As temperatures and humidity rise and the weather becomes unpredictable, summer is a time when many of us are concerned about how to handle our leather goods. Perhaps many of you are even more mindful than usual about not getting them wet in the rain and regularly cleaning them with care products.
Even so, there's a point that is surprisingly often overlooked: "where you place your leather products."
The condition of leather is influenced not only by how it's used but also by its storage environment. Especially from early summer to the rainy season, humidity and temperature tend to be high. Places where you casually place your leather goods daily can sometimes put a strain on the leather.
This time, we will focus on "storing leather goods," discussing how to deal with humidity and temperature, and introducing storage tips that you can easily review starting today.
Please read on to help prevent summer damage to your leather products.
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How to choose a suitable storage location for leather goods
Leather is a material that is vulnerable to water. Many people are careful to avoid getting it wet in the rain.
However, from early summer to the rainy season, it's not just water exposure you need to worry about. High humidity, direct sunlight, and high temperatures can also be stressful for leather.
When leather absorbs moisture, it can become too soft or even develop mold. Additionally, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight or high temperatures can lead to cracking from drying out and discoloration.
When considering where to place or store leather goods, keep the following points in mind:
- A place where humidity and heat do not accumulate
- A place not exposed to direct sunlight
- A place with minimal sudden changes in temperature and humidity
Even a small adjustment to your daily storage location can help keep your leather goods in good condition.
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Checklist for storing leather goods
Now, let's look at specific tips for "where to store leather goods that you should review before summer."
1. Do not leave them in the car
One particular thing to be careful about during hot weather is leaving them in the car.
Even if you intend to leave them for a short time, a car interior on a sunny day can easily reach high temperatures, creating a very stressful environment for leather. Not only on the dashboard where direct sunlight hits, but also on seats and in door pockets, heat can build up.
Leaving leather in a high-temperature environment for an extended period can cause the moisture and oils in the leather to evaporate, making the surface hard and promoting dryness. It can also lead to discoloration, warping, and loss of shape.
For wallets, key cases, and business card holders, it's safest to take them with you whenever you leave the car. If you absolutely must leave them in the car, do so only for a short time in a spot not exposed to direct sunlight. Avoid making it a regular storage location.
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2. Be careful of direct sunlight and temperature differences near windows
When deciding where to place leather goods, one place to be careful of is near windows.
Leather can easily change color if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Especially light-colored leather or new leather is susceptible to sunlight, and you might find that "the leather has tanned and discolored before you knew it."
Moreover, areas near windows tend to experience significant temperature differences compared to the outside air. Depending on the season and time of day, condensation can occur, leading to increased humidity. Drying out in the sun during the day and absorbing moisture at night—this cycle is not good for leather either.
For placing leather goods, a shelf that is not exposed to direct sunlight and where air does not stagnate is recommended. For items used daily, choose a location that balances easy access with environmental stability.
3. If placing them at the entrance, prevent moisture and dust from accumulating
Many people place their keys and wallets at the entrance when they return home. While this is a very natural flow, the entrance is also a place where humidity can easily accumulate.
Shoes on rainy days, wet umbrellas, and humidity from outside tend to gather there, so it requires a bit of caution as a place to leave leather goods for an extended period.
If you place them at the entrance, it is recommended to place them on a tray or shelf where air can circulate, rather than directly on the floor or inside a shoe cabinet. After using them on a rainy day, lightly wipe the surface with a dry cloth and avoid putting them into a sealed storage immediately.
Dust can also cause mold, so it's important not to leave items just sitting there. Creating a habit of quickly wiping them dry and then placing them in their designated spot after returning home will also keep things looking and feeling tidy.
4. Do not leave them in your bag
Many people leave their wallets and key cases inside their bags, don't they?
While there's no major problem with bags used daily, during the rainy season or summer, humidity can accumulate inside bags.
For bags used on rainy days, bags carried with sweaty clothes, or small, easily sealed bags, moisture can easily transfer to leather goods.
It's safer to make it a habit to take your leather goods out of your bag and let them air out in a well-ventilated place once you return home.
5. Around your desk, observe how air conditioning and sunlight hit
Sometimes we place our wallets or business card holders on our desks while working.
Around desks, you should be mindful of sunlight from windows and the air from air conditioners. Discoloration can easily occur in areas exposed to direct sunlight, and leather can dry out quickly if constantly exposed to air conditioning drafts.
Business card holders and card cases, in particular, are leather items that tend to remain on desks during work. Even slightly shifting their placement can change the stress on the leather.
If placing them in a desk drawer, it's safer to put them in a spacious spot rather than crammed tightly. During humid periods, simply opening the drawer occasionally to air it out can make a difference.
6. For unused leather goods, tidy them lightly before storing
When storing leather goods that won't be used for a long time, gently wipe off any surface dust or dirt with a dry cloth before putting them away.
Leaving hand oils or fine dirt on the surface in a humid environment can lead to mold and odors.
For storage, a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight and where humidity does not accumulate is ideal. Even when placing them in their original boxes or bags, avoid sealing them too tightly and occasionally air them out for peace of mind.
Simply wiping them lightly and placing them in a well-ventilated area can help keep leather goods in good condition. Try to keep this in mind to avoid finding your leather goods molded when you take them out to use them after a long time.
After returning home, "wipe, take out, rest" is recommended
The points introduced this time do not immediately cause damage. However, if leather is left in an unfavorable environment for an extended period, damage will gradually accumulate, eventually leading to symptoms such as mold and discoloration.
After returning home, make it a habit to keep these three points in mind when storing your leather goods:
- Lightly wipe with a dry cloth
- Take them out of your bag or pocket
- Avoid direct sunlight and let them rest in a well-ventilated area
These are small things, but they can help release accumulated humidity and heat from the day, keeping your leather in good condition. Please try to be mindful of them.
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Organizing your storage space is also a way to care for your leather for a long time.
When it comes to leather care, you might think of applying cream or brushing, but organizing your daily storage space is also a vital part of care.
By being a little mindful in your daily life, you can enjoy your leather goods in beautiful condition for longer.
Please try to be a little conscious of this, along with your daily care routine.
To continue using your precious leather goods comfortably this summer, why not start by reviewing one place where you put them when you get home today?
If you have any questions or need advice, please feel free to contact us. We also welcome visits to the Munekawa direct store in Daikokucho, Osaka.
▶︎Details of Munekawa direct store in Daikokucho, Osaka here
