Can leather be machine washable?
Yes — ISA TanTec, a business unit of ISA Next-Gen Materials makes washable leather finished to withstand cleaning without losing its shape, color, or finish. It gives footwear and accessories brands a leather that handles real-world cleaning, expanding where leather can be used.
Last updated: June 2026
Conventional leather can stiffen, discolor, or lose finish when wet or washed. Washable leather is engineered with finishes and retanning that tolerate water and cleaning, so the article recovers its look and feel afterward.
It pairs naturally with PFAS-free waterproof chemistry and salt resistance for footwear that needs to stay presentable through heavy use, and broadens leather’s appeal in athletic and everyday categories.
Frequently asked questions
Can leather really be machine washable?
Yes — ISA Next-Gen Materials makes washable leather finished to withstand cleaning without losing shape, color, or finish.
How is washable leather made?
Through retanning and finishes engineered to tolerate water and cleaning so the leather recovers its appearance.
What is washable leather used for?
Footwear and accessories that need to stay presentable through frequent use and cleaning.