How to Disinfect Leather Without Damaging It: Essential Tips for COVID-19 Protection

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.

Key Takeaways

• COVID-19 can survive on leather surfaces for up to 5 days, making regular disinfection essential
• Proper disinfection involves using gentle methods like pH-balanced shampoo and avoiding harsh chemicals
• Environmental factors like cold and humidity can extend virus survival time on surfaces
• Heat is effective at killing the virus, but must be applied carefully to protect the leather
• Regular conditioning after disinfection is crucial for maintaining leather quality

Historical Context of Disinfection Practices

Throughout history, disinfection techniques and methods of disinfection have evolved significantly, influenced by the understanding of infectious diseases and disease transmission. In ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece, natural materials and intuitive knowledge led to the use of substances like vinegar and salt for their supposed healing properties. Even ancient material like leather, derived from animal hides, was treated using simple steps and natural solutions.

As society progressed, the observation of bacteria and the discovery of microorganisms in the 19th century by pioneers like Louis Pasteur marked a pivotal shift in how people approached cleanliness and sanitation. During plague epidemics, people developed various cleaning solutions and treatment products to combat transmissible diseases. This newfound knowledge laid the groundwork for more effective disinfection processes, including the introduction of chemical disinfectants in the early 20th century that could truly eradicate harmful bacteria and virus particles.

These practices not only changed the way people maintained personal hygiene but also transformed entire industries, from medical instruments to household products. Today, understanding the historical context of disinfection provides valuable insights into the comprehensive guide of cleaning techniques we use, from simple guides to leather cleaning to advanced sanitary contexts. Whether dealing with leather furniture, leather car seats, or leather accessories, proper care instructions are essential. Different types of leather, including full-grain leather, top-grain leather, and corrected-grain leather, require special care and regular conditioning to prevent irreversible damage.

The cleaning process for leather surfaces often involves using a damp cloth or microfiber cloth, working in a circular motion with mild soap or saddle soap, followed by a clean cloth for drying. For porous surfaces like genuine leather, avoiding excess foam and harmful bacteria while maintaining proper air circulation is crucial. Modern disinfection techniques may include UV-C light treatment, though care must be taken to prevent UV damage to the delicate material. When dealing with common contaminants, such as pet dander, food spills, or ink stains, specific cleaning products and leather conditioners may be necessary to maintain the characteristics of leather over time.

Understanding the Need for Leather Disinfection

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.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Leather Items

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? Research examining surface contamination patterns has confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 can persist on leather surfaces for several days, particularly when these items are frequently exposed to public environments (Gonçalves et al., 2021; Wu et al., 2020). 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.

The Importance of Regular Disinfection

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?

Understanding COVID-19 and Leather

PH Protocol: Arrive home → sun/air bag 30 mins → wipe with leather cleaner → store.

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.

Environmental Factors

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. Studies have demonstrated that increasing temperature and relative humidity actually accelerates the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, meaning that lower temperatures and drier conditions allow the virus to persist longer (Biryukov et al., 2020; Riddell et al., 2020).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Corona Virus dies if exposed 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.

Essential Tips for Leather Disinfection

Important Precautions

• 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!

Post-Disinfection Leather Care

After disinfecting your leather items and leather surfaces, it's essential to give these porous materials some extra love and special care to maintain their beauty and longevity. This simple guide for leather types, including full-grain leather and top-grain leather, will help protect your leather possessions. Start by gently wiping away any excess disinfectant with a soft, dry cloth or microfiber cloth to avoid residue build-up and prevent harmful bacteria. Next, apply high-quality leather conditioners that are specifically formulated for the type of leather you have, whether it's genuine leather or faux leathers. Regular conditioning replenishes essential oils and helps to prevent drying effects or irreversible damage.

