Germs and microorganisms are everywhere, and leather is not built to fight these microorganisms naturally; hence, the need to disinfect it. Microorganisms are so tiny that we can’t see them with our bare eyes, but the after-effects on us are not in any way small. Microorganisms on leather should not be taken lightly; there should be plans to clean and disinfect your leather products.
The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of disinfecting surfaces. Caution needs to be taken to protect yourself and your loved ones. This need can make you wonder about how to disinfect leather.
Importance Of Disinfecting Leather
Microorganisms can live on leather surfaces for days without signs and can spread to other surfaces. It is important always to disinfect your leather products because it prevents you from getting exposed to microorganisms. There seems to be little thought on disinfecting leather, but preventing the spread of infection is more than enough.
You may have kids, pets, and even aged relatives who do not have a strong immune system to fight off infections. This means that their environment needs to be watched and disinfected. For instance, after an outing with your leather bags, dropping them anywhere around the house might not be safe as you might be unable to determine the cleanliness of the external environment.
Most microorganisms are protected with thin layers which act as their outer shell. The use of regular disinfectants will dry out these layers and dehydrate the microorganisms. The activity of disinfecting leather may seem like a big deal to you, but you don’t have to be scared; there are simple steps that, when followed, help you disinfect like a pro, even if it is your first time.Now that we understand the importance of disinfecting leather, let’s see how to disinfect leather in detail.
Tips To Disinfect Leather
- When you return home, it’s advisable to leave your leather bags, jacket, or shoes outside to get them air-dried. This prevents the spread of microorganisms inside the home.
- You can place the leather products under the sun. Some microorganisms are destroyed by heat because it weakens their protective layer. However, avoid leaving the leather products outside for too long, as this will dry them out.
- You can wipe the surfaces of your leather products with alcohol-based disinfectants. This, however, may not seem 100% advisable because alcohol may be harsh on some leather products and could make them lose their color. We recommend HOCl as an alternative to help you wipe these surfaces clean and disinfect them from all types of bacteria and viruses. It is considered to be an eco-friendly natural cleaning agent. HOCl is the best non-toxic disinfecting solution you can come across. It is mild on the skin, making it perfect for leather products. Get this powerful and safe multipurpose cleaning solution now and keep all your leather products safe and free from germs.
- Some leather products can’t be left outside your home to dry. Your heater can be an alternative in such a situation to dry out the protective layer of the organism.
- Conditioning should be the next step to take after disinfecting your leather. This helps to maintain its shine and flexibility.
How To Condition Leather
Leather is one of the most durable materials for house furniture, clothes, cars, and other accessories. There needs to be more than just knowing how to disinfect leather to maintain and keep it in its best condition for a long time.
Aside from Hypochlorous Acid, other disinfecting agents dry out and damage your leather while trying to dry out the protective shell of the germs. This leaves your leather products completely dry and brisk with the formation of cracks.
You can make a homemade leather conditioner using water, vinegar, natural baby soap, and linseed oil.
You can create the first conditioner by mixing two cups of water, a drop of vinegar, and one tablespoon of baby soap in a bowl. A soft cloth can be used to rub the conditioner into the leather without necessarily soaking the products. The use of baby soap cleans and conditions your leather. This is because most baby soaps are made with gentle oils that are safe for your leather as much as it is safe for a baby’s skin.
If you cannot find a mild baby soap, mix the vinegar with linseed oil in a jar. Ensure they are thoroughly mixed before applying them to the surface of the leather. It would help if you also used a soft cloth to rub the mixture evenly. You would need another soft cloth afterward to buff the surface of the leather to get a shine.
Some Do-Nots Of Leather
Avoid doing the following when disinfecting and cleaning your leather products:
- Do not place artificial heat directly on your leather. This can destroy the leather, causing it to lose its original look.
- Do not attempt to soak your leather when you clean or disinfect it. Leaving your leather items in water for an extended period can cause mold growth, which will destroy your leather.
- Do not use alcohol or bleach to disinfect your leather. The use of these harsh solutions can result in a fading of your leather’s color. Hypochlorous Acid is safer and better; check⁴ here for details.
- Keep your hands dry after cleaning and disinfecting your leather.
1 https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/how-to-clean-and-protect-leather
2 https://www.hypochlorousacid.com/
3 https://steelhorseleather.com/blogs/the-journal/how-to-disinfect-leather
Other Uses of Hypochlorous Acid
We said earlier that hypochlorous acid is a general disinfectant. These are the other things that hypochlorous acid can be used to disinfect:
- Food Produce
- Meat
- Furniture
- Surgical/Medical Equipment
- Livestock
- Water
- Seafood
- Poultry
- Household furniture and fittings
- Toilets and bathrooms, among others.
