Faux leather has revolutionized the world of fashion, crafting, and upholstery by providing an affordable, cruelty-free alternative to genuine leather. However, many people don’t realize that proper storage is absolutely critical to maintaining faux leather’s quality and appearance. Unlike some materials, faux leather is susceptible to cracking, drying out, and deterioration if stored incorrectly. Whether you’re storing faux leather fabric, garments, or finished projects, understanding the right storage techniques will extend the life of your materials and preserve your investment.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about storing faux leather to prevent cracking and keep it in pristine condition.
Understanding Why Faux Leather Cracks
Before diving into storage solutions, it’s important to understand why faux leather cracks in the first place. Faux leather consists of a fabric base (usually cotton, polyester, or a blend) with a polyurethane or PVC coating designed to mimic genuine leather. This coating is what gives faux leather its distinctive look and feel—but it’s also what makes it vulnerable to cracking.
Cracking occurs when:
- Moisture Levels Drop – The plastic coating can become brittle and inflexible when exposed to dry environments for extended periods
- Temperature Fluctuates – Extreme temperature changes cause the material to expand and contract, stressing the coating
- Excessive Heat Exposure – High temperatures can degrade the polyurethane or PVC layer
- Improper Folding – Repeated creasing in the same spots creates weak points that eventually crack
- Physical Stress – Constant bending or flexing in the same areas weakens the coating
- Poor Air Circulation – Stagnant air combined with humidity or dryness accelerates degradation
The good news? Most of these factors are completely within your control through proper storage practices.
The Ideal Storage Environment
Creating the right storage environment is the foundation of faux leather preservation. Here’s what you need to know:
Temperature Control
Faux leather should be stored in a stable, moderate temperature environment. Ideally, maintain temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Avoid storing faux leather in attics, basements, or garages where temperatures fluctuate dramatically between seasons. These temperature swings stress the material and accelerate cracking.
Extreme heat is particularly damaging. Never store faux leather in direct sunlight or near heating vents, radiators, or appliances that generate heat. Even moderate heat exposure over extended periods can dry out and degrade the material.
Humidity Levels
The relative humidity of your storage space matters significantly. Aim for a humidity level between 40% and 55%. This sweet spot keeps the faux leather from becoming too dry (which causes brittleness and cracking) while preventing excess moisture (which can cause mildew and material degradation).
If your storage area tends to be dry, consider using a humidifier. Conversely, if it’s too humid, a dehumidifier helps maintain proper moisture balance. Many modern dehumidifiers include humidity sensors that automatically maintain your target range.
Ventilation and Air Flow
Good air circulation is essential. Stagnant air creates pockets of extreme humidity or dryness, which accelerates material degradation. Ensure your storage space has adequate ventilation—but not drafts that cause temperature fluctuations. A small fan running periodically can help maintain consistent air circulation without creating problematic drafts.
Storage Methods by Faux Leather Type
Different faux leather applications require slightly different storage approaches.
Storing Faux Leather Fabric
For bolts or yardage of faux leather fabric:
- Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper – Wrap the fabric loosely in acid-free tissue paper before storage. Never use plastic wrap, which traps moisture and promotes mildew
- Roll, Don’t Fold – Rolling fabric around a cardboard tube is better than folding, which creates permanent creases that can crack over time
- Protect the Cardboard Core – If using a cardboard tube, wrap it with acid-free paper to prevent degradation that could transfer to your fabric
- Store Vertically or Horizontally – Either orientation works, as long as the storage container provides support and protection
- Label Everything – Use acid-free labels to identify fabric type, color, purchase date, and care instructions
Storing Faux Leather Garments
For clothing made from faux leather:
- Use Padded Hangers – Never use wire hangers, which can create permanent indentations. Padded hangers distribute weight evenly
- Add Shoulder Padding – For jackets and structured pieces, insert garment hangers with shoulder pads to maintain shape
- Hang in a Breathable Garment Bag – Use a cotton or linen garment bag, never plastic, which traps moisture. Leave some space around the garment for air circulation
- Avoid Overcrowding – Don’t jam multiple items together. Pressure and contact between pieces can cause sticking or cracking at stress points
- Store Away from Direct Light – Keep faux leather garments out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and material degradation
Storing Faux Leather Finished Projects
For completed projects like jackets, bags, or upholstery:
- Let Items Air Out First – Before storing, allow finished pieces to air in a well-ventilated space for 24-48 hours
- Clean Before Storage – Gently wipe items with a soft, dry cloth. Remove any dust or debris that could embed in the surface during storage
- Use Breathable Storage Containers – Cloth-lined boxes or wooden storage chests work well. Avoid plastic containers and airtight bags
- Add Silica Gel Packets – Place acid-free silica gel packets in storage containers to help maintain humidity levels. Replace every 6 months
- Stack Carefully – If stacking multiple items, place acid-free tissue between each piece to prevent sticking or rubbing
What NOT to Do When Storing Faux Leather
Understanding storage mistakes is just as important as knowing what to do right.
Don’t Use Plastic Bags or Wrap – Plastic traps moisture and prevents air circulation, creating ideal conditions for mold, mildew, and material degradation.
Don’t Store in Basements or Attics – These spaces experience extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations that damage faux leather.
Don’t Expose to Direct Sunlight – UV rays fade colors and degrade the polyurethane or PVC coating.
Don’t Fold Repeatedly in the Same Spot – Constant creasing weakens the material and eventually leads to cracks.
Don’t Store Near Heat Sources – Keep faux leather away from radiators, heating vents, fireplaces, and air conditioning units.
