How to properly store genuine leather bags and jackets at home!
Most of us have one or more leather jackets, a leather blazer, or a leather bag, regardless of whether they are “branded” or not. What matters is that they hold value for each of us. These items are often acquired with a lot of effort, and they may represent an investment, whether small or large, for different individuals. What brings us great joy throughout the winter season can easily turn into a headache, or even a nightmare, if we don’t take the appropriate measures to protect our investment. Just imagine the disappointment when, at some point, we open the closet to retrieve our beloved leather item, only to find it covered in mold. Naturally, we start wondering, “What do I do now?”
Before answering the question of “What do I do now?” (which we may address in a future article), let’s explore what we could do to avoid reaching that point. After all, prevention is better than cure!
So, the question is: How can I prevent mold on my leather items, especially if I live in a high-humidity climate?
To keep it brief, there are two methods.
The first method (highly recommended for branded items that we have invested a fortune in, mainly leather bags and accessories) involves using a cabinet with a dehumidifier. By controlling the humidity level in a controlled environment, we can prevent mold spots from forming on the surface of leather bags. In this case, the preferred humidity setting is in the range of 50-55%. Any setting below 45% poses the risk of drying out the leather, while anything above 60% increases the likelihood of mold spots forming.
You may be concerned about the electricity consumption of your drying cabinet, but rest assured that modern dehumidifiers are highly efficient and relatively economical in terms of power consumption.
But what about storing leather jackets (which may be difficult to accommodate in the mentioned cabinet due to their volume)?
The solution is simple and it’s called silica gel (a moisture absorber).
After you acquire the silica gel, place it in plastic containers with holes punched in their lids (as seen in the photo). Place the containers inside the closet, among the leather items, and you have your own D.I.Y. portable dehumidifier!
Which of these two methods works best?
To be realistic, we cannot expect the second method to be as effective as a closet with a dehumidifier. If we rely solely on the mini portable D.I.Y. dehumidifier, then we will need to take additional measures to complement our efforts against mold.
To reduce the likelihood of mold stains on leather bags and jackets, we should check them at least twice a month. Take them out of the closet, ventilate the space, and if you notice any signs of mold, wipe them with a soft cotton cloth before placing them back in the closet.
Important…
When storing leather bags, always place them inside cotton or fabric bags and never in plastic ones! Additionally, it’s important to fill them with paper internally to maintain their original shape.
In summary: Prevention is always better than treatment!
