What Does Heat Do to Leather: Key Effects Explained

Wondering ‘What does heat do to leather'?

Prolonged exposure to heat, from direct sunlight to heat-generating appliances, can significantly impair your cherished leather items.

As such, heat can cause cracks, dryness, loss of luster, stains, and discoloration. This can also be the cause of what makes leather peel.

At Andar, we specialize in handcrafted full-grain leather products and can help you understand and mitigate these risks.

In this article, we'll explore the effects of heat on leather, the potential damage it can cause, and provide you with strategies to safeguard your leather items.

From storing leather in cool areas to using premium leather care products, we'll guide you on how to preserve the longevity and appearance of your prized accessories.

What this article covers:

What Happens When Leather Gets Hot?
How to Protect Leather Against Heat
What Happens to Leather in Heat FAQs

What Happens When Leather Gets Hot?

Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to various forms of damage (such as the reason why leather cracks), ultimately affecting the durability and appearance of leather.

Can Lead To Cracks

Based on our first-hand experience, when leather gets hot, the fibers weaken and become more susceptible to breaking. As a result, heat accelerates the drying process, causing the leather to become brittle and crack.

Can Cause Dryness And Loss Of Natural Luster

Heat strips leather of its natural oils, leading to dryness and a loss of luster. Leather relies on these oils to maintain its supple feel and sheen. When exposed to heat, these oils evaporate, leaving the leather dry and dull.

That's why we at Andar take special care with designing our leather products in such a way to safeguard against this. For instance, full grain leather bags like The Memphis contain a soft, canvas interior that's both durable and breathable to properly insulate the exterior full-grain leather.

Additionally, we also ensure that we first treat our products with The Leather Cream before we even ship it to you for added protection against heat exposure.

Can Result In Stains And Discoloration

Our investigation demonstrated that prolonged heat exposure can cause the leather's dye to fade or change color, resulting in an uneven and unattractive appearance. Additionally, heat can cause existing stains to set deeper into the leather, making them harder to remove.

By understanding these risks, you can take proactive steps to protect your leather products. At Andar, we offer a range of leather care solutions designed to help you preserve the quality and appearance of your cherished items.

How to Protect Leather Against Heat

Here are some practical tips from us at Andar to help safeguard your leather items.

Choose Products Made Of Lightweight And Breathable Leather

Selecting lightweight and breathable leather is an excellent preventive measure against excessive heat exposure. These types of leather are designed to allow air circulation, reducing the buildup of heat and moisture.

Drawing from our experience, breathable leather is less likely to dry out or crack, maintaining its natural luster and flexibility even in warm conditions.

We offer a range of lightweight products like The Ranger, one of our premier leather wallets, that combines durability with comfort, making it a carrying accessory that's perfect for any climate.

Keep Leather Products And Furniture Away From Direct Sunlight And Heat Sources

As per our expertise at Andar, exposure to UV rays from direct sunlight and heat sources in your home can cause significant harm, including fading and drying out the leather.

To prevent this, it's essential to keep your leather products and furniture away from windows and heat-generating appliances.

We recommend covering your windows with curtains, blinds, or UV-protective films to minimize exposure. These measures effectively reduce the risk of sun and heat damage, preserving the beauty and integrity of your leather items.

Store Leather Products In Dust Bags Inside Cool Areas Or Spaces

Our findings show that storing leather items properly in dust bags helps shield them from dust and environmental factors while preserving a cool, stable temperature. Cool storage areas stop the leather from drying out and cracking.

Condition Leather Regularly

We determined through our tests that regular use of a premium leather conditioner, like The Leather Cream, can significantly enhance the durability and beauty of your leather products. Apply it every few months, especially after exposure to warm conditions, to ensure your leather remains in top condition.

At Andar, we're committed to providing you with the best leather care solutions to help you preserve and enjoy your cherished items for years to come.

What Happens to Leather in Heat FAQs

What Causes Damaged Leather?

Our research at Andar indicates that exposure to sunlight is one of the most significant causes of leather damage.

There are a few more factors which contribute to impaired leather:

Extreme Temperature Changes: Frequent and extreme changes in temperature can weaken the leather fibers, making them more susceptible to damage.
Improper Cleaning Techniques: Not cleaning stains right away allows them to set, becoming more difficult to remove and potentially leading to discoloration. Using harsh chemicals and soaps can also strip the leather of its natural oils, further drying it out.

What Can Be Used To Stretch Leather?

There are several effective methods you can use to stretch leather, such as:

Stretching Sprays: These sprays help to soften the leather, making it easier to stretch.
Mechanical Stretchers: These are tools designed to gradually expand leather items.
Mild Heat: Applying mild heat to leather can aid in the stretching process, but it must be applied cautiously to prevent impairment.

With an Andar Apple watch strap like The Watch Band, you don't need to worry about stretching the leather.

After trying out this product, we discovered that it's not only Apple Watch-compatible, but conforms naturally to most wrists from 160mm to 210mm.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we answered the question ‘What does heat do to leather?' and discovered that prolonged exposure to heat can cause cracks, dryness, loss of luster, stains, and discoloration. That's why we offer premium, breathable leather products designed to withstand various conditions.

So, what are you waiting for?

Check out our handcrafted full-grain leather products at Andar and experience the difference in quality and craftsmanship today.

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:

What Does Heat Do to Leather?