When the spring sun appears or the first cold days of winter arrive, a major migration begins in wardrobes: Winter clothes are put away, and summer clothes are brought out. The “small” mistakes made during these transitions actually shorten the life of your valuable leather pieces.
Have you ever found a greenish layer (mold) on your leather jacket when taking it out from the bottom of the closet? Or noticed that the ankle of your favorite leather boot had bent and left a permanent crease? Has the metal clasp on your bag ever stuck to the leather and left a mark?
These aren’t bad luck; they’re almost always the result of improper storage habits. Genuine leather is a “living” material: It needs to breathe, requires balanced humidity, and needs support to maintain its shape. Trapping it in an airtight plastic bag or tossing it into a hot attic invites gradual deterioration.
At Derimarket, we believe that Pegia and Cool Moon products deserve good care not only when worn, but also when resting. In this guide, we explain step by step, using a professional storage approach, how to keep your boots, jackets, and bags in the best condition while they’re in “sleep mode” until next season.
Section 1: General Rules
The Golden Trio of Storage
Whatever the product (boots, jacket, bag), there are three unchanging rules for storing genuine leather.
1) Never Store Without Cleaning
The biggest mistake is putting it away dirty, thinking, “I’ll clean it when I wear it next year.”
Why? Dust, body oils, and invisible salt residue on leather’s surface wear it down over the months. Dirt also attracts moths and insects.
What should you do? Before storing leather products, wipe them with a slightly damp cloth and let them dry completely. For smooth leather, nourish it with a thin layer of leather conditioner (without weighing it down or leaving a “film”).
2) No Plastic Bags
The clear plastic bags from the dry cleaner are leather’s worst enemy.
Why? Plastic is airtight. Temperature changes cause moisture to form inside; it cannot escape, creating the “ideal environment” for mold. Also, some plastics can stick to leather over time, damaging the surface and causing discoloration.
What should you do? Use a cloth dust bag, a cotton cover, or a clean pillowcase. Your leather product absolutely needs to breathe.
3) Choosing a Storage Area
Cool, dry, and dark—these three are leather’s insurance policy.
- Hot spots (next to a radiator, behind a stove, in the attic) dry out and crack leather.
- Light (sunlight/UV) fades colors.
- Dampness means mold.
Ideal conditions: The top shelves of the wardrobe. If storing under the bed, choose a well-ventilated, dry, tidy area.
Section 2: The Art of Storing Leather Boots and Boots
Winter is over, and it’s time to put away your Pegia Boots… But what’s the right way to do it? We explain in detail below. Keep reading.
Step 1: Interior Cleaning and Complete Drying
The inside of a Boot retains sweat, bacteria, and moisture. Air it out before storing. Pegia and Cool Moon Boots have removable insoles (sock liners). This is one of the most important features of our products. You can remove the insoles to air them out. If there’s a risk of odor, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside and leave it overnight, then clean it thoroughly the next day. Never store a Boot while it’s damp.
Step 2: Shape Retention
If left empty, Boots and Boots will crease at the ankle, and the creases are often permanent.
- Best method: Store them using shoe trees. Cedar shoe trees help maintain their shape and balance moisture.
- At-home method: Instead of newspaper (due to the risk of ink transfer), use acid-free tissue paper, white paper towels, or clean white paper. Stuff them evenly from the toe to the ankle.
- For tall Boots, placing rolled supports inside helps them stay upright.
Step 3: Boxing and Moisture Control
Storing them in their original box is a good solution. Adding 1-2 silica gel packets to the box reduces the risk of dampness. Don’t stack Boots carelessly; the surfaces may get scratched and their shape may be damaged.
Section 3: Storing Leather Coats and Jackets
The biggest mistake when storing a leather jacket is folding it. Creases at the folds of leather jackets can become permanent, so take great care.
Step 1: The Right Hanger
Thin wire hangers or hard plastic hangers create bumps at the shoulders and leave marks on the jacket. To prevent this, use a wide-shouldered wooden or padded hanger. The hanger should fill out the jacket’s shoulders and distribute its weight evenly.
Step 2: Fabric Cover
Use a cover to protect it from dust, but it should be made of fabric. A cotton cover is much better, preferably, because a nylon cover blocks air circulation. If you store your leather jacket in a nylon cover, it’s much better to leave the zipper open.
Step 3: Leave Room to Breathe in the Closet
Don’t cram a leather jacket into the closet. Leaving 2-3 cm of space around it helps reduce creasing and the risk of mold.
Section 4: Storing Leather Bags
Bags are the items that lose their shape the fastest. A crushed bag looks bad, no matter how high-quality it is.
Step 1: Stuffing
Don’t store the bag empty. Use acid-free tissue paper, a clean T-shirt, or soft stuffing, but don’t overfill it and strain the seams & zipper.
Step 2: Handle and Metal Hardware Precautions
The most common mistake: Leaving a chain or buckle in contact with the Leather surface.
Risk: Metal may oxidize over time or leave marks on the Leather.
Solution: Tuck the handles inside or separate them from the Leather with a piece of fabric or paper.
Step 3: Dust Bag
Store the bag in a dust bag. If you don’t have one, a white pillowcase will do, but never use a plastic bag.
Step 4: Positioning
Store bags neatly on a shelf, not hanging. A hanging bag’s handles will stretch, and the seams will be strained.
Section 5: Special Cases
Fighting Mold and Odors
Scenario 1: Moldy Leather
You open the closet and find green or white spots.
- Separate the item immediately (mold is contagious).
- Clean the surface with a soft brush outdoors, wearing a mask if possible.
- Wipe it with a damp cloth prepared with a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Dry it completely, then nourish it with leather cream.
Scenario 2: Musty Smell
- Air it out for a long time in a shady, breezy place.
- Place it in a box with baking soda or activated charcoal nearby (without letting it touch the item); leave it for 2-3 days.
- Changing the stuffing paper often also helps.
Section 6: Cedarwood
A Small Detail, a Big Difference
SUsing cedar blocks or balls in storage areas makes a big difference:
- It naturally repels moths.
- It balances the humidity in the space.
- It doesn’t leave a strong, lingering smell like mothballs.
Warning: Don’t use mothballs. Their smell lingers and is difficult to remove; they can also damage Leather.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you keep in mind when storing Suede products?
Suede attracts dust. Clean it with a suede brush before storing, and apply a protective spray if possible. Keep suede items from touching each other, as the color may transfer.
How should Patent Leather products be stored?
Patent Leather is prone to sticking and contact damage. If you’re storing Patent Leather shoes, keep each shoe in a separate fabric bag so they don’t touch each other.
Can I fold a leather jacket and put it in a suitcase?
Yes, for short trips. No, for long-term storage. Place rolled towels in the folds to reduce sharp creases.
Can you use vacuum bags?
No. It crushes the leather and prevents it from breathing, strains the fibers, and leaves the item creased.
The Result: An Investment in the Future
Leather goods should be stored properly not just to wear them next season, but to enjoy them for many years. If you store a Pegia boot, leather jacket, or bag you bought from Derimarket using these methods, you’re very likely to hear, “Is it new?” when you take it out and wear it at the start of the season.
Leather is a living material. Let it breathe, protect it from moisture, and respect its shape. In return, its durability and elegance will serve you for many years.
