Leather (finished product/tanned hides) needs careful storage and, if done correctly, will last for decades in mint condition, ready for that special application you've been saving it for. Before learning how to store leather bags, you must understand your leather. Vegetable tanning and chrome tanning are the two most popular and widely used methods of tanning leather. We'll concentrate on vegetable tanned leather because what applies to it is largely the same as what applies to chrome tanned leather.

Key Takeaways

• Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to leather storage damage, which is often permanent
• Maintain consistent environmental conditions: room temperature, 55% humidity, and protection from direct light
• Never use plastic/PVC wrapping for leather storage; always use breathable materials like paper
• Regular maintenance, including cleaning and conditioning, is essential for long-term leather preservation
• Proper storage techniques vary by item type but generally involve keeping items stuffed, wrapped, and elevated off the ground

Properties of Vegetable Tanned Leather

Vegetable tanned leather is very brittle. When exposed to light, especially sunlight, it burns like a sunburn on your skin. The leather can darken in areas exposed to any kind of indoor light or sunlight, but the rest will remain unaffected. Depending on the amount of light obtained, the preserved areas would be paler, while the exposed areas would be darker. The exposed area stiffens and dries out, making it a little more difficult to operate on.

Environmental Risk Factors

The other two main risk factors are heat and humidity. Humidity is particularly troublesome because too much of it promotes the growth of mold and mildew on the leather surface. Insufficient moisture, on the other hand, causes leather to dry rot and become useless over time. Heat often combines with high humidity to accelerate mold formation, and heat in drier environments often accelerates the drying out process. Colder temperatures pose less of a challenge, but you don't want to freeze leather, which will stiffen and make it difficult to work with.

Basic Storage Conditions

When handling your own leather, wear gloves or have clean hands. Leather should best be kept away from sun, at room temperature (about 65o-72o F.), with about 55% humidity, and ideally in a breathable protective covering. It is important to note that any damage to leather caused by improper storage is often permanent. Prevention is far superior to treatment!

Essential Rules for Leather Storage

1. Leather goods should be stored in a lightproof or low-light environment. AVOID DIRECT LIGHT AT ALL COSTS, since it can also permeate protective wrapping paper.
2. To keep ambient light at bay, wrap the leather item in thick dark-colored protective tape.
3. Maintain a humidity level of 50% – 55%. Basements or closets that are wet can never be used.
4. NEVER EVER WRAP LEATHER IN PVC. It can't breathe, and the tightly sealed plastic wrapping can lead to mold growth. Mold damage is often permanent. The use of paper helps leather to breathe while still keeping it clean. To keep dust at bay, drape wrapped leather with a freshly laundered white bed sheet.
5. NEVER store leather on bare cement floors, or even cement flooring with carpeting on it. Cement acts like a water magnet, releasing considerable moisture at will! So, keep leather off the floor and place it on elevated shelving high enough off the floor to prevent moisture from creeping up into the leather.

Rolling and Wrapping Techniques

6. NEVER EVER fold leather. Always roll it up to avoid creases and to maintain its smooth look. Leather can be rolled up either inside out or outside out. It might be best to roll it the way it came from the shipper, as it has most likely already developed a "pack" by the time you receive it. Roll it from the neck to the butt because the butt is the stiffest part of the hide and may not survive a sharp bend to begin the rolling process.
7. Alternative leathers (such as faux leather) should be wrapped around a clean cardboard tube in the same way as carpets or paper are. Then wrap the roll in protective paper, tucking the ends in around the leather edges. Tie firmly but gently to avoid leaving a mark with a soft string or a thin colorfast feather thread/cord/lace/strip that will not bleed through the paper wrap, as oils or colors will bleed through and leave a permanent stain.
8. Roll saddle woolskins with the wool on the inside, starting at the neck and working your way down to the butt. Tie the knot gently with a gentle string. Paper wrapping woolskins is unnecessary for short-term storage since any light burns on the non-wool leather side will be covered when the saddle is made. Prolonged exposure to any form of light (direct or indirect) should be avoided for longer-term storage by using safe paper wrapping.

Caring for Leather Bags and Accessories

Leather is a high-priced product with many applications. Proper storage is key to prolonging the life of your leather and keeping it as good as the day you purchased it from the tannery or shipper, allowing you to make the most of it and maximize your income.

General Care Guidelines

• Prevention is important. So hold lipstick, pens, and other things that may leak in a separate waterproof pouch to avoid staining the bag's lining.
• Don't over-clean your boot. Over time, leather develops a natural and beautiful patina that is not considered dirt or harm. Over-cleaning causes product buildup, which can hasten the degradation of your bag.
• When there is a chance of rain or snow, try not to use your leather bag because water is extremely damaging to all types of leather.
• Unfortunately, light can slowly harm leather or cloth over time. The UV part of the light spectrum will be the most harmful. If at all possible, avoid direct sunlight exposure.
• Because fluorescent lights/CFLs emit more UV than LED or incandescent lights, it is preferable to stop using CFLs in your closet.
• Avoid putting your bag on concrete floors, as this can encourage fungal growth in some bags.

Importance of Proper Storage

Leather is a natural material and therefore a natural product. Different types of leather, including full-grain leather, top-grain leather, and genuine leather, each have unique characteristics. As a natural process, leather is very malleable and therefore quickly changes shape and form, developing a rich patina over time. High-quality leather products like leather shoes, leather bags, and leather accessories require proper care and regular maintenance to maintain their luxurious appeal.

