Germs, bacteria, viruses are found everywhere. And the worst thing is...We can’t even see them with our bare eyes! It’s like fighting with an invisible enemy. With the Corona Virus shaking the whole world, it is important to take extra precautionary measures. This can leave you wondering, how to disinfect leather? Health experts suggest not only to wash our hands regularly and wear masks but also disinfect our exposed items before entering our homes. These items include our leather bags, shoes, jackets, and other leather accessories.
We can never be too sure what our leather accessories have been in contact with. We expose them outside when we travel, work, or shop for groceries. Thus, it is important to regularly disinfect them. Although we know about this, we are worried about damaging our bags at the same time. Well, don’t worry! Our leather experts will provide tips on how to disinfect your leather bags, shoes, and accessories WITHOUT damaging them.
What is the importance of disinfecting leather?
Our world is facing an invisible enemy—COVID-19. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 spreads between people through direct, close contact with infected people via mouth and nose secretions or even indirect contaminations. Indirect contamination happens when we come in contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. You might wonder, how long does the virus live on surfaces? Well, it depends on the surface. The virus can stay 5 days on metal, 4 hours on wood,9 hours on fabrics and 3 days on plastics. How about Crazy Horse Leather tote bags and other leather products? It could stay for up to 5 days. Yikes! That is why it is important to regularly wash our hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol, and also clean surfaces frequently.
Cleaning and disinfecting your leather shoes, bags, jackets, and accessories regularly will help you avoid the risk of COVID-19. This is because even while social distancing or wearing your masks, your leather accessories are exposed to different elements. You can never be too sure what your leather accessories have been in contact with while you are riding the bus to work, or shopping for groceries.
Now that we are equipped with the knowledge of the importance of disinfecting leather, let's delve into the next section... How do you disinfect leather?
How do you disinfect leather?
Recent studies from the National Institute of Health show that the COVID-19 is killed or neutralized when its outer shell is damaged. The outer shell is a thin protective fat-layer. Drying out the protective layer, dehydrates and eventually kills it. Studies suggest that the Corona Virus can be killed in as fast as 15 seconds. However, it can take up to 5 to 6 minutes for the protective layer to deteriorate on the surface when a regular cleaner is used.
Colder environment, and humidity are COVID-19’s closest friends. In contrast to a hot temperature, the Corona Virus can thrive in colder environments. This is because a colder environment hardens the outer shell, making the virus survive longer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Corona Virus dies if exposes to a temperature of at least 132 degrees Fahrenheit. With that said, it is crucial for exposed leather accessories to be disinfected before bringing it inside our homes.
Disinfecting leather may sound like a difficult chore, but hey it’s easy! Our leather experts will make it easy for you. The following are surefire tips in killing the novel Coronavirus on your leather accessories without damaging it.
Tips on how to clean and disinfect your leather accessories:
- Before you enter your home, leave your leather accessories outside for air movement.
- Put your leather under the sun, but be careful not to put it out for too long.
- Remove the Coronavirus by wiping the surface instead of just spraying it with a cleaner or alcohol-based product.
- Carefully rub the leather surface with a hot cloth, with a little amount of PH balanced shampoo.
- Turn up your house heater to dry out the coronavirus’ protective shell.
- After disinfecting your leather, be sure to condition it to maintain its flexibility. Read here for more info on how to condition your leather.
- Do not use artificial heat directly on the leather’s surface. This may destroy your leather.
- Do not use bleach or rubbing alcohol on leather because it may lose its color.
- Do not soak your leather when cleaning, as this can introduce molds and possibly destroy your leather. Read here for more info on how to deal with a wet leather situation.
- Wash your hands after disinfecting and cleaning your leather!
As we adapt to the new normal, it is important to change our habits when we handle our things. The next time we travel, go to work, or shop for groceries, let us always make sure to be more responsible for disinfecting our things—especially our leather! Be sure to follow our surefire tips to prevent COVID-19 Transmission.
Take care and stay healthy!
