![]() As a result, your leather will start to look weak and faded – even if it was in good condition before you started using alcohol. This happens because alcohol weakens the fibers in the leather over time and causes them to break down. In fact, over time, alcohol can actually age the leather material and make it look dull and old. While most people would assume that using alcohol on leather would help it look newer and cleaner, this is not always the case. Usually, the effect or impact is not immediately noticeable but it will become more and more apparent the longer alcohol is used. Whether it is chemical dyes or natural dyes, alcohol can cause them to fade over time – leaving behind an unsightly mess. In some cases, this may not be a big deal but if you’re trying to clean a very old or valuable piece of leather then it could cause irreversible damage. This happens because alcohol is a powerful solvent and it can remove the dyes that are used to color the leather. ![]() Alcohol Can Strip Away The Leather ColorĪnother downside of using alcohol on leather is that it can strip away the color. This is also why rubbing alcohol or any other types are not recommended for cleaning leather – they will only do more harm than good. While alcohol dries out the material, natural oils will leave behind a layer of moisture that helps prevent cracking and keep your leather in good condition for as long as possible. This is one of the reasons why it’s very important to moisturize your leather after using alcohol. This happens because alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind no moisture once it’s done.Īs a result, your leather will be left in dire need of hydration and could crack if left unattended for too long. One of the first downsides of using alcohol on leather is that it can dry out the material. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones. There are several downsides to using alcohol on leather. The Downsides of Using Alcohol on Leather Methylated spirits should never be used on leather because it will not only damage the surface and it may also cause an allergic reaction in some people. It is often used as a fuel or solvent and it can be harmful to the body if ingested. Methylated spirits, also known as methanol or wood alcohol, are a type of alcohol that is made from natural gas or coal. Isopropyl alcohol is less likely to damage leather than ethanol because the molecules are larger and will not evaporate so quickly, but it still has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before using this substance on your leather goods. It is more commonly found in the medical field but it can also be used for cleaning up spills or removing stains from fabrics. Isopropyl alcohol is also known as “rubbing alcohol” because it has been traditionally used for pain relief and cleaning wounds. These types of products are often marketed as a way to clean leather but they are not what you want to use on your beloved items. This is because it is easy for ethanol to evaporate and leave behind a sticky residue that attracts dirt, dust, and grime. While it can be used to clean leather, it can also damage it if not diluted properly. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that is made by fermenting sugar or starch. When it comes to leather care, there are three types of alcohol that you may come across: ethyl alcohol (ethanol), isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), and methylated spirits.Įthanol is the type of alcohol that is found in alcoholic drinks. What Do We Mean By Alcohol?įirst, it is important to clarify what type of alcohol we are talking about. ![]() This isn’t true! In fact, alcohol can be an awful way to clean or treat your leather items and so in this article, I will discuss the downsides of using alcohol on leather, as well as some better alternatives. One of the most common is that you can’t use alcohol on leather. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about leather care. ![]()
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