Leather items stored in environments with excess moisture or excessive exposure to direct sunlight can face various risks. Leather handbags and leather wallets that are exposed to damp conditions can become susceptible to mold growth and water damage. Similarly, if leather gear is exposed to harsh chemicals, artificial light, or environmental elements for an extended period, it will begin to lose its natural beauty and color. Premium leather products may also be affected by extreme heat and heat sources.

For proper storage of leather products, use breathable fabric or dust bags rather than plastic containers or airtight containers. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth or damp cloth, followed by drying with a dry cloth, helps maintain the leather surface. Apply a high-quality leather conditioner using circular motions to keep the leather supple and in excellent condition. For long-term storage, consider using acid-free tissue paper and silica gel packets to prevent moisture accumulation.

The natural aging process and patina development are highly valued by leather enthusiasts. Whether it's vegetable-tanned leather or chrome-tanned leather, proper maintenance and regular conditioning will ensure your leather items age beautifully. Protect your leather from dust accumulation and excessive moisture by storing in a breathable environment, away from direct light and extreme temperatures.

Handbag Storage Tips

1. Wipe your leather bag with a soft cloth to clear any dried dry dust/dirt that has accumulated on the floor. Then, using a dry cloth and a small amount of leather cleaner, clean away the excess.
2. Apply a thin layer of a good leather conditioner to the leather and let it age for 30 minutes. Then, using a dry muslin cloth, wipe the bag's surface clean. We suggest reconditioning your leather at least once a year because rehydration opens up the pores and allows the leather to breathe.
3. To help the bag maintain its shape, fill it with crumbled butter paper, bubble wrap, or plastic cushion air bags.
4. Leather handbags are extremely stain resistant. Color rubbing off from denim and other darker tones is popular.
5. To keep moisture at bay, keep handbags in a pouch or two of silica gel.
6. Keep the bag in a cool, dark spot. The leather discolors when exposed to sunlight.
7. If the bag has a metal chain or strap, make sure to store it inside the bag or protect the metal handle/chain from scratching by wrapping it in foam or butter paper.

Shoe Storage Guidelines

1. To remove dirt from your shoes before storing them, clean them with a damp cloth.
2. To recondition the shoes and make the leather comfortable and supple, apply a thin layer of a good leather balm.
3. Leather shoes should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment that is cool and dry.
4. To help shoes maintain their shape, stuff them with acid-free tissue paper.
5. Before putting the stuffed shoes in shoe racks or storage boxes, cover or seal them with muslin cloth or acid-free butter paper.
6. Because patent is vulnerable to dye transfers, it should be kept in cloth bags.
7. If room allows, keep shoes in their original shoe boxes.
8. To keep leather boots in shape, use a boot stand to store them upright.

As we can see, leather is a very delicate material that requires constant treatment. The manner in which you store your leather bag will decide its health and longevity. It is recommended that you concentrate on finding the best place to store your bag and keeping an eye on it on a regular basis to ensure that all is in place for better leather care.

Why Trust Our Leather Storage Expertise?

At Steel Horse Leather, our deep understanding of leather care and storage comes from decades of hands-on experience in leather craftsmanship. Our master artisans have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft, developing an intimate knowledge of leather's properties, behaviors, and preservation requirements. This expertise isn't just theoretical – it's built on years of working with various leather types and observing how they respond to different storage conditions and handling techniques.

Our commitment to leather excellence extends beyond craftsmanship to comprehensive material knowledge. For instance, when designing the Endre Weekender's cotton lining and multiple compartments, we carefully considered how different storage conditions would affect both the exterior leather and interior materials. The bag's durability under various environmental conditions has helped us refine our storage guidelines, particularly regarding humidity levels and temperature control.

What sets our storage recommendations apart is our holistic approach to leather understanding. Through developing products like the Endre Weekender, which features both a leather handle and shoulder strap, we've gained practical insights into how different leather components respond to various storage conditions. Our experience with the natural variation in leather coloring and texture, as seen in each unique piece of our collection, has deepened our understanding of proper leather care and storage requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Ideal Storage Conditions For Leather?

Leather should be stored at room temperature (65°-72°F) with approximately 55% humidity in a breathable protective covering. Keep it away from direct sunlight and ensure proper ventilation. Never store leather in PVC wrapping or on cement floors.

How Should I Wrap Leather For Storage?

Always roll leather instead of folding it to avoid creases. Use protective paper (not plastic) for wrapping, and secure it gently with soft string or colorfast cord. Start rolling from the neck to the butt for whole hides, and wrap around a clean cardboard tube for alternative leathers.

What Are The Main Factors That Can Damage Stored Leather?

The three main risk factors are light (especially sunlight), heat, and humidity. Too much humidity can cause mold growth, while insufficient moisture leads to dry rot. Direct light can cause burning and discoloration, and extreme temperatures can make leather stiff and difficult to work with.

How Often Should I Condition My Leather Items?

Leather items should be conditioned at least once a year. This process helps rehydrate the leather, opens up its pores, and allows it to breathe. Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner and let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping clean with a dry muslin cloth.

How Should I Store Leather Handbags?

Clean the bag with a soft cloth, condition it, and stuff it with crumbled butter paper or bubble wrap to maintain its shape. Store in a cool, dark place with silica gel pouches to control moisture. Protect any metal hardware by wrapping it in foam or butter paper.

Conclusion

Proper leather storage is essential for maintaining the quality and extending the life of leather products. By following these guidelines for temperature, humidity, light exposure, and handling techniques, you can preserve your leather items for decades. Remember that the extra effort invested in proper storage is far less costly than replacing damaged leather goods, and with proper care, leather items can remain in excellent condition for generations to come.