Rain in the Philippines during this season is often unpredictable — one moment the sun is shining brightly, and the next, a sudden downpour leaves you drenched. While you might be safe thanks to an umbrella you kept with you, your leather pieces might not be as lucky. Leather and water don’t mix well, which means the rainy season poses a great risk to your leather bags, shoes, and accessories.
But don’t worry — with the right leather care practices (and the right products), you can keep your pieces safe, stylish, and always ready for whatever the weather brings.
The Risk of Rain
When exposed to rain, leather can easily absorb moisture, leading to stains, discoloration, and stiff patches. If not dried properly, damp leather becomes a breeding ground for mold and mildew that not only damages the leather but also leaves unpleasant odors. Over time, excess moisture can cause cracks or warping, making your bags or shoes lose their original shape.
That’s why prevention and proper after-care are essential for your leather to last during the wet months.
Essential Leather Care Tips
- Use a Waterproofing Spray
One of the simplest ways to shield your items from unexpected rain is to invest in a waterproofing spray that is safe for leather. A light coat creates a protective barrier that prevents water beads from soaking in. For best results, reapply every few weeks or as recommended by the product.
- Always Dry Properly
Even if you try to keep your items safe from the rain, there will be times when they’ll still get wet. The first thing you should do is avoid panic — and never use a hair dryer or place your items under direct sunlight. Rapid heat can cause the leather to dry out and crack. Instead, pat the surface gently with a clean, dry cloth to absorb excess water and let it air-dry in a well-ventilated area.
- Keep Them Clean and Fresh with Bag & Shoe Disinfectant
Humidity during the rainy season makes your leather more prone to bacteria, odor, and mold. This is where Doctor Leather’s Bag & Shoe Disinfectant becomes a must-have. Specially formulated for leather and other delicate materials, it removes germs, eliminates foul smells, and keeps your items fresh without harming the material.
Simply spritz on your bags, shoes, or accessories after exposure to rain or after use, and you’ll not only protect them from odor-causing bacteria but also extend their life. It’s an easy step that adds an extra layer of care to your leather routine.
- Store Correctly
During the rainy season, humidity is at its peak, which can damage stored leather. Keep your items in breathable dust bags to allow air circulation. Place them in a cool, dry place, and if possible, add silica gel packs inside your bag or storage box to absorb excess moisture. For an extra safeguard, give your items a light spray of Doctor Leather’s Bag & Shoe Disinfectant before storage to prevent mold buildup.
- Rotate Your Leather Items
As tempting as it is to use your favorite leather pieces daily, it’s best to rotate them during this wet season. Giving them time to rest allows the material to “breathe” and prevents long-term moisture buildup that can damage your leather.
Even with all precautions, accidents can still happen. Maybe your bag got soaked during a sudden rainfall or your shoes ended up with water stains from the flood. You may think DIY fixes are the quick solution, but often, they make the problem worse.
Instead of risking it, trust the experts at Doctor Leather. Our team can deep clean, condition, and restore your favorite items, ensuring that they last for years to come. From removing water stains to reconditioning cracked leather or restoring your leather’s brand-new look, we’ve got you covered.
Pair our professional services with Doctor Leather’s Bag & Shoe Disinfectant for at-home maintenance, and you’ll have the perfect combination to keep your leather items protected all year round.
You can find us at: Abreeza Mall, Ayala Bacolod, Ayala Center Cebu, Alabang Town Center, Eastwood, Market Liberty-Evia Lifestyle Center, Glorietta 5, Greenhills, Greenbelt 5, Mitsukoshi BGC, Ayala Malls Solenad, SM Aura, SM City Baguio, SM City BF Parañaque, SM Fairview, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM City Pampanga, SM City Iloilo, The Mall | NUSTAR Cebu, Trinoma, U.P. Town Center.
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