Leather is a durable and timeless material that has been used for centuries to make clothing, furniture, and accessories. It’s attractive appearance makes it the perfect choice for everything from luxury handbags to motorcycle jackets.
However, you may have heard people say that alcohol can be damaging to leather goods. Is this true?
In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at how different forms of alcohol affect leather products, so you can keep your items looking beautiful for years to come!
What Do We Mean By Alcohol?
When talking about how alcohol affects leather, it is important to know what type of alcohol we mean. Alcohol could be ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.
Ethanol is the kind you find in beer and wine. Isopropyl alcohol is also called rubbing alcohol. Both types can change the way leather looks and feels.
Isopropyl Alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol)
Isopropyl alcohol is a kind of cleaner. It can be used to clean leather, but do not use it full strength. Mix it with water first or it might damage the leather – like making it dry and cracked or changing color.
Do not use this kind of alcohol on suede or nubuck as it will make them change color too. Use a special cleaner for these materials instead.
Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol)
Ethyl alcohol is found in beer and wine. It can stain leather. If you get beer or wine on your leather, clean it right away with a damp cloth and then a dry one. If there is still a stain, try using soap and water to remove it.
Methylated Spirits
Methylated spirits is a type of alcohol made from ethanol and adding denaturants. It can be used to clean leather, but it should not be used on suede or nubuck. It can dry out the leather and cause it to crack and change color.
Does Alcohol Damage Leather?
The answer depends on what type of alcohol and leather you have. Isopropyl alcohol can be used, but mix it with water first. Ethyl alcohol might cause a stain if not cleaned right away.
Methylated spirits can dry out and harm regular leather or suede. To avoid damaging your leather goods, it is best to keep them away from alcohol altogether or make sure you clean any spills right away.
If you are looking for a cleaner for your leather goods, use a special one made specifically for that type of material.
The Downsides of Using Alcohol on Leather
Alcohol Can Dry Out Leather
Using alcohol on leather can dry it out, making it crack and change color. This is especially true for isopropyl alcohol. Make sure to mix it with water first or use a special cleaner instead.
Alcohol Can Strip Away The Leather Color
Alcohol can also strip the color from leather, making it look faded or discoloured. This is particularly true for ethyl alcohol (ethanol).
If you get beer or wine on your leather, clean it right away with a damp cloth and then a dry one.
Alcohol Can Age Leather
Using alcohol on leather can also make it look aged prematurely. This is especially true for methylated spirits, which can dry out the leather and cause it to crack and change color.
Alcohol Can Damage The Leather Finish
Alcohol can also damage the finish of leather, making it look dull or discoloured. Again, this is especially true for methylated spirits and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).
Alcohol Can Cause Allergic Reactions in Some People
Using alcohol on leather can also cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to avoid using any type of alcohol-based cleaner on your leather goods.
Alcohol Has A Strong Smell
Using alcohol on leather can leave behind a strong smell. If you don’t want your leather goods to have a strong odor, it is best to avoid using any type of alcohol-based cleaner.
Alternatives To Using Alcohol On Leather
If you want to clean your leather goods but don’t want to use alcohol, there are alternatives that can be just as effective. You can use a mild soap and water solution or special leather cleaners meant for specific types of leather.
Both of these methods should be able to remove dirt and grime without damaging the leather.
FAQ
Is it OK to rub alcohol on leather?
No, it is not recommended to rub alcohol on leather. It can dry out the leather and cause it to crack and change color.
Instead, use a special cleaner made specifically for that type of material or mix a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with water before cleaning your leather goods.
Can you use vodka to clean leather?
No, it is not recommended to use vodka to clean leather. Vodka contains ethyl alcohol, which can stain the leather if not cleaned properly.
Instead, use a mild soap and water solution or special leather cleaners meant for specific types of leather.
Can you put rubbing alcohol on suede?
No, it is not recommended to use rubbing alcohol on suede. It can dry out the leather and cause it to crack and change color.
Instead, use a special cleaner meant for that type of material or mix a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with water before cleaning your suede goods.
Can you put rubbing alcohol on nubuck?
No, it is not recommended to use rubbing alcohol on nubuck. It can dry out the leather and cause it to crack and change color.
Instead, use a special cleaner meant for that type of material or mix a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with water before cleaning your nubuck goods.
How do you fix alcohol damaged leather?
Unfortunately, alcohol damage to leather is not reversible. The best way to fix it is to replace the damaged piece with a new one or repair it by patching.
If you want to prevent future damage, make sure to use a special cleaner made specifically for that type of material or mix a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with water before cleaning your leather goods.
What should you not use on leather?
You should not use chemicals such as bleach, acetone, or oil-based cleaners on leather.
