So I really did it last weekend.
I accidentally left my VC full grain leather wallet in my jeans and by extension, it ended up in the wash, still nestled in the back pocket.
I didn’t even know I had perpetrated this heinous leather crime until most an hour later, while looking for my wallet, it hit me! Oh No! I ran down to the washer and pulled out my drenched jeans and there it was, my water logged leather wallet and all its contents. Not good.
I laid the wallet on a dry cloth and I painstakingly removed all the paper and cards from the wallet. Now what? Leather is sensitive to prolonged moisture, so time was of the essence! I set a plan in motion to resuscitate my ailing wallet.
Here is what I did.
1. Gently Pat It Dry
Once out of the washer, use a soft, dry cloth to blot away excess water. Avoid rubbing, as this could damage the leather’s surface or push moisture deeper into the material.
2. Air Dry Naturally
Place the wallet in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as hair dryers or radiators. Quick drying with heat can cause the leather to warp or shrink. Let it dry slowly and naturally.
4. Restore Moisture with Mink Oil
Now there are a number of leather restorer and conditioning options out there. Me, I prefer the tried and tested method of Mink oil.
Once the wallet is completely dry, it’s time to rehydrate the leather. Apply a small amount of mink oil using a soft cloth, gently massaging it into the leather in circular motions. Mink oil helps restore the wallet’s suppleness and prevents future cracking. Let the oil absorb fully before proceeding.
5. Reshape the Wallet
Depending on how long your wallet was sitting in water, you may need to reshape the wallet. While the leather is still pliable from the mink oil, begin a little reshape. Insert a few cards into the slots to ensure they remain functional.
6. Polish for Protection
To enhance the wallet’s appearance and provide an extra layer of protection, apply a leather polish or balm. This will help restore its original sheen and guard against further wear.
7. Prevent Future Mishaps
This is probably the best way for me to protect my wallet! Always check your pockets before doing laundry to prevent your wallet from taking another unexpected spin in the wash. While Vach Cittoni’s full-grain leather wallets are designed to last, leather isn’t meant to withstand machine washing.
With a little care and attention, your Vach Cittoni wallet can recover from an accidental wash and remain a timeless accessory for years to come.