Chances are if you have a garment or furniture piece that looks like leather, itt may actually be leatherette and not real leather. Invented in the early 1920’s leatherette (also known as faux leather or PU leather) is a popular option compared to real leather goods because it is more affordable and easier to maintain.
What is Leatherette?
Leatherette is a vegan-friendly alternative to real leather. It is made from synthetic materials like polyurethane and vinyl. Leatherette is more durable and less prone to water and scratch damage than genuine leather, making it a great choice for everyday use. Leatherette is also available in a variety of colors and textures, making it a great option for those looking to make a fashion statement.
Common Leatherette Items
Nowadays leatherette items are even more commonly used than real leather. From vehicle manufacturers to the fashion industry faux leather has taken the lead.
Car seats
While leatherette is often used in cars because it’s cheaper to manufacture, this material as car seats is actually more durable and resistant to scratches than traditional leather or suede.
Garments & Handbags
Due to cultural conversations and consumer concerns over the ethics of animal products and their use in the fashion industry many of the clothing garments we see today are made of faux leather.
Furniture
Due to leatherette’s durability and ease of use, furniture is often accessorized with leatherette finishes. As an added bonus, faux leather doesn’t have the smell that is associated with real leather, is easier to clean, and isn’t as porous so it doesn’t stain after spills.
Prepare Your Leatherette for Storage Checklist
Properly preparing your leatherette for storage is an important step in preserving its quality and longevity. Leatherette is a synthetic material and can last for many years if taken care of properly.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Leatherette should not be put in direct sun as it is not designed to withstand direct UV rays. This synthetic material is not UV resistant and can become brittle and cracked when exposed to the sun. Additionally, UV rays can cause the color of leatherette to fade over time. To prevent this, leatherette should be kept out of direct sunlight and should be stored in a cool, dry place to ensure its longevity.
Use Vinyl Protectant
Using a vinyl protectant on leatherette is an important step in prolonging its life. Vinyl protectant helps to form a barrier on the surface that resists dirt, water, and oil, which all contribute to the deterioration of leatherette. It also helps to restore the original luster and shine of the material, making it look brand new. By using a vinyl protectant regularly, you can help to protect your leatherette from the elements and keep it looking new for much longer.
Regularly Clean & Condition
Regularly cleaning and conditioning leatherette is important because it keeps the material looking its best. Dirt and debris can build up on the surface of leatherette, making it look dull and discolored. Cleaning it with a gentle cleanser and soft cloth will remove any dirt and debris and help to restore the original luster and color. Conditioning the leatherette with a vinyl conditioner will help to protect it from cracking and drying out, and will help keep it soft and supple
Store in Climate Controlled Spaces
Leatherette is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Because of this it is highly sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity levels, which can cause it to crack and fade. For this reason, it is important to store leatherette in a climate-controlled space. Temperature fluctuations, moisture, and UV light can all cause damage to leatherette, resulting in it becoming brittle, discolored, and less durable. Additionally, the material can be vulnerable to mold and mildew, which can be prevented by keeping it in a climate-controlled environment. Gotham Mini Storage, the leading Manhattan mini storage provider is the perfect place to store your leatherette items.
Our facilities are spacious, secure, and climate-controlled, so you can rest assured that your items will be safe and well-maintained. We also offer 24-hour surveillance and access control systems, so you can trust that your items are safe and secure. Learn why our customer service and quality storage solutions make us the ideal storage provider for storing garments and beyond.