Many people have heard that winter is a season when you need to be careful with leather products.
Dryness is the biggest enemy of leather. Heating reduces indoor humidity, making it easier for the oils and moisture contained in the leather to be lost. As the dryness progresses, the leather becomes hard, and in severe cases, it can even crack .
However, even if you think, "I want to take care of my leather to prevent it from drying out in the winter," there are many things you don't know, such as "Do I need a special brush?" or "Should I get several types of oil?", and some people may find it intimidating.
In fact, you don't need any special tools to care for your leather in winter.
Of course, using special brushes and oils will make it look even better, but you can maintain the condition of your leather without having to buy more care products, just by using what you already have and following a few simple daily habits.
This time, we will introduce a simple and easy to follow " winter leather care routine ."
Please take a look at this for reference on how to keep your favorite leather products looking good for a long time.
Three habits necessary for leather care
What you need to do to keep using leather for a long time is actually very simple.
- Dry wipe
- Organize your storage space
- Moisturize only when needed
If you can do these three things, you won't need special brushes or multiple types of oil.
The important thing is not to "increase the number of tools" but to "form habits." No matter how good the care products you have are, they are meaningless if you don't use them. On the other hand, simply continuing to follow simple habits will keep your leather in surprisingly good condition.
1. Dry wipe
The easiest and most effective way to care for your carpet is to wipe it dry.
When you get home, quickly wipe the surface of your wallet or bag with a soft cloth.
This is all you need to remove the day's dirt and dust.
Especially in winter, static electricity can cause dust and fibers to easily adhere to the surface of leather . If you continue to use your leather without cleaning it, the dirt can become entrenched in the leather. Wiping it dry after returning home is also effective in preventing this buildup of dirt.
You can use a special cloth, but you can also use any lint-free cloth you have at home, such as a cotton handkerchief, an old T-shirt, or a glasses cloth.
Dry wiping the leather every day will help you notice any changes in its condition.
One of the benefits of wiping your clothes dry every day is that you can notice small changes, such as ``It's getting a little dry'' or ``The threads are starting to fray.''
2. Review storage locations
The condition of leather can change dramatically depending on where it is stored.
Avoid placing it in a place where it will be directly exposed to the air from the heater. Placing it near an air conditioning vent or directly on a heated floor will cause the leather to dry out more quickly.
You should also be careful around windows . The temperature difference between the cold outside and the room can cause condensation, and an environment that alternates between humidity and dryness is not good for leather.
Simply storing the leather in the right environment will keep it in good condition.
It's fine as long as it's in a well-ventilated place and out of direct sunlight or heating . Try to find a suitable place in your home to store it, such as on a shelf in your closet or in your living room.
3. Moisturize as needed
If you make it a habit to wipe it dry and store it in the right place, there is no need to moisturize it frequently.
Moisturizing your leather once a month to once every two or three months is sufficient. It's fine to only think about it when the seasons change. If you ever feel that the leather is dry when you touch it, moisturize it with cream or oil.
When moisturizing, it's best to use a small amount. Take a small amount about the size of a grain of rice or a small bean onto a cloth and spread it thinly over the entire surface. Applying just enough amount is enough. Applying too much can cause the shape to become distorted and the skin to become sticky.
We recommend a delicate type of cream for moisturizing. Its ingredients are gentle on leather and can be used to moisturize a wide range of leather products.
Munekawa also sells its original care cream, so if you don't have any care creams, be sure to give it a try.
▶︎ Order Munekawa original leather cream here
▶︎Reference article: Munekawa's Autumn/Winter Leather Care
Winter Leather Care Q&A
Q. Is it okay to store it in a heated room?
There is no problem as long as it is not exposed to direct wind. If you are concerned about dryness, you can use a humidifier to create a comfortable indoor environment. However, make sure that the steam from the humidifier does not come into direct contact with the leather.
Q. Dust easily sticks to the product due to static electricity. What can I do to prevent this?
The best way to prevent this is to wipe the leather dry frequently. Anti-static sprays may contain ingredients that are incompatible with leather and may cause stains. It is best to avoid using them.
Q. Should I use cream more frequently in winter?
There is no need to increase the frequency. The important thing is to judge the condition of the leather. If it feels dry, moisturize it. If not, just wiping it dry is sufficient. Applying too much can have the opposite effect, so aim for about once a month.
Q. What should I do if I get wet in the snow or rain?
Immediately wipe off any moisture with a dry cloth. Then, let it air dry in a well-ventilated, shady area. Avoid drying it quickly near a hair dryer or stove. Sudden changes in temperature can cause the leather to shrink or stain.
▶︎Reference article: "Leather Care Beginner's Guide: From Beginning Use to Regular Maintenance"
To make it a habit, start with the bare minimum
You will see better results if you continue to care for your leather.
There's no point in having a lot of skincare products if you end up not using them because it becomes too much of a hassle. Because it's a simple routine, you can continue it without any difficulty.
Wipe it dry when you get home. Be careful where you store it. Moisturize it if it becomes dry.
These three habits will help maintain the condition of the leather and allow it to age beautifully, resulting in leather products that can be enjoyed for a long time. Why not start today by wiping your leather goods dry after you get home?
At Munekawa, we also offer consultations regarding leather care.
Our directly managed store in Daikokucho, Osaka, offers an oil care service for purchased products. We also offer "aftercare" that can be ordered online. Please feel free to use our service to check the condition of the leather and receive advice on care.
