How to treat Leather in winter?
Leather is a beautiful, imperishable material that adds elegance to almost anything, even if it’s your favorite jacket, handbag, or a comfortable leather sofa. But as much as we love leather, it’s not immune to the challenges of the colder months. In winter, the combination of low humidity, freezing temperatures, and exposure to salt can do a number on your leather items if you’re not careful. But don’t worry; there are simple steps you can take to protect and maintain your leather pieces. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for leather in winter.
Leather: A Highly Sensitive Material
Leather, a natural material like all things natural, it also has its vulnerabilities. While leather is incredibly tough and long lasting, it’s also sensitive to changes in its environment. During winter, cold air and dry indoor heating can strip leather of its moisture, making it brittle and prone to cracking. Leather’s porous nature means it absorbs moisture and oils, so that when air is dry, it can lose its natural luster, becoming stiff and cracked.
But don’t be discouraged! With a little care, leather can survive the harsh winter conditions and keep looking great.
Is it Okay to Wear Leather in Winter?
Absolutely! It is okay to wear leather in winter, as it is a versatile material that can actually work well in winter, like leather jackets, boots, and gloves are both functional and stylish during the colder months. However, the most important thing to keep your leather looking great is to protect it properly. It’s important to take a few precautions to ensure your leather stays in top condition if you’re withstanding rain or snow,
Here are a few tips for wearing leather in winter:
- Avoid Prolonged Wet Exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can stain leather, so try to avoid leaving it in the rain for long periods.
- If it gets wet, dry it gently: If your leather gets caught in a rainstorm or snow, don’t panic. Gently blot it with a soft cloth and let it air dry away from heat sources like radiators or hairdryers. Never use direct heat to dry leather, because it can cause cracking and warping.
Is Cold Weather Bad for Leather?
While leather can endure cold weather, it’s the dryness of winter air that can cause real problems. The combination of cold temperatures and heated indoor environments tends to lower humidity, which can reduce the moisture it needs to keep the leather soft and supple.
How Cold Affects Leather:
- Stiffness: Leather can become stiff and lose its natural flexibility when exposed to freezing temperatures.
- Dryness and Cracking: The dry air in winter pulls moisture from leather, which can lead to cracks, discoloration, and a worn-out look.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to keep your leather moisturized and protected during the winter months. You wouldn’t let your skin dry out in winter, so treat your leather goods with the same care.
Does Leather Crack in Winter?
Yes, it can. If leather isn’t properly cared for during the winter, it can dry out, lose its natural oils, and become more susceptible to cracking. Even if you don’t notice any immediate damage, repeated exposure to cold and dry conditions can slowly degrade your leather’s appearance and texture.
Here’s how to prevent cracking:
- Using Conditioner Regularly: Use a leather conditioner every few weeks to keep your leather soft and moisturized. This will help prevent it from drying out and cracking.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Leather doesn’t do well with extreme temperature shifts. Avoid leaving leather items in freezing temperatures or near direct heat sources, like a heater or fireplace.
- Gentle Cleaning: If you need to clean your leather, do it gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals or rough cleaners that could strip away the natural oils.
Find Leather Zone Upholstery: Dubai’s leading Leather Repair & Restoration Destination
With over 20 years of experience in leather care, the team at Leather Zone is always there to help you preserve the beauty and longevity of your leather essentials. We offer customized services that meet the specific needs of your leather products including repair, restoration and routine maintenance.
Our Services Include:
- Leather Repair & Restoration: Even if your leather has suffered from sun damage, cracks, or scratches, our skilled team can restore it to its original beauty.
- Custom Upholstery: We offer custom reupholstery services to give it a fresh and new look if your leather furniture is starting to look faded or outdated.
- Leather Maintenance & Cleaning: Regular maintenance is vital to extending the lifespan of leather. Our deep cleaning and conditioning services will help you maintain your leather products polished, preventing it from drying out or cracking.
Why Choose Leather Zone?
- Experience: It’s been 20 years in the leather care industry, restoring and maintaining leather goods to the highest standard.
- Handiwork: Our team of skilled artisans takes pride in every piece, treating each project with the care it deserves.
- Personalized Service: Every piece of leather is unique, and we provide customized solutions to fit your specific needs, understanding the fact of keeping it original.
- Comprehensive Care: From cleaning and conditioning to full repairs and restorations, we provide a full spectrum of leather services.
Contact Leather Zone Upholstery
Contact us for all your leather care needs even if it is for repair, restoration, or custom upholstery, Leather Zone is here to provide the artistry and service your leather deserves.