Leather is a durable and versatile material that can withstand some exposure to moisture. However, getting leather items wet or soaked through can cause damage if not handled properly. The effects of water on leather depend on the type of leather, how wet it gets, and how it’s cared for after getting wet.
Can leather get wet?
Yes, most types of leather can get wet temporarily without incurring damage. Certain leathers, such as those used for shoes and jackets, are treated during the tanning process to make them more water-resistant.
Full grain leather is the most natural type of leather that retains the outer layer of the hide. It has natural oils and is usually water-resistant enough for light rain or snow. Top grain leather has the outer layer sanded or buffed down, making it more susceptible to water damage.
Split leather is made from the inner layer of the hide and absorbs water more easily. Suede is made from the underside of a split leather hide and is very porous. Patent leather has an acrylic coating that repels water well when new, but may crack over time after repeated wetting.
What happens when leather gets wet?
When leather gets wet, moisture is absorbed into the pores and fibers of the material. If left wet for an extended time, leather can:
- Become overly softened and stretched out
- Develop mildew or mold growth
- Stiffen and harden as it dries
- Crack or peel due to excess moisture
The dyes used to color leather can also bleed or fade with excessive water exposure. This depends on the type and quality of dye used during production.
Is it OK to get leather wet occasionally?
Occasional, light wetting is fine for most leathers used in apparel, footwear, belts, purses, wallets, and upholstered furniture. Water-resistant leathers can handle being out in the rain or snow.
However, repeated soaking or submersion in water can cause issues. Leather should not be soaked all the way through to the underside for long periods. Light splashes or surface moisture should be dried off promptly.
Tips for caring for wet leather
If leather does become wet, follow these tips to limit and prevent damage:
- Dab excess moisture with a clean cloth. Don’t rub aggressively.
- Stuff wet shoes or boots with paper to absorb moisture and help them hold their shape as they dry.
- Allow leather to air dry slowly and completely before wearing or using again.
- Apply a leather conditioner after drying to restore oils and softness.
- Avoid using heat to speed up the drying process.
- Use waterproofing sprays to treat leather before exposing to rain or snow.
- Take extra care with suede or other sensitive leathers prone to stains and water marks.
When is it unsafe for leather to get wet?
There are certain situations where it’s best to keep leather away from moisture entirely:
- Antique, vintage, or delicately finished leathers.
- Leather bookbindings, upholstery, or furnishings.
- During the leather production process.
- Lambskin, deerskin, or other very soft and porous types of leather.
- Leather labeled dry clean only.
Wetting fragile antique leathers can cause irreversible damage. Freshly tanned leathers that haven’t been properly finished may lose their shape or stitching when wetted. Very soft leathers like lambskin or deerskin have a raised nap that can be discolored or matted down when wet.
How to waterproof leather
Waterproofing sprays and creams can be used to treat leather products before exposure to moisture. This helps repel water from the surface. Look for products specifically made for leather rather than fabric waterproofers.
Apply the waterproofing evenly according to the product directions. Test a small hidden area first to ensure the leather doesn’t change color. Reapply waterproofing every few months for ongoing protection.
Oils and waxes can also waterproof leather. Use beeswax, mink oil, or emu oil to “seal” the pores in the leather. Avoid products with silicone, which can break down leather over time.
Storing wet leather
If leather does get completely soaked or wet for an extended time, it’s important to dry and condition it properly before storing it away. Leaving wet leather packed away allows mildew to grow.
After air drying, use a leather conditioner and stuff the item lightly with acid-free tissue paper to absorb lingering moisture and maintain shape. Check periodically for any mildew growth and re-dry if needed.
For long-term storage, keep leather items out of direct sunlight in a controlled climate of 60-65°F and 35-45% relative humidity. Avoid attics, basements, and garages which are prone to moisture and temperature extremes.
Drying wet leather
It’s vital to dry out wet leather thoroughly and carefully to avoid damage. Here are some tips for proper drying:
- Blot excess moisture with a clean, dry cloth immediately.
- Stuff wet shoes with newspaper or dry cloth to absorb moisture and retain shape.
- Allow to air dry naturally – avoid direct heat which can cause cracking.
- Change stuffing periodically as it absorbs moisture.
- Keep the leather item away from direct sunlight as it dries.
- Use a fan to circulate air around the item to accelerate drying.
- Turn leather periodically so it dries evenly.
- Once completely dry, apply a leather conditioner.
Rushing the drying process or using heat can cause irreparable damage. Be patient and let the leather dry thoroughly before use.
How to clean wet suede leather
Suede is very vulnerable to water stains and discoloration. Blot damp suede immediately with an absorbent cloth. Allow to dry naturally as described above.
Use a suede brush gently over the surface once dry to restore the nap. There are also suede erasers available to remove dried water marks. Avoid scrubbing aggressively which can damage the nap.
