Apple’s leather case is a popular option for those looking to protect their iPhones. It’s stylish and provides good protection, but is it waterproof? In this article, I’m happy to share all of my experiences after having my Apple leather case for about a year now. Let’s get into it.
To briefly answer my question of the day, the Apple leather case, just leather most real leather goods, does not hold up well with water, humidity, or even dampness, as these types of situations will cause the leather material used for the apple case to lose its essential oils.
This is not to say the Apple leather case cannot resist water at all, as it does offer some limited protection.
For example, if your Apple leather case comes into contact with water or spills, it will resist it long enough for you to wipe it off. Even Apple’s website says the leather case is “splash and water resistant.”
However, they are not waterproof as water can certainly cause some serious damage to your Apple leather case if left on there for an extended period of time.
To learn more about this, I reached out to an expert. Here’s what they had to say:
“Leather is a natural product, and as such, it is not waterproof. However, it can be made more water-resistant through the use of finishes and treatments.
The Apple leather case does not appear to have any sort of treatment that would make it more resistant to water, so I would not recommend using it in wet or humid conditions.”
Reasons Why Real Leather Cases Aren’t Waterproof
Just as I mentioned above, there are certain damages that water can cause to your Apple leather case. Here are some of the reasons why;
1. The Leather Case Will Lose Its Essential Oils
If your Apple leather case gets submerged in water, it will lose its essential oils. The essential oils, as the name implies, are what give leather its natural properties.
When water comes into contact with water, it strips away the natural oils that keep the leather soft and supple.
When these oils are gone, the leather will become dry and brittle if not treated properly and on time. In some cases, the leather case can even crack.
2. The Leather Case Can Become Discolored
Another water damage that can occur to your Apple leather case is that it can become discolored.
This is particularly common on light-colored Apple leather cases like plum, kumquat, white, etc. Too much moisture exposure can also cause dark-colored leather cases to lighten or fade if not properly cared for.
To avoid this, it’s best to keep your Apple leather case away from water as much as possible. If it does get wet, make sure to dry it off immediately and store it in a cool, dry place until it’s fully dry.
3. The Leather Case Will Develop Water Marks
If your Apple leather case gets wet very often, it will develop watermarks. They’re caused by water soaking into the leather and leaving behind mineral deposits.
If left untreated, watermarks can permanently damage your Apple leather case. Watermarks are usually light-colored spots that appear on the surface of the leather once the water spill has dried.
It can also occur if the leather is dried too quickly or in direct sunlight. While watermarks don’t necessarily affect the quality or durability of the leather case, they are unsightly and can be difficult to remove.
To avoid watermarks, simply let your Apple leather case air dry naturally in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
4. The Leather Case Can Start to Smell Bad
Leather as a material is very porous, so when it is exposed to water, the water seeps into the leather fiber and stays there if not properly dried and conditioned. This can cause the leather to develop an unpleasant smell.
Not only that, but the bacteria that are naturally present in water can also start to grow and multiply in the damp environment, causing the leather to smell even worse.
The best way to avoid this is to keep your Apple leather case dry. If it does get wet, make sure to dry it off immediately.
5. The Leather Case Can Mold or Mildew
Last but not least is that the leather case can develop mold or mildew.
Mold and mildew are fungi that thrive in damp, humid environments. If your Apple leather case is constantly exposed to water and not dried or stored properly, it’s more likely to develop mold or mildew.
Mold and mildew can cause the leather to deteriorate and become weak over time. In some cases, it can even cause the leather to rot–leading to worse smells and stains.
Waterproofing Your Apple Leather Case
There are a few things you can do to help make your Apple leather case more resistant to water damage but not absolutely waterproof.
Here are the steps to follow;
Step One: Cleaning The Apple Leather Case
- Start by wiping down your Apple leather case with a clean damp cloth.
- This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface of the leather.
- If you must use soap, use saddle soap or a leather cleaner, as these are specially made for real leather materials.
Step Two: Conditioning The Apple Leather Case
- Once you’ve wiped down the case, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner to the surface of the leather.
- This will help to nourish and replenish the leather fibers of any lost oils during your use of the case or during the cleaning.
- In some cases, the leather conditioner you use will come with waterproofing ingredients, so this will help to add an extra layer of protection against water.
Step Three: Waterproofing
- After you’ve cleaned and conditioned your Apple leather case, the final step is to apply a waterproofing spray or cream.
- This will help to create an invisible barrier on the surface of the leather that will repel water and other liquids.
- Be sure to follow the instructions on the product you’re using, as some may need to be reapplied more often than others.
Step Four: Air Drying
- Once you have gone through all the processes of waterproofing your Apple leather case, the final step is to let it air dry in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause serious damage.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a few things you need to be aware of when it comes to water and your Apple leather case.
While the leather case is not waterproof, it can, to a large extent, withstand spills from day-to-day use.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to help make your Apple leather cases more resistant to water damage.
The most important thing is to keep your Apple leather case dry as much as possible and to follow the steps above if it does get wet.
Thanks for reading this article! We hope you found it helpful.
Do you have any questions or comments about waterproofing your Apple leather case? Let me know via our contact me page!
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