Ocean Water vs. Leather: Can Your Bag Survive the Experiment?
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Time to read: 7 min
Leather bags are a beloved accessory due to their durability and timeless appeal. However, accidents can happen, and many leather bag owners have found themselves asking, "What happens if I spill something on my bag?" One more common yet less considered question is what happens when leather gets soaked in ocean water. This blog explores the surprising results of such an experiment and shares tips on how to care for leather bags when accidents occur.
In this blog, we'll answer the following questions:
- What happens to leather bags when they get soaked in ocean water, and can they fully recover from the damage?
- What are the best drying techniques to restore a leather bag after accidental water exposure?
- How does saltwater affect the durability, texture, and appearance of leather over time?
DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
The Experiment Begins
As we often hear from our customers, many worry about what to do if they accidentally spill something on their leather bag. Spills are one thing, but what happens if the bag gets completely soaked in ocean water? Leather, by its very nature, is not fond of water—especially salt water. So, the question arose: Could ocean water completely ruin a leather bag?
To test this, we decided to put the theory to the test. The bag in question was a prototype, previously used by my mom, which I had promised to replace before conducting the experiment. It was taken for a swim in the ocean to see exactly what would happen to it once submerged.
The Aftermath: Soaking the Bag
Upon pulling the bag out of the water, it was clear that it had absorbed quite a bit of liquid. The leather seemed to carry a lot of water, and the bag was significantly heavier than before. While squeezing it out helped remove some of the excess moisture, we were left with an important task—drying it properly without causing further damage.
The Drying Process
The first step after soaking the bag was to hang it out in the sun. After a few hours under direct sunlight, I moved the bag to a more shaded spot to continue drying. It's important to note that drying leather under the sun can sometimes be harmful, as it may cause the material to dry too quickly, potentially damaging the fibers. So, while we initially used the sun to speed up the process, I made sure to leave the bag in the shade for the majority of the drying time.
The bag was left to air dry for about 24 hours to ensure it was completely dry before inspecting any changes. At this point, I was curious to see the long-term effects of the ocean water exposure.
Results After Drying
Once the bag was fully dried, I took a closer look. Surprisingly, the leather had not been ruined, as I initially feared. Instead of a damaged, dried-out bag, the leather seemed a little looser than before, and a few wrinkles had formed. Some may even find that this gave the bag a slightly softer feel, which could be seen as an improvement. The bag still maintained its shape and form, and the hardware seemed unaffected.
There was also a spill mark from a baby formula incident the previous year. Miraculously, this mark appeared to have been mostly cleaned up by the exposure to water. While the bag didn’t look brand new, it certainly held up much better than expected.
Leather Care After an Accident
Based on the results of this experiment, it's clear that soaking leather in ocean water isn't as disastrous as one might think—at least, not always. While some types of leather, especially vegetable-tanned or more delicate varieties, may be more prone to damage, the bag we tested with held up surprisingly well.
For those who experience a similar situation, the best advice is to act quickly. If your leather bag gets wet, it's important to dry it as soon as possible. While the sun can be tempting, always try to dry the leather in a shaded area, as the harsh sunlight can dry out the material too quickly, causing cracking or other damage.
Conclusion: Leather and Water Don’t Mix, But It’s Not Always the End
While leather will always be sensitive to water, the results of this experiment show that it’s not always the end of the world if your bag gets soaked. With proper care, such as gentle drying in the shade and giving it time to air out, many bags can recover from accidental exposure to water.
For leather bags, especially those made from more delicate materials, it’s crucial to always be cautious around water. However, if you find yourself in a situation where water exposure is unavoidable, remember that with quick action and the right drying techniques, your leather bag can still emerge looking good and functioning perfectly.
In the case of the bag tested here, it fared much better than expected, and now it’s back to being a favorite carry. Hopefully, this experiment will provide some comfort and guidance for anyone worried about their leather bags getting a little too wet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I submit my product for the Leather Bureau of Investigation, and what happens after submission?
To submit your product, please complete this form. Once submitted, we'll review the details to determine if your product fits our project. If accepted, you'll receive an email within seven days. In return for your donation, we’ll send you a free product from our PEGAI catalog, and all information provided will be kept confidential. If not selected, you’re welcome to submit other products in the future.
This project is only for leather goods customers. If you're a brand, please refer to the Chopping Block / Rip My Bag Challenge FAQ.
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You can view all the brands currently on our list here: Brand List.
If the brand you want to see reviewed isn’t listed, simply leave your suggestion in the comments section! We’ll gather all suggestions and add them to the Suggestion Box in Tanner Leatherstein's website's Forum for voting, where the most requested brands have a chance to be featured next.
Does Tanner offer advisory services?
Yes! Tanner offers advisory services specializing in leather selection, manufacturing, and prototyping-related inquiries. The fee is $300 per hour.
The consultation process includes:
- A complimentary 30-minute initial call to understand your needs.
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- A final 30-minute call to present recommendations.
If you're interested, please let us know so we can send the scheduling links.
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Yes, Tanner is open for media interviews! If you'd like to collaborate on a feature or interview him, please email him directly at tanner@pegai.com.
Whether it's about leather crafting, brand reviews, or the business side of PEGAI, Tanner is happy to share his insights and expertise.
How can my brand participate in the "Rip My Bag" Challenge / Chopping Block?
Here's a quick overview of the process:
- Product Selection: You provide a list of products; Tanner selects one for review.
- Anonymous Purchase: The product is bought anonymously to simulate a real customer experience.
- Independent Review: A review video is created and shared across social media platforms (excluding YouTube).
- No Prior Screening: You won't see the video before it’s posted, and no pre-approval is allowed.
- Reimbursement: After publishing, you’ll receive an invoice for the product cost.
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- Transparency: The video will be marked as "paid collaboration" to ensure honesty.
Watch the video disclaimer here. For complete details, please email us at tanner@pegai.com.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
At this time, participation is limited to brands based in the US and EU due to logistical challenges. If we expand to more countries, we’ll reach out to those interested. In the meantime, we’re happy to add your brand to our list for potential future reviews, though we can't guarantee a timeline. Thank you for your understanding!
NEXT STEPS:
If you're interested, please complete our Intake Survey and pay the video fee. We’ll confirm your slot within 48 hours.
About Tanner
Tanner Leatherstein
Known as the "butcher of leather bags," Tanner has amassed over 2 million followers and 301 million views, with features in outlets like The New York Times and Financial Times. PEGAI, Tanner's brand, embodies his passion for crafting premium leather goods with unmatched authenticity and precision.
