Wet leather can crack or stain if not properly treated
Leather, a popular material for jackets, briefcases, purses, wallets, shoes and other items, is very porous in nature and can damage easily when exposed to liquids or moisture. If leather gets wet, the material can stain, harden and crack easily, ruining the leather item in some cases. It is important to dry wet leather as soon as possible in order to minimize the possible damage. Repairing wet leather requires a few steps and some items that can be purchased at many hardware or home repair stores. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use a soft cloth or towel to absorb as much of the moisture as possible if the leather is still wet. Gently blot and rub the leather with the cloth but do not use heat, as this can further damage the leather item.
2. Dampen a soft brush with water if the leather has already dried and water marks have appeared. Use the soft brush to gently rub the entire surface of the leather item to create an even surface and avoid uneven discoloration.
3. Create a solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part warm water if salt stains have materialized on the leather after the wet areas have dried. Use a clean, soft brush to gently scrub the mixture over the salt stains. Do not wet the area excessively because this can cause additional damage.
4. Use a clean, soft towel to blot the leather dry, using a towel similar in color to the leather if possible to prevent any color transfer. Allow the leather item to finish air drying.
5. Gently buff the leather item with a soft brush to restore the nap of the fabric once it is completely dry. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a clean, soft cloth and gently rub over the leather surface to restore the soft nature of the leather.
Tags: leather item, soft brush, clean soft, blot leather, brush gently, salt stains
