While there’s no denying the fact that leather is one of the most stylish and attractive materials on the face of Earth, it can become damage if it’s not properly maintained. Whether you own a pair of leather shoes, a belt, backpack or any other item, you need to know how to keep it protected; otherwise, you may find yourself spending more of your money and time trying to repair it. Keep reading and we’ll reveal some of the most common causes of leather damage and why you should avoid them.
Sunlight
While the occasional exposure to sunlight probably won’t cause any noticeable change in your leather, long-term exposure may cause it to fade over time. If you enjoy the dark, natural color of your leather, you should try to get into the habit of keeping it away from the sun. This doesn’t necessary mean you have to avoid wearing your leather boots or apparel outside, but you should avoid leaving them outside where the sun is constantly beaming down on them.
In addition to fading, sunlight can also cause leather to crack and dry out to the point where it’s no longer able to be repaired. Naturally, leather holds some moisture inside of it which keeps it flexible and prevents it from cracking. When it’s exposed to sunlight for prolonged lengths of time, this moisture will evaporate from the leather, causing it to dry out and crack.
Moisture
As stated above, leather holds some moisture inside of it, and while this is perfectly fine, too much moisture may cause it to rot. If you happen to spill water or any other type of liquid on it, use a dry cloth to soak it up immediately. Allowing moisture to sit on your leather will increase the chance of it soaking through and causing it to rot.
Too Much Leather Wax
Using a small amount of wax or polish on your leather products will make them shine and even help protect them from the sun and moisture. However, the fact is that most people use far much wax and polish on their leather, which can increase the chances of it rotting out. You may not realize it, but wax, polish and other leather products contain a significant amount of moisture, and this moisture can damage your leather in the same way that plain water can. For this reason, it’s recommended that you only use wax, polish or other products on your leather once every couple of months.