If you’ve ever put a favorite garment away only to pull it out again with those dreaded hanger bumps, this post is for you. Few things are as disheartening as having these unsightly marks ruin the look of your leather clothing – but have no fear!
In this blog post, we will provide tips and tricks on how to remove hanger bumps from leather clothing without damaging the leather. From simple solutions like ice cubes to more complex treatments involving steam, there’s sure to be something that fits your needs and helps restore your garment to its former glory. This guide will provide you with all the knowledge and tools necessary to keep your leather clothing looking its best for years.
So read on for all our advice on ensuring top-notch results when removing hanger bumps from leather clothing!
What Will You Need?
Before we start, gathering all the necessary materials is essential. The good news is that you probably already have most of these items at home!
- A clean cloth
- Ice cubes
- A hairdryer
- Distilled water
- A pot or kettle for boiling water
- Steam iron or garment steamer
Once you have these items on hand, you’re ready to begin the process of removing hanger bumps from your leather clothing.
10 Easy Steps on How to Remove Hanger Bumps From Leather Clothing
Step 1. Dampen the Clean Cloth:
Lightly wet your clean cloth with distilled water. Make sure it’s damp but not soaking. This will be used to moisten the area of the leather that has the hanger bumps, preparing it for the next steps.
Step 2. Apply Ice to the Affected Area:
Wrap your damp cloth around an ice cube. Gently rub the cloth-covered ice cube over the hanger bumps on the leather clothing. The combination of the cold temperature and the moisture will help relax the leather fibers, reducing the hanger bumps’ prominence.
Be careful not to directly apply the ice cube as it might lead to water stains on the leather. Allow the area to dry naturally; never attempt to speed up the process with a heat source, as this may cause further damage.
Step 3. Apply Heat with a Hair Dryer:
Once the affected area is dry, it’s time to apply a bit of heat. Set your hair dryer on a low setting and hold it about six inches from the leather hanger bumps. This will help to soften the material further and make the bumps less noticeable.
Make sure to continuously move the dryer to avoid overheating one spot, which could damage the leather. This step should be done gradually and cautiously to prevent any harm to your clothing.
Step 4. Use Steam for Stubborn Bumps:
If the hanger bumps on your leather clothing are particularly stubborn, it’s time to bring out the big guns: steam. Fill your pot or kettle with water and bring it to a boil. Hold the affected area of the leather clothing over the steam, keeping a safe distance to avoid accidental burns. The steam will help to soften further and relax the leather, allowing the bumps to flatten.
This step should be done gradually and with patience to prevent any potential damage to the leather. If you have a steam iron or garment steamer, you can also use this to apply controlled amounts of steam to the hanger bumps. After this step, allow the leather to dry naturally.
Step 5. Smooth Out the Bumps:
Once the leather is dry, use your hands to smooth out the area where the hanger bumps were. Apply gentle pressure and use a circular motion to massage the bumps out of the leather. This step might take some time and patience, but it’s vital in ensuring a smooth, bump-free finish.
Remember to treat the leather delicately to avoid causing any damage. Once you’re done smoothing, leave the garment to sit flat for a while to help maintain the shape.
Step 6. Apply a Leather Conditioner:
After you’ve successfully removed the hanger bumps from your leather clothing, applying a leather conditioner is essential. Leather conditioner helps to restore the natural oils lost during the treatment process, keeping the leather supple and preventing it from drying out or cracking.
Apply the conditioner according to the package instructions, covering the entire garment, not just the area you worked on. Once applied, allow the conditioner to absorb into the leather before moving on to the next step.
Step 7. Dry and Store Properly:
After treating and conditioning the leather, allow it to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause the leather to dry out and crack. Depending on the thickness and type of leather, it may take several hours or even a day for the leather to completely dry.
Once dry, avoid hanging the garment immediately. Instead, fold it properly and store it in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent future hanger bumps and ensure that your leather clothing remains pristine.
Step 8. Regular Maintenance:
Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid developing hanger bumps in the future, consider using padded hangers or hangers specifically designed for leather. These provide added support and help maintain the shape of your clothing. Regular conditioning and proper storage can also prevent hanger bumps from forming.
