How Long Does Leather Take To Dry

A leather briefcase will normally need around 24-48 hours to dry fully under typical room conditions.

When you’ve got a soaked leather briefcase, you can save time and protect its quality by using the correct drying techniques.

Let’s take a look at more information on how long it takes for leather to dry and how to dry it effectively.

How does leather react to water?

Leather is a robust but flexible material that is manufactured from animal skins. It acts in a unique way when it is exposed to water.

Although water won’t damage your leather immediately, problems like mildew and stiffness can occur due to prolonged exposure.

It can also stain leather, as it dries in a different color.

We have a more in-depth guide on this here.

These reasons are why quick and correct drying processes are essential when your leather bag gets wet.

What is the ideal drying time?

The amount of time that it takes for leather to dry depends on factors such as the thickness and the type of leather.

The environmental temperature and humidity are other important factors.

A leather briefcase will normally need around 24-48 hours to dry fully under typical room conditions.

You can avoid damaging the leather and ensure a natural drying process by putting the briefcase in a well-ventilated area that is away from direct heat sources.

If you have a leather water stain after it's dry, we published a useful guide to fix this here.

The drying process

• Air drying: Place your briefcase in an upright position in a cool, dry space. Make sure good air circulation is available but also protect the briefcase from heat sources like radiators and direct sunlight. These can cause warping and cracking.
• Absorbent materials: If you stuff your briefcase with a towel or newspaper, this can help with absorbing moisture from within. It can also speed up the drying process and maintain the shape of the item.
• Conditioning after drying: Once the briefcase has dried out, you can apply a leather conditioner (we recommend this Premium Leather Cream). This restores the natural oils of the material, prevents cracks, and keeps the leather supple.
• Preventative measures: Before you take your briefcase out on a rainy day, you can prevent excessive water absorption by applying a water-repellent spray.

Why is quick and proper drying so important?

I have always found that responding to wet leather quickly protects its look and functionality.

Once, I found myself in the midst of a torrential downpour on my way to a meeting. Although my briefcase was soaked, I was able to save it by taking the steps outlined above. This enabled me to maintain its professional appearance and prevent permanent damage.

Key takeaways:

• Give your briefcase 24-48 hours to dry out completely.
• Air dry it in a temperate, ventilated area.
• Use absorbents in order to help remove internal moisture.
• Always condition the leather after drying it

These drying techniques can help you keep your leather goods in prime condition so you’re always able to maintain a professional appearance in the business space.

We've also published a similar article on how to dry a leather wallet here.

Should I use a heat source like a hair dryer to quicken the drying process?

Don't use a hair dryer or other kind of direct heat source to dry leather, as high heat can make the leather brittle and cause it to crack.

You can use a fan in order to circulate air around the bag to quicken the process a little.

Just make sure you’re keeping it at a moderate temperature.

Once the bag has dried, which kind of leather conditioner can I use?

Make sure you’re using a leather conditioner which is suitable for the leather type in question. We recommend this Premium Leather Cream.

Water-based conditioners are often less likely to change the texture or the color.

Before you apply a full treatment, test the conditioner on a small and inconspicuous part of the bag to make sure it won’t change the color or finish.

How often should water-repellent sprays be applied?

You can apply a water-based treatment every few months.

The regularity may vary depending on how often the bag is exposed to wet conditions and how much you use it.

I normally reapply the treatment after cleaning my bag or after noticing that water is no longer beading up on the surface.

What can I do if I see water stains after my bag has dried?

If you see water stains after the bag has dried, you can attempt to gently rub the stains with a soft, damp cloth.

This can even out the moisture level across the bag.

You can then allow it to dry again away from direct heat. If you have stubborn stains to deal with, you might need to use a specialized leather cleaner.

Will homemade remedies like baking soda or vinegar damage the bag?

It’s normally best and safer to stick to products that are specifically designed with leather care in mind.

Baking soda and vinegar may damage the leather as they can change the pH balance.

If you do decide to use a homemade remedy, test on a small area first.

Conclusion

Leather takes 24-48 hours to dry properly when wet.

If you'd like to read more, we have some great related articles:

• Wet Molding Leather Guide
• Rehydrating Leather
• Is Leather Waterproof?
• Washing Leather Guide