The production of household-machine washable and dryable, waterproof, nonflammable, and extremely colorfast leathers from wet blue hides by a process which has the advantage that significantly reduced volumes of toxic wastes are generated. The wet blue hides are washed and treated to equalize the pH at the surface and in the interior of the leather and to build at least one wanted end characteristics such as suppleness into the leather. This is followed by the introduction of additional character builders into the pores of the hide and the substitution of one or more softening agents for fats originally present in the pores of the hide. Next in a typical application of the invention are dyeing and the fixing of previously introduced substances in the pores of the hide. This is followed by refloatation with a hydrophobic waterproofing agent and buffering for pH equalization and increase of the pH. The hides are next treated to impart a pleasing, silky feel to the leather into which the hides are being converted and a hydrophobic silicone which promotes waterproofability and washability; and this is followed by a second fixing step.
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