For routine cleaning of leather furniture, leather car seats, and leather accessories, be sure to follow the care instructions for application, as a little goes a long way. You might use a damp cloth with mild soap or leather cleaning wipes, working in a circular motion across the entire surface. When dealing with common contaminants like pet dander or food spills, avoid using abrasive cleaners or excessive amounts of cleaning solutions. Instead, opt for a clean lint-free cloth and appropriate leather cleaners.

Additionally, allow the conditioner to soak into the porous surface adequately, giving your leather time to recover from any potential stress caused by the disinfection process. For antique leather items or delicate material, take extra precautions during the cleaning process. Lastly, consider storing your leather products in a cool, dry place with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight and UV damage, to protect their characteristics and integrity for years to come. This comprehensive guide to leather cleaning and conditioning will help ensure your leather over time maintains its beauty and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can COVID-19 Survive On Leather Surfaces?

The coronavirus on leather surfaces can survive for up to 5 days on various leather types including full-grain leather and top-grain leather, making regular disinfection essential for leather items that are frequently exposed to public spaces. This applies to all leather materials, from leather furniture to leather accessories.

What Should I Avoid When Disinfecting Leather?

Avoid using bleach, alcohol-based disinfectants, chemical disinfectants, or harmful bacteria-killing agents like hydrogen peroxide when washing leather. These cleaning products can cause irreversible damage to the leather's color and structure. Also avoid using a hair dryer or other sources of artificial direct heat, and never soak this delicate material.

What Is The Best Method To Disinfect Leather?

The best disinfection process involves using a soft cloth or microfiber cloth with a mild soap or pH-balanced shampoo solution in warm water. Research supports this approach, indicating that pH-balanced shampoos and mild soaps are effective for leather disinfection while harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol can compromise the leather's surface integrity and reduce its lifespan (Gonçalves et al., 2021). Follow these simple steps: First, remove larger dust particles and pet hair using a dry cloth. Then, using circular motions with a damp cloth containing soapy water, clean the entire surface. Avoid excess foam and soap residue. After the cleaning process, proper conditioning with leather conditioners is a crucial step to maintain the leather's flexibility and create a protective barrier.

Can Heat Kill The Coronavirus On Leather?

Yes, heat can kill virus particles as it breaks down their fatty membrane. However, when dealing with this natural material, it's important to use indirect heat and ensure good air circulation. Avoid exposing leather surfaces to temperatures above 132 degrees Fahrenheit directly, as this can cause drying effects on genuine leather.

How Often Should I Disinfect My Leather Items?

You should perform routine cleaning and disinfection of your leather possessions regularly, especially after exposure to common contaminants in public spaces. This applies to all leather products, including leather car seats, leather shoes, and leather furniture. For a comprehensive guide to leather cleaning, consider the type of leather and its specific care instructions. Regular conditioning after the disinfection techniques will help protect the characteristics of leather over time.

Special care should be taken with antique leather items, and always perform colorfastness tests before using any new cleaning solutions. For optimal results, finish the process by wiping with a clean lint-free cloth to ensure no excess disinfectant remains on the porous surface.

Conclusion

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!

References

Biryukov, J., Boydston, J., Dunning, R., Yeager, J., Wood, S., Reese, A., … & Altamura, L. (2020). Increasing temperature and relative humidity accelerates inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces. mSphere, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.1128/msphere.00441-20

Gonçalves, J., Silva, P., Reis, L., Nascimento, M., Koritnik, T., Paragi, M., … & Mesquita, J. (2021). Surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review. The Science of the Total Environment, 798, 149231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149231

Riddell, S., Goldie, S., Hill, A., Eagles, D., & Drew, T. (2020). The effect of temperature on persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on common surfaces. Virology Journal, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12985-020-01418-7

Wu, S., Wang, Y., Jin, X., Tian, J., Liu, J., & Mao, Y. (2020). Environmental contamination by SARS-CoV-2 in a designated hospital for coronavirus disease 2019. American Journal of Infection Control, 48(8), 910-914. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2020.05.003