How to Fold and Store Faux Leather
Faux leather (also referred to as synthetic leather) is an increasingly popular alternative to genuine leather for its sleek appearance without its higher costs and ethical concerns. Faux leather does require specific care when folding or storing to avoid creasing or other damage from occurring, otherwise, it might result in fold creases, cracking, or other signs of wear that require repair work later.
In this guide, we’ll look at effective techniques for folding and storing faux leather jackets or coats so they remain in top shape for many years to come.
Why Proper Storage Matters for Faux Leather
Faux leather is typically constructed using plastic-based materials like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), making it more flexible than real leather, however, improper storage can result in creasing, cracking, and premature wear due to folding and storage issues; when stored incorrectly this causes faux leather to lose its polished and sleek aesthetic.
Common issues caused by improper storage include:
- Permanent wrinkles that are difficult to get rid of
- Cracked or peeling faux leather surfaces due to stress or heat can become damaged over time and result in cracking or peeling issues.
- Unblemished caused by direct sunlight or excessive heat can discolor a garment over time.
- Poor storage techniques lead to fabric loss.
By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure your faux leather garments stay looking their best and avoid potential problems.
Steps to Properly Fold Faux Leather Without Damaging It
1. Clean Your Faux Leather Before Storing
Before folding or storing faux leather items, they must be clean. Dust, oils, and dirt can degrade its material over time when left sitting while being stored away for too long.
Steps to Clean:
- Employ a mild soap solution or faux leather cleaner to carefully wipe down the surface of the item you are cleaning.
- Use a soft microfiber cloth to safely cleanse clothing without risk of abrasion or harm to its fabric.
- Before storing, ensure the garment is completely dry to avoid mold or mildew growth.
2. Use Tissue Paper or Cloth to Prevent Creases
Crinkles can be an issue when folding faux leather. To reduce sharp folds that might leave permanent markings behind, using soft tissue paper or cloth barriers as barriers is recommended to help avoid sharp folds that leave permanent imprints on your surface.
Steps to Prevent Creases:
- Use tissue paper or a soft cloth in areas prone to creases, such as sleeves and body.
- Fold your jacket carefully, placing tissue paper between each fold to soften any creases that form during folding.
- Press down lightly when folding clothes, Aim for loose layers for best results.
3. Fold Loosely and Avoid Sharp Edges
Fold faux leather in loose folds to reduce stress on its materials and to avoid cracking or creasing over time. Sharp or tightly compacted folds may lead to cracking in time.
Steps for Loose Folding:
- Start styling a jacket by folding its sleeves inward and aligning them with its body.
- Fold the jacket’s bottom up toward its shoulders loosely so no sharp creases form.
- Fold a long coat into thirds instead of halves to prevent too much material from bunching up inside and creating wrinkles.
4. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Heat and humidity can wreak havoc with faux leather items. Storing them properly will ensure their texture and appearance remain preserved.
Steps for Ideal Storage:
- Fold your faux leather jacket carefully and store it in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight which could cause discoloration or cracking of its surface.
- Avoid placing faux leather jackets into plastic bags for extended storage as this could trap moisture, leading to mildew growth. Instead, choose breathable fabric storage bags or dust covers as these will protect you from mildew formation.
- Avoid stacking heavy items on top of folded faux leather jackets to reduce pressure marks and keep pressure marks at bay.
How to Hang Faux Leather for Long-Term Storage
Folding may be ideal for short-term storage or packing needs. however, hanging is the preferred method for longer-term storage to preserve faux leather jacket shape while decreasing the chances of creasing.
Steps to Hang Faux Leather:
- Use a wide and/or padded hanger to support and stop stretching of garment shoulders and keep clothes looking their best!
- Make sure that the jacket or coat is buttoned or zippered all the way, to help it maintain its shape when hanging up.
- Add an air-permeable garment bag over your jacket to protect it from dust and humidity.
- Hang it in a cool, dry wardrobe with enough room so the item does not become crushed or wrinkled.
Additional Tips for Storing Faux Leather
1. Condition the Faux Leather Regularly
Apply a faux leather conditioner periodically in order to keep its material supple and prevent cracking, especially before storing an item for extended periods. This should keep its structure soft while also helping prevent any possible tearing that might otherwise arise during storage.
2. Avoid Heat Exposure
Keep faux leather items out of direct sunlight or near heat sources as this can cause them to dry out and crack over time.
3. Check on Stored Items Periodically
If you plan to store a faux leather garment for an extended period, it’s wise to inspect it periodically to detect any possible damage and to refold or hang it as necessary.
4. Use a Wrinkle Release Spray if Needed
If your faux leather garment develops minor creases, a wrinkle-release spray designed for faux leather garments may help smooth them out. Before applying it all over your clothing, always test inconspicuously on an area before doing a complete spray application.
Conclusion
Properly folding and storing your faux leather jackets, coats, or other garments is essential for maintaining their appearance and durability. By following the steps outlined in this guide—cleaning the garment, folding it loosely with tissue paper, storing it in a cool, dry place, and considering hanging it for long-term storage—you can keep your faux leather items looking new for years to come.
Taking a few minutes to store your faux leather items correctly will ensure they remain free from creases, cracks, and other damage, allowing you to enjoy your stylish faux leather pieces season after season.
If you want to buy quality faux leather jackets or coats, then shop now from your trusted Brand “Fauxjacket“.
