If you own a leather wallet, then there is no doubt that at one point or another it will get wet. Apart from stretching and deforming your wallet, water can damage the leather in a permanent fashion. To help you learn how to dry your wallet correctly, this tutorial will provide step-by-step instructions on how to dry a wet leather wallet.
Steps to Dry a Wet Leather Wallet
1. Remove cash and cards
If your wallet got wet, it is very likely that some of the contents inside got wet as well (i.e. credit cards, identification cards, cash). Therefore, before attempting to dry your leather wallet you should remove anything that may be damaged by water. This is especially true if your leather wallet has metal details or decorations.
2. Place the wet wallet in the sun
This may sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to dry a leather wallet is by placing it in direct sunlight. Sunlight will warm the leather and evaporate any excess moisture that may be trapped inside your wallet. You can also place it near a heat source, such as a radiator.
3. Brush the leather clean
After placing your wet wallet in the sun, you may notice that it has become dusty and dirty. If this is the case, we recommend using a soft brush to remove any dirt and dust particles from the exterior of your wallet and its pockets and compartments.
4. Carefully place down paper towels
At this point, we recommend placing several layers of paper towel in the pockets and compartments in your wallet. Then gently press/squeeze each pocket and compartment so that any residual moisture in them is removed.
5. Place a giant book on top
The simplest way to dry your wet leather wallet is by placing a book on top of it. We recommend using an old phone book (or any other thick book). Place the book on top, and make sure that it is evenly balanced.
6. Let the leather dry naturally
Your leather wallet should be dry in about 10 to 15 hours. You can check if it is completely dry by touching its exterior and interior.
7. Avoid subjecting the wallet to high heat
Never put your leather wallet in direct sunlight, near a radiator or other sources of heat. Doing so can damage the leather and/or dry it unevenly, which leads to cracks and wrinkles.
8. Return all cards and cash into the wallet
Once your wet wallet has fully dried, you can place it near a heat source to help the leather return to its original shape. Once this is done, you can replace all your cards and cash into it.
9. Store the wallet in a cool, dry place
Finally, we recommend that once you have put everything back into your wallet that it be stored in a cool, dry place. This will prevent further damage and ensure that your wallet remains waterproof in the future.
FAQ
1. What if my wallet is made from a material that cannot be submerged in water?
In this case, simply follow the same steps as mentioned, but keep your wallet out of the sun and/or heat source.
2. How long does it take to dry a wet leather wallet?
It takes approximately 10-15 hours for a wet leather wallet to dry completely.
3. What if my leather wallet is still slightly damp when I try to put it back in my pocket?
If you find that your wet leather wallet is still slightly damp after it has dried, we recommend placing the entire wallet in an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 10 minutes. This will help evaporate any remaining water.
4. Can I dry my leather wallet with a hairdryer?
No, this is not advisable. Using a hairdryer on your wallet can tear it apart and/or melt its details.
5. How do I avoid getting my wet leather wallet wet again in the future?
Simply follow these guidelines when handling your wallet:
- Avoid contact with water in the first place.
- Use a clean cloth to wipe any dirt, dust or other particles from its exterior and interior.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight, heat sources and/or cold environments.
6. What if my wet leather wallet came into contact with chemicals?
In this case, follow the same steps as mentioned above. In addition, use a soft brush to remove any particles or dust from the exterior of your wallet.
Furthermore, consider using a leather cleaner and conditioner to restore its original quality.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is possible to dry a wet leather wallet in your home without any difficulty. You just need to follow the steps and guidelines we’ve laid out in this article and avoid putting your wallet in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
