Your leather jacket or valuable leather bag may be your favorite thing to wear to work. But sometimes you encounter situations when the sun shines in the morning and you won't even consider taking an umbrella with you, but as evening approaches it might begin to rain. So, what happens next? If you're in love with leather, you're well aware that water can wreak havoc on real leather. We won't let you part with your favorite thing without a struggle, though. Let us understand why full grain leather or top grain leather absorbs water and if it has suffered water damage, here's what you can do to revive it.
Why Does Leather React to Water?
Leather is porous just like skin. It has tiny holes and fibers that soak up moisture. When you spill water or get caught in the rain, the water molecules do not just sit on the surface, they start seeping in.
What Happens when Leather gets Wet?
Since leather absorbs water, the fibers inside swell. As it dries, the leather can become stiff, dry, or cracked. Leather has natural oils that help keep it soft, flexible, and healthy-looking. When it gets wet, the water can carry some of those natural oils away. And hence leather can dry out, crack, and lose that smooth feel with time if left untreated. You might even see stains or mold if it’s not dried properly. Water can cause permanent damage to leather. But if treated early, one can prevent most of the long-term harm.
Short Term vs Long Term Effects on Leather
| Type of Damage | Short-Term | Long-Term |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Feels damp, soft, or soggy | Becomes stiff, brittle, or cracked |
| Color | Temporary darkening or water spots | Permanent discoloration or fading |
| Shape | May lose shape or wrinkle slightly | Warping or structural breakdown |
| Surface Condition | Mild surface dullness | Peeling or cracking |
| Odor | Usually fine at first | May develop musty or moldy smell |
| Health of Leather | Still recoverable with care | Long-term deterioration if not conditioned |
| Appearance | Water stains might appear | Overall finish looks worn, aged, or damaged |
| Other Problems | Can feel a bit stiffer once dried | Risk of mold, mildew, and weakened durability |
How to Treat Wet Leather Immediately?
1. Blot the Leather
Use a soft, dry cloth or towel to gently blot the water. Avoid rubbing as it can push water deeper into the surface or scratch the surface. A lint-free cloth is the best choice for drying leather because it dries gently without leaving any tiny fibres or flakes behind or causing damage.
2. Let it air dry naturally
Lay the item flat in a cool, dry place. Let it air dry. Avoid direct heat sources like hair dryers, heaters, or direct sunlight. Heat can make leather stiff and lead to cracks.
3. Reshape it (if required)
Gently reshape the leather item when it is still damp, like puffing out a bag or straightening jacket seams. This allows it dry in its proper form.
4. Wait until fully dry
Give it time. Allow it to dry completely before using it or applying anything. This could require several hours to overnight, depending on the degree of wetness.
5. Condition it
Once it’s completely dry, apply a leather conditioner to replace the oils that were stripped away by the water. This keeps it soft and prevents long-term damage.
How to Restore Water after Water Damage?
1.Let it air dry naturally
Allow it to air dry naturally, if it’s still damp. Avoid direct heat sources like hair dryers, blow dryers or sunlight. Gently reshape the item as it dries to avoid warping.
2. Clean the surface
Once dry, wipe it with a slightly damp lint-free cloth to remove any dirt, water spots, or residue. Don’t soak it, just gently wipe.
3. Apply leather conditioner
This step is very important. Water strips natural oils, so you need to replace them. Use a quality leather conditioner or cream. Rub it in gently with a soft cloth, using small circular motions. Let it absorb fully, usually 1–2 hours or more.
4. Buff to restore softness and shine
Once the conditioner has soaked in, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the surface of the leather. This smooths the surface, replenishes the shine, and helps it feel supple again.
5. Using a Water Proofing Spray
A waterproofing spray helps create a protective coating on leather to increase its water resistance. It creates an invisible shield that makes water bead up and roll off instead of soaking in. It also helps protect against light stains and dirt.
6. Use leather oil for deep dryness
This step is optional. if the leather still feels stiff or rough after conditioning, apply a tiny amount of leather oil like neatsfoot or mink oil. But only do this if it’s really needed as too much oil can cause permanent darkening of the leather.
7. Store it properly
Let the leather rest in a cool, dry place for at least a day before using it again. Avoid folding or packing it too tightly right away. Store your leather jacket on a padded hanger.
Important tip: If the leather is badly stained, moldy, or cracked, a leather cleaner can help, particularly for high-end items.
How to Waterproof Leather Items:
1. Clean the leather
Wipe off dirt with a soft cloth. Let it dry completely.
2. Condition it
Apply leather conditioner to keep it soft and prevent cracking.
3. Apply waterproofing product
Water Proofing Spray: Easy and quick. Spray evenly, let dry overnight.
Beeswax cream: Rub in, warm slightly (this is optional), and buff.
4. Let it cure
Leave it in a cool, dry place for a few hours or overnight.
5. Repeat as needed
Reapply every few months or after exposure to water.
Myths About Wet Leather
1. Leather is ruined the moment it gets wet
No, getting wet won’t destroy leather at once. It’s the way you dry and care for it later that matters. If quick action is taken, you can usually restore it with no lasting damage.
2. A hair dryer speeds up drying
No, this is a big mistake. Heat dries leather unevenly and too fast, which results in cracking, shrinking, or hardening. Always let it air dry naturally.
3. Water stains are permanent
No, not always. Many water stains fade or disappear after proper cleaning and conditioning especially if they are spotted early.
4. Leather doesn’t need conditioning after getting wet
No, it definitely does. Water eliminates the leather’s natural oils, so conditioning is essential to keep it soft and prevent cracking.
5. All waterproof sprays make leather 100% waterproof
No, most sprays make leather water-resistant, not entirely waterproof. They help repel moisture, but soaking or prolonged exposure can still result in damage.
Conclusion
In short, leather can tolerate getting wet occasionally, but it’s not waterproof naturally. Without appropriate care, water can lead to stains, stiffness, or long-term damage. But, with quick drying, gentle handling, and a little conditioning, you can keep your leather items looking and feeling great for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is leather ruined if it gets wet?
No, leather is not automatically ruined if it gets wet, but it can be if not treated in the right way afterward.
2. Can leather survive in water?
Leather can survive brief exposure to water if dried and conditioned properly, but prolonged soaking can lead to permanent damage like cracking, warping, or mold.
3. Can water-damaged leather be fixed?
Yes, water-damaged leather can often be fixed if acted quickly, by allowing it air dry naturally, then cleaning and conditioning it to restore moisture, softness, and shape.
4. What will happen to the leather material when it gets wet?
When leather gets wet, it absorbs the moisture, which makes the fibers swell and soften and as it dries, it can become stiff, lose its natural oils, develop stains, or even crack if not cared for appropriately.