Leather has always been valued because it’s strong, dependable, and built to last. But even the best leather needs proper care. If it’s stored incorrectly or handled roughly, you’ll eventually see wrinkles, creases, or dry spots. The good news is: leather responds well to simple, traditional upkeep.

This post covers two things every leather owner needs to know:
How to care for leather the right way, and how to safely remove wrinkles without ruining a good hide.

Basic Leather Care: The Fundamentals That Matter

1. Clean the Surface — Don’t Scrub It

Leather collects dust and grit on the surface, which eventually works into the fibers. A slightly damp cloth once a month is all it takes to keep it clean. Avoid chemicals, harsh soaps, or anything with alcohol. Finished leathers can handle mild leather cleaners, but always test first.

2. Condition Sparingly

Leather dries out over time, especially in heated homes or during the winter. A light conditioning every couple of months keeps it supple and prevents cracking.

Good options include:

• Beeswax-based conditioners

• Lanolin-based creams

• Traditional leather balms

Too much conditioner softens leather and weakens its structure, so apply it thinly and let it absorb naturally.

3. Store Leather Properly

Storage is half the battle when it comes to keeping leather smooth and healthy.

• Keep it out of direct sunlight.

• Avoid plastic bags or sealed containers — leather needs to breathe.

• Lay hides flat when possible.

• If you roll them, roll loosely with the grain side facing out.

Good storage prevents most wrinkles before they start.

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Leather

Wrinkles and creases are common, especially in hides that have been shipped or stored rolled. Fortunately, leather is forgiving if you treat it with steady, controlled heat and moisture.

Below are the best methods, practical, safe, and time-tested.

1. The Steam Iron Method 

A steam iron on low temperature and ironing from the back side of the leather works well to remove wrinkles.

Here’s the correct way:

1. Set your iron to low heat or the wool setting.

2. Lay the leather face-down on a clean towel.

3. Place a thin cotton cloth (a towel works well) between the iron and the leather.

4. Use slow, gentle passes, no pressing hard, no holding it in place.

5. Check the grain side often for any heat change.

The steam relaxes the fibers, and the low heat smooths the hide without scorching it. This is one of the best methods for safely removing moderate wrinkles.

2. Warmth + Weight (The Old Reliable Method)

If the wrinkles aren’t severe, this simple approach works without any risk.

1. Lay the leather flat on a table.

2. Warm it slightly, not with a heater or direct sun, just a warm room or an indoor sunlit spot.

3. Place a board or heavy books over the leather.

4. Leave it weighted for 24–48 hours.

This slow process gently resets the fibers and smooths out most light to moderate wrinkles.

3. Light Conditioning + Weight

When leather is both dry and wrinkled, it needs moisture.

1. Apply a very light coat of leather conditioner or neatsfoot oil.

2. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes.

3. Flatten the leather and add weight.

This helps with deeper creases and thicker hides where dryness is contributing to the problem.

4. Using a Heat Gun (For Experienced Hands Only)

A heat gun can remove wrinkles quickly, but it’s easy to overdo it.

If you try this:

• Keep the gun 12–18 inches away.

• Keep it moving — never focus heat in one spot.

• Gently smooth or stretch the leather as it warms.

This is effective for heavier veg-tan leathers but not recommended for thin, garment, or suede-type leathers.

5. When to Seek Professional Help

If the hide was folded for years or the crease is extremely deep, a leather specialist can rehydrate and reshape the piece without causing discoloration or shrinkage. This is uncommon, but worth noting.

Final Thoughts

Leather doesn’t require fancy products or complicated routines,  just steady, respectful care. Clean it lightly, condition it sparingly, store it well, and use controlled heat when wrinkles show up. The steam-iron-from-the-back method is one of the most reliable approaches out there, and paired with proper storage, it keeps your leather smooth and ready for whatever project you’re working on.