Leather is a porous material used to make clothing, furniture, and accessories for centuries. But what happens when leather gets wet? I witnessed firsthand how moisture can affect leather – as I discovered, it is not always ideal for wet weather.
My experience was eye-opening and a timely reminder of how delicate leather can be. Leather getting wet can cause various problems, ranging from discoloration or stains on leather to stretching and cracking. If not correctly cared for, leather can develop mold and mildew, resulting in an unpleasant odor and potential health risks.
Fortunately, there are methods for keeping your leather products looking great even after being wet. In this article, I’ll discuss the potential consequences of getting the leather wet and the proper steps to dry and protect this material.
What Causes Leather to Get Wet?
Genuine leather is sourced from animal hides and is sufficiently breathable. So, it is a porous material, thanks to the hair follicles on the skin of the animal it is derived from. Thus, leather is not entirely resistant to water, as spills or moisture drops will likely seep through it.
As I have experienced, wet leather doesn’t leave a pleasant experience. And leather can become wet for a variety of reasons. Exposure to water is one of the most common causes – this can be caused by rain and spills.
This delicate material can become wet due to condensation if left in a humid environment for an extended period, as inadequate storage (like storing leather items in plastic bags) can also cause the leather to become wet. Moisture can build up and cause the leather to become wet if it is stored in a sealed container without adequate ventilation.
Certain harsh chemicals have been said to react with the leather, making it wet. Finally, leather can also become wet from sweat, especially during the summer when you feel all sweaty.