Seeing a brand-new leather jacket or a prized leather handbag develop wrinkles is both frustrating and worrying. Apart from being an eyesore, a lot of people do not know how to unwrinkle leather properly. This leaves them in a lurch when their beloved leather product is in disarray.
The luxurious surface and smooth texture of leather make it quite appealing. Yet it also makes it prone to creases that can make a top-quality item look old and worn. But there is no need to panic. There is also no need to throw that leather item out.
Whether it is a wrinkled leather jacket, purse, or pair of shoes, there is a fix. A combination of patience and the right techniques can help people restore their leather goods to their former glory.
This article will serve as a guide to walk you through expert tips that will help restore your beloved leather goods. The methods are effective and safe for removing wrinkles from leather items without causing any damage.
Why does leather get wrinkled?
Before we delve into the solutions, it is wise to understand why wrinkles appear on leather garments and items in the first place. Indeed, leather is a natural material. Its flexible nature makes it susceptible to creasing and folding. Here are some common causes of wrinkles in leather goods:
- Storage problems: Improper storage can cause distortion and wrinkles in leather goods. For instance, cramming a leather bag in a drawer/wardrobe or exposing a leather jacket to direct sunlight
- Overstuffing: Overstuffing your leather bag can create permanent creases. It can even strain the leather in some cases
- Exposure to moisture: Exposing leather goods to excessive moisture, either due to humidity, rain, or spills, can cause them to soften and develop wrinkles
- Natural aging plus wear and tear: Even with proper handling, leather ages naturally, and regular use can contribute to creases and wrinkles
How to get creases out of leather?
A gentle approach is effective in removing creases and minor wrinkles from leather. Both leather conditioning and steaming work wonders in this regard. Hence, let us briefly examine these approaches:
Using a steamer
How to unwrinkle leather using a handheld steamer? The appliance itself is valuable. Holding it a few inches away from the leather good and gently moving it over the wrinkled areas works. The steam loosens the fibers and helps the hide relax.
A makeshift one can be made in case a steamer is not available. The leather goods can be hung in a steamy bathroom using flowing hot water to create steam. However, using either excessive heat or direct steam from hot water is not preferred. They can potentially damage the hide’s fibers.
Applying a leather conditioner
Applying top-quality leather conditioners to leather goods (bags, jackets, gloves), especially on the wrinkled areas, works. They help nourish and soften the hide, making it more supple and less prone to wrinkling.
There are natural options too. A DIY solution comprising equal parts beeswax and olive oil can be made and applied using a soft cloth. Let the leather goods sit for a few hours, as it helps add moisture to them. Once the fibers are soft, gently buff the mixture off.
How to take wrinkles out of leather?
When the wrinkles are deep, a slightly aggressive approach can be deployed. Whether it’s a small leather accessory, a jacket, or a large piece of furniture, there are methods to help restore its appearance and luster.
One of the quickest ways to do so is the application of controlled heat. It helps relax the leather’s fibers and smooth them out. However, it is important to apply it carefully to prevent damage to the leather. Now, let us explore key methods in this regard:
Can you iron leather?
How to unwrinkle leather using an iron? The following tips from experts will guide you on removing them from goods made from cattle hide:
- Setting the iron to the lowest heat setting (no steam required)
- Then, place either a cotton cloth or a thin towel over the wrinkled area
- Pressing the iron gently onto the cloth/towel for just a few seconds
- Checking the hide regularly after ironing to see if it’s properly smoothing leather
Important tip: Avoid holding the iron in one spot for too long. It can cause the leather to burn or warp.
Using a hair dryer
- Turning on the hair dryer to a medium heat setting
- Hold it six to eight inches away from the affected leather surface
- Then move it around the area. Focusing on one spot will do more harm.
- Gently massaging the area with hands later on to help soften the hide’s fibers
Important tip: Do not focus the hair dryer on one spot of the leather item. It can cause it to warp.
Tips on protecting leather goods against future wrinkling
Once wrinkles have been removed successfully from leather items, it is important to understand how to protect them from creases and wrinkles via proper care and maintenance. Anyone who still wonders on how to unwrinkle leather should follow these tips to keep their goods in very good condition:
- Storing all leather goods upright in a protective bag to protect against crushing and dust
- Hanging leather jackets on broad and padded hangers to keep them in shape
- Leather goods should not be folded. Otherwise, creases and wrinkles will form
- Keep them out of direct sunlight.
- Use leather care products to maintain their condition
- Use silica gel and moisture absorbers in storage areas. It prevents moisture from stretching or warping leather in humid conditions
- Regular application of leather conditioners helps keep them moisturized and prevents the formation of wrinkles in dry weather conditions
Over to You
Leather items and garments (especially bags, belts, and jackets) have their own look and charm. However, keeping them in cramped conditions can develop creases and wrinkles. Removing them is no longer a problem, as proper ironing and steaming can remove them.
Each leather item should be kept away from sunlight. They should also be polished with leather conditioners periodically to ensure they do not lose their flexibility and look. This not only keeps them in good condition but also makes them usable again.