Don’t Mix Faux Leather with Other Materials – Store faux leather separately from materials that might cause chemical reactions or surface damage.
Don’t Use Cedar or Mothballs – These release volatile compounds that can damage the plastic coating on faux leather.
Don’t Store While Damp – Always ensure your faux leather is completely dry before storing.
Maintenance During Storage
Storing faux leather isn’t a one-time setup—proper maintenance during storage extends its life:
Inspect Regularly
Check on your stored faux leather every 3-6 months. Look for signs of cracking, fading, mold, or other damage. Early detection allows you to address issues before they become severe.
Rotate Your Items
If storing multiple faux leather pieces in the same space, occasionally rotate their positions. This prevents any single item from experiencing consistent pressure or environmental stress.
Refresh Humidity Control
If using silica gel packets, replace them every 6 months. If using a humidifier or dehumidifier, check its functionality regularly and maintain proper humidity levels.
Air Out Occasionally
Every 6-12 months, remove faux leather items from storage and allow them to air in a well-ventilated space for a few hours. This helps prevent stagnant conditions that promote degradation.
Seasonal Storage Considerations
Different seasons present unique storage challenges:
Summer – Heat and intense sunlight are primary concerns. Use opaque storage containers, keep items in cool, shaded areas, and monitor humidity if using air conditioning.
Winter – Dry indoor heating can create very low humidity levels. Use humidifiers to maintain proper moisture balance.
Spring and Fall – These transitional seasons often experience humidity swings. Monitor conditions and adjust humidity control accordingly.
Investing in Quality Faux Leather
Here’s an important consideration: the quality of your faux leather affects how resistant it is to storage-related damage. Premium faux leather from reputable suppliers like MJ Trends is engineered with superior coatings and construction that resist cracking and degradation better than lower-quality alternatives.
When you start with quality faux leather fabric, you’re already giving yourself a significant advantage in long-term storage success. High-end faux leather maintains its flexibility, resists drying out, and stands up to the natural stresses of storage much better than budget options.
Quick Reference: Storage Checklist
Before putting your faux leather into storage, use this checklist:
- Temperature maintained between 60°F and 75°F ✓
- Humidity level between 40% and 55% ✓
- Storage area has good air circulation ✓
- Faux leather is clean and completely dry ✓
- Material wrapped in acid-free tissue paper ✓
- No plastic bags or airtight containers ✓
- Stored away from direct sunlight ✓
- Away from heat sources and temperature fluctuations ✓
- Labeled with fabric type and storage date ✓
- Silica gel packets or humidity control in place ✓
Conclusion
Proper storage is essential to keeping your faux leather in excellent condition for years to come. By maintaining a stable temperature and humidity environment, using breathable storage materials, and avoiding common storage mistakes, you can prevent cracking and preserve the appearance and integrity of your faux leather projects.
The investment you make in proper storage now will pay dividends later. Whether you’re storing premium faux leather fabric from MJ Trends or finished garments and projects, these storage techniques will help ensure your materials remain supple, attractive, and ready for use whenever you need them.
Explore MJ Trends’ extensive faux leather collection and discover the perfect material for your next project. Our high-quality faux leather is designed to resist cracking and degradation—especially when combined with proper storage practices outlined in this guide. Visit us today to browse colors, textures, and finishes that will inspire your next creation!
The idea of rotating stored items every few months is something I hadn’t considered, but it seems like an easy way to prevent uneven pressure damage.
I like that you included temperature ranges in both Fahrenheit and Celsius; it makes it easier to actually set up a controlled storage space.
Your explanation of how faux leather is constructed made the cracking issue much clearer than other guides that just say ‘keep it conditioned.’
The tip about rolling faux leather fabric around a tube instead of folding is huge; I’ve definitely created those weak crease lines you mentioned without thinking about it.
Using breathable garment bags instead of plastic is something I’ve been doing wrong forever, especially since I thought sealing it protected the material better.
The connection between higher-quality faux leather and better resistance to cracking was useful, since it explains why some of my cheaper pieces failed faster.
I appreciated the reminder to let finished projects air out for 24–48 hours before storage, since I usually pack things away immediately after sewing.
The checklist at the end is practical, especially the reminder to label fabric with purchase date and care instructions for long-term storage.
Good call on avoiding cedar and mothballs, which are usually recommended for storage but clearly don’t play well with synthetic coatings.
I’ve always used plastic bins for everything, so learning they trap moisture and accelerate degradation definitely changes how I’ll store my materials.
Your point about not mixing faux leather with other materials is interesting; I’ve definitely stacked different fabrics together without considering chemical reactions.
Adding silica gel packets and replacing them every six months is a practical tip I can actually follow, unlike some vague storage advice you see online.
I didn’t realize low humidity could make the polyurethane coating brittle, but that explains why a jacket I stored near a heater started cracking within a year.
Keeping humidity between 40% and 55% feels oddly specific, but it makes sense when you explain both brittleness and mildew risks on either end.
Cleaning items before storage seems obvious, but I’ve skipped that step and ended up with dust embedded into the surface over time.
The seasonal advice was helpful, especially about winter dryness from indoor heating since my workspace gets extremely dry once the furnace is running.
I’ve ruined a bag by folding it the same way repeatedly, so the explanation about stress points forming weak spots really connected with my experience.
I never thought about cardboard tubes needing acid-free wrapping too, but it makes sense if the core itself can degrade and transfer issues.
The emphasis on air circulation without drafts was helpful, since I would’ve assumed more airflow is always better regardless of stability.
The note about avoiding attics and basements hits home since that’s exactly where I’ve been storing leftover yardage, and the temperature swings are intense.