How to Protect Leather from Rain: Essential Tips You Should Know

You’ve probably been in that situation before: a sudden downpour and you’re caught outside, wearing your favorite leather jacket or carrying a prized leather bag. And you wonder—is it ruined? Protecting leather from rain can seem like a daunting task, but with the right know-how, it’s not only doable but essential to keeping your investment looking as good as new.

What Happens When Leather Gets Wet?

Leather is a natural material, and like most natural materials, it’s porous. When leather absorbs water, it can lose its flexibility, become stiff, and over time, may develop cracks. Additionally, wet leather can also develop mold or mildew if not dried properly, leaving it with a permanent musty odor. Let’s break this down into a few consequences:

Knowing how leather reacts to water is the first step. Now, let’s dive into how to protect it.

Step 1: Use Waterproofing Sprays

Waterproofing sprays are your first line of defense. These sprays create a barrier between the leather and water, preventing it from soaking in. However, not all sprays are made the same, and you’ll need to make sure you’re buying one made specifically for leather. Apply the spray evenly and let it dry thoroughly before exposing your leather items to rain. Here’s a quick guide:

Step 2: Condition Regularly

Leather conditioners are equally important. Over time, leather loses its natural oils, making it susceptible to cracking and water damage. Conditioning your leather items will keep them supple and resistant to moisture. Think of it as a moisturizer for your leather.

How to condition leather:

• Use a soft cloth to apply a small amount of leather conditioner.
• Rub it in a circular motion, focusing on dry areas.
• Leave it for 15 minutes, then buff the surface with a clean cloth.

Step 3: Drying Wet Leather Properly

Even if your leather gets wet despite your best efforts, all is not lost. Drying it the right way can make a big difference. Never use direct heat like a hair dryer or a radiator, as this can cause the leather to crack. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Blot excess water with a dry towel.
2. Air-dry in a cool, well-ventilated area.
3. Recondition once fully dry.

If your leather is soaked through, stuff it with newspaper to help absorb moisture and retain shape.

Step 4: Use Leather Protectors

Leather protectors come in many forms, from waxes to creams. These products add an extra layer of protection against rain. If you live in an area prone to rain, consider investing in high-quality leather protector products. Here’s what they offer:

Step 5: Storage Matters

When you’re not using your leather items, how you store them plays a crucial role in their longevity. Avoid damp environments at all costs. Leather absorbs moisture from the air, so keeping it in a dry, well-ventilated space is essential. Additionally, use dust bags or covers to prevent dust accumulation, which can absorb into the leather surface and make cleaning more challenging.

Pro Tip: If you’ve stored your leather in a place that’s too humid and noticed mold, use a mixture of equal parts rubbing alcohol and water to wipe the surface clean.

Step 6: Regular Cleaning

Cleaning leather isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about protection. Dirt can scratch the leather’s surface and trap moisture, leading to water damage. For routine maintenance:

• Wipe down leather items with a slightly damp cloth.
• For tougher stains, use a leather cleaner designed for your type of leather.
• Always dry the leather immediately after cleaning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While it’s important to know how to protect leather, it’s equally crucial to know what not to do. Here are the most common mistakes people make:

• Using regular shoe polish: Polishes meant for synthetic materials can damage the leather.
• Skipping conditioner: Over time, untreated leather becomes brittle and cracks.
• Leaving leather in the rain: Prolonged exposure can lead to irreparable damage.
• Drying with heat: While tempting, this will only worsen the situation by cracking the leather.

Emergency Care: What to Do If Leather Gets Wet

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, leather gets soaked. If this happens, don’t panic—you can still save it if you act quickly. Here’s a step-by-step emergency guide:

1. Remove water: Blot, don’t rub, as rubbing can spread the water further into the leather.
2. Stuff with newspaper: This helps absorb moisture from the inside and maintains the leather’s shape.
3. Dry naturally: Air-dry the leather away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
4. Condition: Once dry, immediately apply a leather conditioner to restore lost oils.

The Best Products to Use for Leather Protection

In addition to waterproof sprays, conditioners, and protectors, certain products are known for their effectiveness:

• Kiwi Protect-All: A spray designed to shield against water and stains.
• Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner: A popular choice for restoring and conditioning leather.
• Obenauf’s Heavy Duty LP: Great for outdoor gear like leather boots and belts.
• Apple Brand Garde: A stain and waterproof repellent, ideal for handbags and delicate leather goods.

Choosing the right product depends on the type of leather and its use. For example, outdoor gear requires a more robust, long-lasting treatment, while handbags benefit from lighter, non-greasy protectants.

Leather Types and Their Water Resistance

Not all leather is the same. Some types are naturally more resistant to water than others. Let’s take a look at different types of leather and how they fare against moisture:

Suede and nubuck are particularly vulnerable to rain, so they require extra attention. Waterproof sprays designed specifically for these materials can help, but it’s always better to avoid exposing them to rain altogether.

Final Thoughts on Leather Care

Taking care of leather, especially in wet weather, requires time and a bit of effort. But by following these steps—using waterproof sprays, conditioning regularly, drying properly, and using the right protectors—you can ensure that your leather items not only survive the rain but thrive in it. Consider investing in quality products and learning about your specific leather type to tailor your care routine for the best results.

Remember, prevention is key, but even if your leather does get wet, knowing how to handle it can save your favorite leather pieces.