These can cause fading, discoloration and other damage to the material. You should also avoid using alcohol-based cleaners as they can dry out the leather and cause it to crack and change color.
Can you spray vodka on leather?
No, it is not recommended to use vodka to clean leather. Vodka contains ethyl alcohol, which can stain the leather if not cleaned properly.
Instead, use a mild soap and water solution or special leather cleaners meant for specific types of leather.
How do you clean leather without damaging it?
To clean leather without damaging it, use a mild soap and water or a special cleaner made for that type of leather. Test the cleaner on a spot you can’t see first.
Don’t use chemicals like bleach, acetone, or oil-based cleaners because those can make the leather fade or change color. Use a soft cloth or brush to rub off dirt and grime.
Can you use hairspray on leather?
No, it is not recommended to use hairspray on leather. Hairspray contains alcohol and other chemicals that can damage the leather.
Can you use nail polish remover on leather?
No, it is not recommended to use nail polish remover on leather. Nail polish remover contains acetone and other chemicals that can damage the leather.
Instead, use a special cleaner made specifically for that type of material or mix a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with water before cleaning your leather goods.
What should you do if the leather is stained?
If the leather is stained, use a special cleaner made specifically for that type of material or mix a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with water before cleaning your leather goods.
Test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage. Use a soft cloth or brush to rub off dirt and grime. If the stain persists, consider having a professional clean it.
What is the best way to protect leather?
The best way to protect leather is to keep it out of direct sunlight, avoid exposing it to water and other liquids, and use a special cleaner made specifically for that type of material or mix a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with water before cleaning your leather goods.
You should also use a conditioner periodically to keep the leather from drying out and cracking.
How often should you condition leather?
You should condition your leather regularly to keep it from drying out and cracking. How often will depend on the type of leather you have, how much wear and tear it gets, and the climate you live in.
On average, conditioning every three to six months should be enough to keep your leather looking its best.
How do you remove mold from leather?
To remove mold from leather, use a vacuum to get rid of any loose debris. Then mix one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the affected area.
Wipe off the vinegar and water with a clean cloth or sponge. If necessary, repeat this process until all the mold is gone. Finally, apply a leather conditioner to protect the leather from future mold growth.
How can you prevent mold growth on leather?
To prevent mold growth on leather, store your leather goods in a cool, dry place and keep them away from direct sunlight. If possible, use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in the room.
Also, clean your leather regularly with a mild soap and water solution or special leather cleaners meant for that type of material.
Why is it important to clean leather frequently?
It’s important to clean leather frequently because dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate on the surface of leather over time. This buildup can cause discoloration and cracking if left unattended.
Regularly cleaning your leather with a mild soap and water solution or special cleaner made specifically for that type of material will help keep your leather looking its best.
Does alcohol damage leather?
Yes, alcohol can damage leather if used in high concentrations or for extended periods of time.
Use a special cleaner made specifically for that type of material or mix a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with water before cleaning your leather goods. Test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage.
Do air fresheners damage leather?
No, air fresheners do not typically damage leather. However, it is best to use natural ingredients such as baking soda or vinegar to help remove odors from your leather goods.
If you choose to use an air freshener, test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage.
Does vinegar damage leather?
No, vinegar does not typically damage leather. In fact, it can be used to help remove dirt and odors from your leather goods. Mix one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle and spray the solution onto the affected area.
Wipe off the vinegar and water with a clean cloth or sponge. If necessary, repeat this process until all the dirt and odors are gone. Finally, apply a leather conditioner to protect the leather from future damage.
Do essential oils damage leather?
Yes, essential oils can damage leather if used in high concentrations or for extended periods of time.
Test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage before using essential oils on your leather goods.
Can mold permanently damage leather?
Yes, mold can permanently damage leather if it is not cleaned and removed immediately.
Leather goods should be stored in a cool, dry place and kept away from direct sunlight in order to prevent the growth of mold. If you notice any signs of mold on your leather, use a vacuum to get rid of any loose debris.
Can you use baby wipes on leather?
No, baby wipes should not be used on leather. Baby wipes contain alcohol that can damage the leather over time.
Use a special cleaner made specifically for that type of material or mix a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with water before cleaning your leather goods. Test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage.
Useful Video: Ultimate Guide To Restoring Leather Boots // Back To Life In 4 Mins
Conclusion
To sum it up, alcohol can be a good cleaner and conditioner for leather but only if you use a mixture of 80% water and 20% rubbing alcohol. Or, you can also ask a professional to help.
No matter what kind of leather you have, it is important to test any cleaners on a spot that you cannot see. This way, you can make sure the cleaner won’t damage your leather.
Taking care of your leather will help it last longer. So be extra careful when cleaning your leather items!
References
- https://leatherinformer.com/can-you-use-alcohol-on-leather/
