Leather is skin, and it dries out the same way skin does. Conditioning two or three times a year is what prevents the cracking that cannot be undone.
How to wash leather
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leather | never machine wash | air dry away from all heat | leather cleaner, then conditioner |
Use a wipe and condition only cycle and leather cleaner, then conditioner. Wet leather must dry slowly at room temperature. Near a radiator it shrinks, hardens and cracks, usually permanently within one drying.
Drying and ironing
Dry air dry away from all heat. For ironing: never.
Salt stains from winter roads are alkaline and keep working after they dry. Remove them with a dilute vinegar solution as soon as possible.
How long it should last
Ten to thirty years for good hides, and far longer if resoled and conditioned.
Quick reference
Leather at a glance
- Wash: never machine wash
- Cycle: wipe and condition only
- Detergent: leather cleaner, then conditioner
- Dry: air dry away from all heat
- Iron: never