Table of Contents
Why does leather crack?
Your leather cracking prevention guide
Cracked Leather facts
Leather is Great
Top Fiber offers professional consultation and care
You remember the day you bought your couch, the smell of leather overflow you with satisfaction every time you get a chance to seat and relax for a bit. Now days, every time you look at the couch is not getting any better. Faded color and dry leather are taking over, is there a way to reverse it? or avoide it before even getting there.
Let's understand the causes of leather getting cracked, explaining the Facts and helping you save your favorite leather items.
Why does leather crack?
Before we begin, it’s important to note that leather has thousands upon thousands of small “pores” on its surface. While invisible to the naked eye, these pores play a key role in its characteristics while aging. The pores on leather are constantly releasing or absorbing moisture, depending on the surrounding humidity level. When leather is placed in a dry environment, moisture from its pores are released into the air; thus, the leather becomes drier, loosing it's natural flexibility and starts cracking.
This process, together with the friction factor are also causing the original color to fade.
While this is the leading cracking factor with majority of the leather items such as furniture, car seat, etc, there are other factors to consider:
A defect in the manufacturing process. Usually in stage of applying the protective coat for the dyed leather.
Natural body oils and dirt can also cause issues to the leather, but usually the damage will be over heavy used areas.
Sunlight and heat. The UV effect of hot direct sunlight can leave its mark.
Lack of Maintenance such as regular cleaning and conditioning.
The age of the leather- with time it loses some of its natural oils.
Using chemicals that can damage the fibers and the natural oils of the leather.
Cracked Leather Facts to know:
Know Your Specific Leather Type
Different types of leather require different care:
Full-Grain: The most natural type, with visible grains and imperfections.
Top-Grain: Sanded and finished to remove imperfections, slightly less durable than full-grain.
Split-Grain: Removed from the bottom of the hide; often used for suede.
Bonded: Made from leftover scraps and fibers bonded together.
Faux Leather: Synthetic and much cheaper, faux leather is less durable and tends to crack or peel much more rapidly than genuine leather.
Clean Regularly
Dirt and oils can break down the fibers in leather, leading to cracks over time. Use these steps to clean:
Dust off using a soft brush.
Wipe down with a damp cloth.
For deeper cleaning, use a leather cleaner. Always test on an inconspicuous spot before applying to the entire surface.
Condition Regularly
Conditioning replenishes the natural oils in leather:
Use a quality leather conditioner that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals or silicones.
Apply in small amounts using a soft dry cloth.
Rub in a circular motion on the surrounding leather until fully absorbed.
Allow to dry naturally.
Avoid Excessive Sunlight and Heat
Just as with human skin, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can dry out the leather and cause it to crack, especially when it goes from damp to super dry in an extremely short amount of time.
Store leather items away from direct sunlight.
Avoid placing near heaters or vents.
If drying wet leather items, do so away from direct heat sources.
Protect Against Spills and Stains
Wipe off spills immediately to prevent them from setting.
Consider using a leather protector spray with a clean, microfiber applicator to create a barrier against stains and water. (Again, test first on an inconspicuous area.)
Act Fast on Cracks
If you notice small cracks:
Clean the area gently with a clean cloth—and mild soap if that’s all you have on hand
Apply a leather conditioner or cream to moisturize the leather.
If cracks worsen or become deep, it's better to take care of it by a leather repair professional that can prevent it from getting worse.
Leather is Great
Leather is one of the most prized textiles in the world. Made from tanned animal hide (usually cow’s hide), it offers several unique characteristics that simply aren’t found in other fabrics and materials. Leather is soft, supple, strong, smooth and ultra comfortable. It is also the most salvageable compering to other synthetic materials, it can be restored in over 95% of the cases. All of these reasons make it the preferred choice of material for caouches, chairs, car seats and more.
Our number one advise for you in case your leather is in a good shape, take care of it, maintain it properly. Remember that leather is a natural (and excellent) material that you need to nurture for many years of enjoinment.
We are here for you
Top Fiber is here for you. Cracking of fully-finished leather is actually a very common problem that leather restoration experts can fix. If you have questions about your leather couch, car seat of any other item contact us now and get a free consultation.