To clean thoroughly, use a suede cleaner and soft brush to lift dirt once fully dry. Apply a suede waterproofing spray after to protect from future moisture damage.
Will leather shrink when wet?
Leather does not typically shrink significantly when wetted. Some subtle shrinkage can occur if the leather gets heavily saturated multiple times. The fibers may condense slightly as the moisture is absorbed.
Aggressive, sudden shrinkage or hardening after getting wet indicates the presence of excessive heat. High temperatures can damage leather irreversibly.
Gently stuffing or shaping wet leather items as they dry will help prevent any reduction in size as the moisture dissipates.
Does leather get ruined in the rain?
Brief exposure to rain will generally not ruin high quality leather. Water-resistant leathers used for shoes, jackets, purses and other accessories can withstand light rain.
Prolonged soaking in heavy rain or storms can damage leather over time. Water droplets reflect light unevenly, which can have an abrading effect on the surface.
Regular conditioning and waterproofing provides added protection from rain. Avoiding heavy downpours when possible will also help extend the life of leather goods.
How long does it take for leather to dry?
How long leather takes to dry depends on several factors:
- Type of leather – Smooth leathers dry faster than suede or porous leathers.
- Thickness – Thin leather dries quicker than thick, heavy leather.
- Extent of wetness – Surface moisture dries faster than soaked leather.
- Drying conditions – Air circulation and humidity impact drying time.
On average, smooth leather items may dry within 2 to 6 hours if just lightly wet on the surface. Heavily saturated smooth leather could take 12 hours or longer to fully dry.
Suede and other soft leathers can take 6 to 24 hours to dry completely when wet. Always allow sufficient drying time to prevent damage.
Does leather dry out and crack?
Leather can become dry and crack over time without proper care and conditioning. When leather dries after getting wet, the natural oils are depleted faster.
Frequently allowing leather to get soaked or submerged can wash away oils and cause drying and brittleness. Heat exposure during drying also removes oils quickly.
Cracking occurs as the fibers weaken and bond together. Oils keep leather supple and prevent cracking by lubricating the fibers. Condition regularly, especially after wetting, to replenish oils.
Can you put wet leather in front of a heater?
It’s not recommended to place wet leather directly in front of heaters or other direct high heat sources during drying. Exposure to excess heat can cause several types of damage:
- Leather can become stiff and brittle as moisture evaporates rapidly.
- The high temperatures draw out the natural oils quickly.
- The surface can crack or peel due to uneven drying.
- The leather fibers weaken and shrink, distorting shape.
- Dyes and finishes can be damaged by heat.
Allow wet leather to dry naturally at room temperature. Use circulating fans to speed up drying without applying direct heat. Conditioning after drying will restore flexibility.
Does wet leather stain clothes?
Wet leather can potentially stain light colored fabrics it comes into contact with while drying. Possible stains include:
- Dyes – Leather dyes may bleed, especially if heavily saturated.
- Finishing oils – These may leach out with moisture.
- Mildew – Wet leather can develop mildew if not dried properly.
To prevent stains, allow wet leather to dry fully before wearing or using. Avoid contact with light clothing until completely dry. Wear dark colors when handling damp leather.
Can you put leather in the dryer?
It’s not recommended to machine dry most leather items. The mechanical tumbling action and heat from dryers can damage leather in several ways:
- Excess heating weakens fibers and causes stiffness.
- Tumbling can abrade and scratch the surface.
- Leather can shrink if heated while wet.
- Machine drying can remove essential oils.
Delicate leathers like suede and shearling should never be machine dried, even at a cold setting. The texture will become matted and damaged.
Allow all leather items to fully air dry. Use stuffing and reshaping as needed to retain form as they dry naturally.
Does leather dry out in the sun?
Exposing leather to direct sunlight over time can cause drying. UV rays damage and deteriorate leather fibers and finishes.
The sun’s heat pulls moisture out of leather quickly. This accelerates the depletion of natural oils that keep leather supple.
Avoid drying leather in direct sun. Indirect sunlight is acceptable, but keep leather out of the sun once dry to prevent future deterioration.
If leather furniture or car interiors dry out from sun exposure, apply a leather conditioner to restore suppleness and oils.
Conclusion
While most leathers can tolerate occasional light wetness, soaking or prolonged dampness can cause damage if not handled properly. Water causes swelling and fiber distortion. Mildew may grow if left wet for too long.
Smooth leathers typically recover well from temporary wetness if dried thoroughly and conditioned after. More porous leathers like suede are prone to discoloration when wet and must be dried very carefully.
Allow wet leather to air dry fully before use. Stuff items while drying to retain shape. Avoid direct heat during drying. Condition once dry to restore moisture and oils lost while wet. Waterproofing provides an added layer of protection.
With proper care before and after getting wet, quality leather items can maintain their beauty and durability when occasionally exposed to moisture.