather products before you purchase them. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
▶ For more information on Munekawa "Pre-Care" click here
"Aftercare" - A comprehensive diagnosis of the condition of your leather products
If you have been using leather products for many years but have never cared for them, one option is to have a professional clean them.
Munekawa also provides an "aftercare" service where we take care of your Munekawa products and provide thorough maintenance according to the condition of the leather.
We will check not only the quality of the leather, but also the condition of the hook and eye buttons and zippers, and whether there are any loose threads, to ensure that you can continue to use the product with peace of mind.
▶︎ For Munekawa aftercare requests, click here
Summer leather wallet care FAQs (Q&A)
Q. How often should I use care products?
A. It depends on how you use it, but it's a good idea to do thorough maintenance once or twice a year. We recommend moisturizing with cream once every 1-2 months when you feel the surface of the leather is drying out. However, don't be too nervous about it, and do it as much as you can.
Q. If I use waterproof spray, will I no longer be able to enjoy the changes that occur in the leather over time?
A. If used properly, the aging process will not stop. Waterproof sprays create a thin protective film that maintains the breathability of the leather and does not inhibit the natural aging of the leather. However, there are some leathers for which waterproof sprays are not suitable, so be sure to check the instructions.
Q. I touched it with sweaty hands. What first aid should I take?
A. First, gently wipe off the sweat with a dry cloth and place in a well-ventilated area to remove moisture. Do not scrub. If you are concerned about sweat stains, we recommend using a cleaner later. Small daily resets are important.
Q. Can I use hand cream to care for leather?
A. Hand cream may be effective in keeping leather moisturized, but it is not specifically formulated for leather, so it may cause problems. For this reason, Munekawa does not recommend it. Please take a look at this article for more details.
Q. I'm not confident in my own care. Can I get advice at the store?
A. Of course. At Munekawa Direct Store, our staff will inspect your leather product and suggest the best way to care for it. Please feel free to consult us about anything from how to choose care products to how to put them into practice.
To enjoy the aging of leather over the summer
The harsh summer environment is also the season when leather ages the most. Leather that has been properly cared for and conditioned will develop a deeper color and luster with the summer sunshine and frequent use.
Sweat and oils from your hands, if not excessive, will nourish the leather and help it develop a unique luster. Careful care not only prevents damage, but also invests in a more beautiful aging process. Look forward to seeing how your wallet will look after this summer.
