You forgot your umbrella—again. (Or the weatherman got it wrong—again.) Either way, your favorite leather bag got soaked. Don’t ask, “Can leather get wet?”—just know what to do when it does. First tip: act fast. Here’s how to care for wet leather:
- DRY
Gently wipe off any standing water and let the leather dry naturally to the point of being damp—but not fully dry. (No blow dryers!) For a jacket, hang it on a wide, padded hanger. For bags, boots, or shoes, stuff them with crumpled newspaper to absorb excess water and maintain their shape.
- CONDITION
While the leather is still slightly damp, apply a thick coat of leather conditioner. Massage it into the surface and let it dry for several hours or overnight. The conditioner will penetrate the leather and replenish the natural oils stripped away by the water. Learn more about using leather conditioner with our trusted guide.
- PROTECT
If any areas seem overly dry, apply more conditioner and buff the entire surface. After handling the current situation, make your leather more water-resistant by applying a water and stain repellent before it gets wet again. Follow these steps to care for your leather and prevent future staining.
Whether it’s rain or a spilled drink, “Can leather get wet?” is the wrong question. Unless you hide your leather shoes or briefcase in a special corner, they will encounter water at some point. Just be prepared to handle it, take steps to make your leather water-resistant, and go live your life. Looking for durable, high-quality leather bags? Explore our collection of sturdy leather bags, made for every adventure.
