Smart ways to care for leather in the monsoon with easy DIY tricks  

How to care for leather shoes: Wrap your leather shoes or accessories in muslin cloth before storing to allow air circulation while keeping moisture out (Image: Pexels)

There’s something timelessly luxurious about leather. Whether it’s a buttery-soft handbag, a classic jacket, your favourite pair of boots, or a vintage leather couch; well-maintained leather only gets better with age.

But come monsoon, the very thing that makes leather feel rich becomes its biggest vulnerability. High humidity, dampness, and the occasional downpour can wreak havoc on leather, leading to mildew, cracking, discoloration, or even a permanent musty smell.

Here’s a handy guide to help you protect and preserve everything leather during the rainy season.

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How to care for leather jackets: Always hang larger leather items like jackets on wide wooden or padded hangers (never wire ones) to avoid creases and stretching (Image: Pexels)

1. Keep Things Dry and Breezy: Leather is porous and due to its natural texture it absorbs moisture easily, which makes it prone to fungus, mold, and warping. Keep your leather away from damp areas. Use silica gel packets or activated charcoal pouches in storage spaces and inside bags to absorb excess moisture. You can also wrap your leather shoes or accessories in muslin cloth before storing to allow air circulation while keeping moisture out.

2. Wipe It Down: If your leather items are exposed to rain, wipe them dry with a soft, clean cloth as soon as possible. Don’t wait for it to “air dry” on its own — it will only increase the risk of mould. For shoes and boots, avoid using heat sources like hair dryers or heaters. Let them dry naturally in a well-ventilated room, and stuff them with newspaper to retain their shape and absorb inner moisture. To remove musty odours from leather, place a small bowl of baking soda or ground coffee beans inside a bag or near the item as both are excellent natural deodorisers.

3. Conditioning Is Key: Think of leather like your skin — it needs hydration, just not water. Use a good quality leather conditioner once every few weeks to keep the material supple and crack-free. This becomes crucial during monsoon when air humidity might cause the leather to swell and then shrink once dried. For jackets and sofas, use a conditioner or leather balm suited for the specific type of leather like full grain, faux, or suede.

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4. Smart Storage Solutions: Avoid airtight plastic covers or bags for leather storage during the monsoon as they trap moisture and encourage fungal growth. Instead, opt for breathable cloth dust bags or cotton pillowcases. Shoes should be stored on open racks or in ventilated cupboards, preferably with shoe trees or paper stuffing to maintain shape. For larger leather items like jackets, always hang them on wide wooden or padded hangers (never wire ones) to avoid creases and stretching.

5. Let Them Breathe: Don’t let your leather items sit idle for weeks. If you own multiple leather accessories or jackets, rotate their usage. Take them out, let them breathe in dry air (even a ceiling fan helps), and inspect them for early signs of mold or cracking. For furniture, avoid pushing leather sofas against walls; especially if your home has moisture seepage. Leave a few inches of space to allow airflow behind and underneath. If you spot green or white fuzzy mould on leather, wipe it gently with a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar using a soft cloth. Then air it out completely in a shaded, dry place. Avoid using detergents or soaking the item.