Leather is considered one of the finest and versatile fabrics that most of the people love to buy. With time, leather become still and it is very important to take care of it. The still leather becomes less comfortable and it starts to crack.
To keep your leather products soft, you need to take care of it by using different techniques that will help lasts the natural appearance of leather products. The pure leather products are made from animal hide, these leather products possesses certain qualities that enhances the appearance of the wearer.
It is not common with certain types of leather to become stiff, this is not something that happens in a week or a month, instead it take months or years to become stiff that become uncomfortable to wear. So, if you are trying to save the appearance of your leather products, let’s discuss how we can keep it soften for longer years. Before we discuss how to soften leather, let’s discuss different types of leather and how they differ in stiffness.
What are the Different Types of Leather and How do They Differ in Stiffness?
Cowhide: Leather is generally originated from cowhide, however, this is not true for every time. Usually leather is made from cowhide, buffalo, elk, and ostrich. The bovine leather is tough and it is utilized for protection, such as motorcycle leather jackets. It is also incredibly delicate and fragile but it worn out slowly.
Cowhide leather is the most common type of leather that is used in furniture. It offers durability as it is heavy and tough and is not commonly used in fashion sector.
Goatskin: Goatskin is soft and durable that is water-repellant as well – a very unique and distinctive property. Lambskin on the other hand, is often prioritized by luxury designers and high-end brands.
Deerskin: Another type of leather is the deerskin leather that is significantly softer than the cowhide leather. The granular structure allows the air to pass through giving it a smooth feel. It is abrasion resistant and offers durability and longevity.
Lambskin: Lambskin leather is the softest form of leather that originates from a young animal. This type of leather is supple and gives a buttery touch. All other leather kinds can’t compete with the fine-grained silky feel of this material. This softness makes lambskin leather jackets more susceptible to wear and abrasion, therefore taking excellent care of your lambskin leather jacket is vital for its durability.
Ever since the leather industry boomed in the early 1900s, lambskin has been utilized in the manufacture of leather jackets and other clothing.
To better comprehend leather’s physical characteristics, it is helpful to know what type of hide is used to make it. As a result, the leather is categorized into the following groups:
Full Grain Leather: The full-grain leather is derived from a top layer of hide that includes all the grains. It has minimum surface modifications, making it the hardest sort of leather available.
For this reason, it is highly sought after by leather enthusiasts.
Top grain leather: Choosing top-grain leather when purchasing a leather jacket is the finest option. When the skin is split and sanded, it becomes soft and flexible. Afterward, it can be dyed to give it a touch of class.
As a result, this sort of leather is extremely strong and durable. As a result, it tends to get longer and longer in the long run as the time passes. Most of the high-end leather items employ this material.
Now, we understand different types of leathers; let’s uncover how to soften leather.
How we can Soften Leather?
Before the leather begin to break or crack, it is important to take a look at the leather’s condition. Once it becomes stiff and started to crack down, it would be difficult to get it back in the ideal texture.
You may not be able to save it if it is so stiff that it has begun to break or has cracked all the way through. There are several ways you may transform a piece of leather that’s been sitting around collecting dust and grime for a while. You may have to wait a few days to see the full effect, but you should be able to get that item back to being smooth and flexible.
Using Natural Oils to Soften Leather
Natural oils are the best to apply if you don’t know how to soften the leather. Use jojoba oil, avocado, or coconut to soften leather items. The leather should be exposed to the sun before using any natural oil. This is particularly important in the summer. Allow the materials to breathe for 10 minutes to allow the pores to open.
- Prepare any of the aforementioned natural oils. You can use skin-softening oils. This means that you should use a non-chemically hydrogenated vegetable or corn oil, as opposed to one that is.
- You can apply the oil to your leather item. You may use a finger dipped in the oil to lightly rub the leather. To achieve the best results, apply multiple layers of oil over the skin. Allow the leather to dry after applying the oil. This will make the leather softer and darker.
- You can repeat the process if you’re not happy with the outcomes. Check to see if the oil has been applied evenly to avoid uneven hues. Following the right technique will make your leather garment softer, making it more convenient to wear and less uncomfortable.
If you’re unsure of the oil’s effects on leather, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. Small amounts should be massaged in for a time. If it discolors the leather, then don’t use it to soften the leather with it on.
Softening Leather Using Heat
Because leather goods are manufactured from animal skin, their responses are quite similar to those of our own. In the same way that we moisturize our skin to make it softer, we should do the same thing with our leather backpacks, purses, and wallets. Heat may be used in a variety of ways to soften leather gloves and other clothing, but you must be cautious. Newer goods should not be heated to soften the leather. If the goods are old, the heat can evaporate any leftover moisture, which could lead to further harm to the object in question. Before you utilize heat to soften your leather accessory, use a moisturizer and spread it by rubbing it gently.
Using Hair Dryer
The heat from a hairdryer is a typical technique to soften the leather. Turn on your hair dryer on medium heat and run it over the cloth after applying a moisturizer to the leather item. The leather might be damaged by high heat.
Try to keep a distance of at least 15 cm between the hairdryer and the leather clothing. Take it back and forth and don’t keep it in one place for too long. These techniques help to brighten and soften the leather surface.
Put It in a Dryer
The leather outfit can be dried in a dryer if you need it quickly. After putting the item in the dryer, set the temperature to medium and let it run for 10 to 15 minutes. The leather item may become scorched or shrink if it is exposed to extremely high temperatures or if it is left in the heat for an extended period of time.
In this scenario, the leather should either be somewhat moist or completely dry. Leather apparel should not be washed in a washing machine.
Leave the Leather Accessory in a Humid, Warm Place
While taking a hot shower, hang the leather garment in the bathroom, or put it beneath your car’s windshield to get this effect. For a time, let it sit there. Because direct heat can cause the leather to dry out or fade, you should not keep it out for a lengthy amount of time.
As a result, having the attachment in the shower will serve two purposes. In addition to softening, the leather item is soaked in moisture.
Using Water to Soften Leather
To soften leather without chemicals, you may just add some water to your leather care routine. Using water to soften leather is as simple as the methods below:
Fill Water into a Spray Bottle
It’s easy to soften a leather item by moisturizing it. Water should be placed in a spray bottle and the cap should be tightened to prevent any accidents. Make sure to use distilled water to wash your clothes instead of tap water. A wet towel will suffice in the absence of a spray bottle.
Note: Leather that has been waterproofed cannot be softened by water.
Spray the Entire Leather Surface
Spritz the leather object from the top to the bottom until the water begins to bead up on the leather item. After some time, moisture will seep into the leather, causing it to lose its firmness. The leather should be worn to let it expand and adapt to your body.
Also, you may wear the leather and stand outside in a little drizzle while wearing it. Avoid standing for lengthy periods of time to prevent the leather from becoming soaked. Keep your leather accessory away from excessive moisture, although a little water can have a light aging effect without damaging it.
Wipe the Excess Water
Using a clean cloth, remove excess water from the leather with a soft brush. Let dry the item naturally, place it in a cool, dry location. It will evaporate the moisture that is left. Too much water will cause it to fade and break, giving the garment a harsh look.
Avoid leaving a lot of water on the clothing. You must ensure that all metal components have been dried to avoid them from lustering.
Apply Leather Conditioner
Apply a premium leather conditioner after you’re done. This will keep the leather hydrated and prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle over time if done correctly.
Following these methods, we can maintain the appearance of leather and soften our leather products for longer time for more details visit Gloss leather website.