Remember that leather is a natural material and requires care to keep it looking its best. Routine maintenance will not only avoid bumps of hangers but also extend the life of your leather clothing.
Step 9. Evaluate the Results:
Once you’ve completed these steps, it’s time to evaluate the results. Carefully examine your leather clothing to see if the hanger bumps have been removed. If minimal bumps remain, you may need to repeat the process. Also, note any changes in the texture or color of the leather.
If you notice any adverse effects, it might be best to consult a professional leather cleaner to avoid further damage. These instructions are meant to help improve the appearance of your leather clothing, but each garment is unique and may respond differently to treatments. As always, when in doubt, it’s best to seek professional advice.
Step 10. Seek Professional Help if Necessary:
If the hanger bumps on your leather clothing persist after multiple attempts of home treatments, it might be best to seek professional help. Many professional leather cleaners and restoration specialists have the knowledge and equipment to handle stubborn problems such as hanger bumps.
Additionally, they can offer advice on proper care and maintenance for your specific type of leather clothing. Let them know the methods you’ve already tried so they can provide a solution that addresses your specific needs.
By following these steps and taking proper care of your leather clothing, you can easily remove hanger bumps and keep your garments looking their best for years.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Avoid Wire Hangers: Wire hangers can easily distort the shape of your leather clothing, leading to those dreaded hanger bumps. Instead, opt for sturdy, wide-shouldered, or padded hangers that can support the weight of your garments and help retain their shape.
- Rotate Your Clothing: If you have a lot of leather clothing in your wardrobe, try to rotate them regularly. Wearing the same leather item frequently can cause it to stretch or sag, especially in the shoulder area.
- Avoid Crowding Your Closet: Overcrowding can cause leather garments to become compressed, leading to wrinkles and bumps. Ensure sufficient space for each piece to hang freely without rubbing against others.
- Use Professional Leather Cleaning Services Periodically: While home remedies are effective for minor issues, professional leather cleaners possess the expertise and specific products necessary for thorough cleaning, conditioning, and damage repair. Consider using these services periodically to maintain the longevity of your leather clothing.
- Read the Care Label: Last but not least, always read the care label on your leather garments. It provides specific instructions on cleaning, drying, and storing specific to the type of leather and the construction of the garment.
With these additional tips, you can maintain your leather clothing and prevent hanger bumps from forming in the first place.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Exposing Leather to Heat: Avoid leaving your leather clothing near heat sources like radiators or in direct sunlight for extended periods. Heat can dry out the leather, causing it to become brittle and prone to cracks or wrinkles.
- Using Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners on your leather clothing. These harsh chemicals can cause discoloration and damage the texture of the leather.
- Storing in Plastic Bags: Storing leather clothing in plastic bags can cause it to dry out and lose its natural oils, leading to cracks. Instead, use breathable garment bags for storage.
- Wearing Leather in the Rain: While some leather garments are designed to be water-resistant, prolonged exposure to water can still damage them. Avoid wearing your leather clothing in heavy rain; if it gets wet, allow it to air-dry away from heat sources.
- Ignoring Small Damages: Small scratches or stains on your leather clothing should be dealt with immediately. Ignoring these minor damages can lead to larger issues over time, requiring intensive treatment or professional intervention.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help prolong the life of your leather clothing, maintain its quality, and prevent hanger bumps from forming.
Conclusion
You can successfully remove hanger bumps from your favorite leather clothing pieces with a few simple steps and precautionary tactics. With the techniques provided, you never have to worry about ruining a special blazer or skirt again.
While it is never recommended to put leather on a hanger, these tips will bring your clothes back to life if you find yourself in that dilemma. Put these tricks up your sleeve for future reference and be confident knowing you can take on any fabric challenge that stands before you.
Hopefully, the article on how to remove hanger bumps from leather clothing has helped you gain a better understanding of caring for leather garments. The key is to be gentle and patient and always read the care label before proceeding with any treatment. Now go on and confidently hang those hanger bump-free leather clothes!
