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Whether you prefer genuine leather or synthetic alternatives, you’ve probably run into the problem of peeling. It’s a common issue when it comes to products that use low-quality or poorly maintained leather. If you’re interested in stopping leather from peeling and creating those crumbling flakes, it’s recommended to try some reliable cleaning solutions and repair methods. We’ll show you how to fix this issue and restore the clean finish of this common material. Follow these steps to keep your real or faux leather products from peeling.
How to Stop Genuine Leather From Peeling
1. Maintain the Leather Surface Clean
Without a reliable cleaning routine, it’s safe to say that even durable animal leather can become vulnerable to cracking and peeling. The main issue comes from dirt that penetrates the tiny pores of the leather material. It will also cause fading and a generally worn-down look. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth can help to alleviate some of the damage but you will likely need to invest in a more specialized product to deal with the worst effects of excess dirt.
Despite popular belief, leather is not particularly difficult to clean. You simply need to pay attention to the material’s special requirements to get the best results and avoid any further damage in the process. There are lots of great cleaners on the market that are specifically designed to work on leather. Choosing one of them could be more convenient than trying out multiple products until you find one that’s safe for leather. Take a look at this high-quality leather care kit.
2. Don’t Leave Out the Leather Item in the Sun
Direct exposure to sunlight can cause a number of problems to the surface of leather. The material becomes more susceptible to fading and cracking which in turn can exacerbate peeling. If you can’t avoid the sun, there are some methods that can be used to provide some level of protection. Furniture covers can be helpful to prevent overexposure to the harsh rays of sunlight.
Another great solution is to use special protective products like sunscreen lotions and sprays that form an anti-UV barrier. Applying these products is fairly straightforward. In most cases, you only need to add a thin layer for good sunlight protection. Allowing the leather surface to dry properly is also typically required. Check out these protective leather wipes on Amazon to prevent peeling and other forms of damage caused by the sun.
3. Try a Leather Conditioner
Leather gets damaged and starts to peel in many cases due to drying out. Keeping the material clean is helpful to minimize the problem but it’s often not enough. You should also maintain the natural oils of animal leather with the help of a specialized conditioner. This kind of product ensures proper hydration which could be vital for frequently-used leather items that are prone to drying out from excessive wear.
Thanks to a quality leather conditioner such as this model from Amazon, you will be able to rejuvenate the look of the leather surface and restore its softness. Keep in mind that it’s essential to follow the use instructions carefully because adding too much conditioner might have the opposite intended effect and result in more peeling.
4. Use a Waterproofing Spray
Leather that often gets into contact with moisture tends to wear down faster and become vulnerable to fading and peeling. The best solution is to apply a protective barrier against any liquids through a waterproofing spray designed for leather. A few layers of this protector should ensure that your leather item develops great resistance against moisture.
With the help of a waterproofing spray, any leather surface will be less likely to get stained or brittle. Keep in mind that you can only apply this product to perfectly clean leather as any dust or dirt will reduce the effectiveness of the spray. Some models require frequent reapplication to maintain the protective effects in the long term. Consider this high-quality waterproofing spray that’s specially designed to protect leather surfaces from water damage.
How to Stop Faux Leather From Peeling
1. Use an Effective Homemade Solution
Vinegar combined with baking soda can do wonders for your cracked faux leather that shows heavy signs of wear. Before moving on to more advanced methods to prevent peeling, it’s worth trying out a homemade solution. Mix together white vinegar and water in equal parts, typically one cup of each. Wipe the surface of the leather with the resulting mixture and let it dry properly.
After the vinegar treatment, it’s time to apply a mixture of baking soda and water. Combine two tablespoons of this ingredient together with a single cup of water. Then it’s simply a matter of applying the baking soda solution as well with the help of a soft cloth. Work gently to ensure a proper restoration of the synthetic leather surface.
2. Try a Leather Filler
Although animal leather is typically more difficult to fix in case of peeling, faux leather can often be repaired easily with a specialized leather filler product. This reliable paste is designed to work against cracking issues and stop peeling in its tracks. Here’s a great faux leather filler kit to consider from Amazon. Make sure it’s applied correctly on a clean surface. Focus on particularly worn-out areas and spread the filling paste carefully with the help of a brush.
3. Apply a Repairing Dye
A notable problem experienced with peeled leather is the faded color caused by wear damage. Apply a repairing dye to restore the stylish appeal of faux leather and hide the worn-down look. As opposed to stopping the material from peeling, this method is more of an attempt to deal with its aftereffects and try to salvage the leather item as much as possible.
Aside from cleaning the surface, it’s important to sand it as well to remove any peeled flakes of the leather. A sponge can come in handy for this purpose. Once the surface of the leather is properly cleaned, the repairing dye needs to be spread with a cloth to restore its original look. This type of repair tint for leather is available in multiple options with different colors to match the style of your own faux leather time. Try this repairing dye restorer.
4. Consider Leather Adhesive Patches
If you’re dealing with large faux leather surfaces that have peeled away, it’s probably best to get rid of all the flakes and use adhesive patches to restore the original look as closely as possible. These patches are useful to repair damaged faux leather areas but you need to pay attention to the color and texture for a proper match with your item. The surface should be cleaned thoroughly before applying any adhesive sheet. Check out this product that allows you to repair faux leather peeling issues.
