Leather may be durable, but it's far from indestructible. Sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures can cause fading, cracking, and warping. Without proper storage, your once-beautiful leather items can lose their shape, texture, and color over time.

Luckily, storing leather correctly isn't complicated. It just requires the right approach. This guide will share quick tips on protecting your leather from sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures.

1. Keep Leather Away from Direct Sunlight

Sunlight might seem harmless, but UV rays break down leather fibers and fade colors over time. Heat from direct sun exposure can also dry out the leather, making it stiff and prone to cracking.

Store leather items in a cool, dark place away from windows and direct sunlight.
Use breathable fabric covers or garment bags for extra protection.
Avoid leaving leather goods in hot cars or near heating vents.

2. Prevent Moisture Buildup

Humidity is leather's worst enemy. Excess moisture can cause mold, mildew, and warping, while dry air can strip leather of its natural oils.

Ensure your storage area is well-ventilated to prevent humidity buildup.
Place silica gel packets or moisture-absorbing products near leather items.
Never store leather in plastic bags because they trap moisture and encourage mold growth.

3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Leather expands in heat and contracts in cold, leading to long-term damage. Storing leather in attics, basements, or non-climate-controlled spaces puts it at risk of warping and cracking.

Keep leather at a stable, moderate temperature.
Use air conditioning or dehumidifiers in humid climates.
Avoid exposing leather to extreme heat, such as radiators or fireplaces.

4. Clean & Condition Before Storage

Storing dirty leather speeds up wear and tear. Dirt, body oils, and environmental pollutants break down leather fibers over time, leading to deterioration.

Gently clean leather with Clyde's Leather Cleaning Foam to remove dirt and oils.
Apply Clyde's Leather Conditioning Cream to keep the material supple and moisturized during storage.
Let the leather fully dry before putting it away.

5. Store Leather the Right Way

Leather can lose its shape if stored incorrectly. Hanging jackets on thin wire hangers or stuffing bags improperly can cause permanent creases and misshaping.

Use padded hangers for jackets to maintain their natural shape.
Fill leather bags and boots with tissue paper or soft fabric to help them retain their form.
Keep leather items upright and spaced out to avoid pressure marks and creases.

The Right Products for Proper Leather Storage

Proper storage isn't just about where you put your leather; it's also about how you prepare and protect it.

At Clyde's Leather Company, we offer premium leather care essentials designed to clean, condition, and protect your leather goods:

Clyde's Leather Cleaning Foam – Removes dirt and buildup without drying out leather.
Clyde's Leather Conditioning Cream – Rehydrates and protects against cracking.
Clyde's 4-Step Recoloring Kit – Cleans, conditions, and restores faded leather.

Investing in quality leather care products ensures your items last longer and maintain their luxurious feel.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Leather for Years to Come

A little extra effort in cleaning, conditioning, and storing leather properly can go a long way. By following these storage tips and using the right leather care products, your jackets, bags, and boots will stay in pristine condition for years.

Explore Clyde's premium leather care collection today!