Leather is both valuable and beautiful and comes in a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes. These properties make it a desirable product to own and care for. This post is all about storing leather safely and understanding how to care for, and to prevent your valuable items getting damaged while in storage.
The best temperature to store leather is between 18-24 degrees celsius (65-70 fahrenheit) The maximum humidity should not exceed 45-55%. Leather must be kept out of direct sunlight and covered with a breathable cloth while in storage. Leather should never be folded when stored as it will crease.
Now that you know leather can be safely stored if the climatic conditions are suitable, let’s take a closer look at some of the conditions you need to be aware of when storing leather. Your favourite jacket, handbag, wallet or skirt can be safely stored if the following steps are followed. Let’s take an in depth look at the best methods for storing your vegetable tanned leather.
Best temperature for storing leather?
Leather is made up of a protein called collagen as well as various fats, oils and water. The water and fat content in leather need to be maintained at certain levels to prevent leather from drying out.
The best temperature to maintain this balance is between 18-24 degrees celsius. This temperature is suitable because it doesn’t allow too much moisture and oils to evaporate out of leather.
If the temperature is too high water molecules bind with oils inside leather. This water then evaporates because of the high temps causing the oils to be drawn out of the leather. This loss of oils will cause leather to lose its suppleness, dry out and crack.
The use of a leather conditioner will help replenish these oils and protect leather. When leather is stored conditioner needs to be applied every 3 months to make sure the leather is adequately protected from temperature and humidity.
Too much humidity will cause moisture to penetrate the porous skin of the leather. This excess of moisture creates an ideal environment for mould and mildew to grow. Mould can result in permanent damage to the leather if not treated quickly.
Where should leather be stored.
The ideal climate for storage is where temperatures remain very steady all year round.
Countries or regions where temperatures fluctuate throughout day and nigh time make leather storage a bit more complicated. These areas can be ice cold in the morning and blazing hot by midday or vice versa. This fluctuation in temperature will cause oils and water to escape.
Tropical areas contain too much moisture and humidity which will make these areas prone to mould. If your workshop, garage or workspace is well insulated it should help keep the temperature constant throughout the day and night.
Generally cooler temperatures are not as bad as hotter climates as long as the air is not too moist. Of course the temperatures shouldn’t be so low that it causes leather to freeze. As long as the ideal range of temperature is maintained you should be able to easily store leather for long periods.
Ideally you would like to store leather in a climate controlled room or workspace where you have an air conditioner and a de-humidifier to help regulate temperature and humidity.
The area can then be completely climate controlled. Of course not all of us can afford such luxuries and a much cheaper option is to purchase a thermometer with a hydrometer (measures humidity) so that you can keep track of the environment and see if its suited for storing leather.
Check out this pinterest page on ideas for storing leather.
Where not to store leather.
Do not store leather in a hot roof attic, damp basement or damp closet as it will absorb moisture in these spaces. The excess moisture will cause mould and mildew to grow. Mould can cause permanent damage if not removed quickly. It can also quickly spread to other clothing or leather items that are stored in the same area.
Will the sun damage leather?
Yes it will damage leather. Keep leather stored out of direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause leather to dry out, crack and fade over time. Plan your storage area so that it is away from areas with direct sunlight if possible. Areas near to windows where temperatures can fluctuate quickly should also be avoided and are not ideal for storage.
Your storage area should be protected and out of reach from insects, animals, rodents and pests as they can cause severe damage. Animal urine and faeces will do irreparable damage to leather.
Storing leather wrapped or unwrapped?
Leather should not be stored or covered in plastic when in storage. Plastic is a non breathable membrane. If the conditions are humid this will lead to leather getting moist and mould will form. A breathable cotton cloth is recommended when storing leather. This allows leather to breathe and moisture to escape.
If possible a darker colour cloth is preferable as that helps keep any sunlight from penetrating through the cloth.
The cotton cloth will protect leather from damage and dust. Dust particles are abrasive and can cause damage to leather fibres its when wiped or cleaned. Dust can also help transport spores for mould to grow. Dust is best removed from leather by first vacuuming then wiping with a damp cloth. Afterwards
allow leather to dry.
Archive tissue paper that is Acid free can be used to separate hides that are stored on top of one another. It can also be stuffed into jacket sleeves and trouser legs to help leather maintain its shape when stored. If you are storing leather flat it is good practice to place paper sheets between your hides. This prevents oily
leather or leathers of different colours from staining each other. Never mix different types of leather together when in storage as they can react to each other causing marks or stains to form.
Storing leather on a cement floor.
Don’t store leather on a cement floor or too close to the ground. Cement loves water and will absorb and give off moisture to its surroundings. If leather is stored too close to the floor it will absorb this moisture. Leather should be elevated far enough above the ground so as not to attract any moisture.
Should leather be folded when stored?
Never fold your leather when storing, this will cause crease marks to form in the leather. Always roll your hides or hang them if you can. If you are hanging items of clothing don’t use metal hangers. Certain ferrous metals re-act to the oils in leather when stored. This will cause marks and stains to form
on your leather. If you are hanging a jacket or skirt rather use wide plastic hangers as they won’t react with leather. They also helps to keep the leathers shape.
How long can leather be stored?
If leather is stored in a ideal climate and out of direct sunlight where the air moisture content is not too high or too low it can stored for many years. As long as its covered and protected. It still needs to be inspected regularly (once a month) and a conditioner applied every few months to replenish lost oils in
the leather. If these methods are applied your leather can be stored for a good few years.
Conclusion
Hopefully the above info has helped you understand what are the best conditions for storing leather. If you would like to learn a bit more about storing leather please check out my post on how to flatten rolled up leather.