Introduction

A leather jacket is an item of clothing that, provided proper maintenance, can serve for many years or even decades. Unlike ordinary clothes, a leather jacket cannot be washed in a washing machine because the wrong methods of cleaning might dry the leather and ruin its color or finish.

However, the positive aspect here is that leather jackets do not require frequent maintenance and can be easily cleaned by oneself using certain techniques.

This article will cover the process of leather jacket cleaning in detail as well as provide tips on how to get rid of stains and which cleaning products should not be used for cleaning leather garments.

Prior to Starting: Discover Your Leather Type

Each and every leather jacket should be cleaned differently.

Cowhide Leather

Cowhide is tough, durable, and waterproof. It can be wiped down using slightly moistened microfiber cloth with soap added.

Lambskin Leather

Lambskin is softer and more expensive but also fragile. It needs very little moisture when being cleaned.

Suede/Nubuck

Suede and Nubuck should not be cleaned using any water. For that purpose, one should use special brushes and cleaners.

In case you do not know what type of leather your jacket consists of, consult the manufacturer’s guide.

Things Needed

First, make sure you have all these things:

• Soft microfiber cloth
• A small bowl filled with lukewarm water
• Leather soap or mild detergent
• Dry towel
• Leather conditioner
• Soft-bristled brush (optional)

Don’t use any abrasive household cleaners, bleach, alcohol-containing products, or too much water.

Step 1: Remove Loose Dust

Start off by hanging the jacket on a firm hanger.

Using a soft dry microfiber cloth, remove dust, dirt, and other debris. Be extra careful around

• Shoulders
• Sleeves
• Cuffs
• Collar
• Pockets

This is done so that dust does not get rubbed into the leather while cleaning.

Step 2: Spot Test First

Never use the solution without testing it first, such as by doing so in the area near the inside of the cuff or underneath the collar.

Allow a few minutes for the solution to act, as you need to determine whether it will not leave marks or damage the material.

Not following this advice might result in permanent stains on certain types of leather finishing.

Step 3: Make a Cleaning Solution

Combine a few drops of a mild soap with warm water.

Soak the microfiber cloth in it, squeezing it afterward in order to get rid of excessive moisture.

Do not leave the cloth wet.

Otherwise, you risk getting stiffness or cracks in your leather coat due to excessive moisture.

Step 4: Wipe the Leather Coat

Clean the coat gently and with circular movements focusing on the areas that get dirty the most often, such as:

• Collar
• Cuffs
• Sleeves
• Front pieces
• Zipper area

Do not scrub too hard.

In case you come across stubborn stains, repeat the steps rather than scrub harder.

Step 5: Clean Up Soap

Take another cloth that is moist with water.

Clean the surface to get rid of the soap.

It is important to keep the cloth slightly wet.

Step 6: Allow Drying Naturally

Dry the leather coat in a cool and well-ventilated area.

The following should never be done to dry the leather:

• Blow-dry it
• Place it near any kind of heater
• Keep it under the sun

Fast drying takes away the natural oils from the leather and might cause cracks.

Step 7: Condition the Leather

After allowing the leather coat to dry, use some leather conditioner on it.

Conditioning is necessary to restore the lost moisture.

Use very little conditioner and spread it evenly with a microfiber cloth.

Leather coats do not require conditioning very often.

Common Stain Removal Methods

Different stains need different cleaning methods.

Soil or Regular Dirt

Generally cleaned away while cleaning using soap and water.

Oil or Grease

Blot the spot with a dry cloth without scrubbing the stain deeper into the leather.

Ink

Care should be taken when treating ink because it damages leather easily.

Water Spots

Even water may leave a mark on the leather because of uneven drying.

Can a Leather Jacket Be Washed in Washing Machine?

No way.

Cleaning leather jackets in a washing machine will result in:

• Destruction of natural oils
• Shrinking of the material
• Cracking of leather
• Deformation of the item
• Degradation of the appearance

The fact that the jacket will withstand the first wash does not mean much since the life span of a leather jacket might be seriously reduced by this process.

How Often to Clean a Leather Jacket?

In most cases:

• Light cleaning after wearing
• Professional cleaning once in 3-6 months
• Conditioning every 4-6 months
• Cleaning immediately after any spills or stains

In case you wear your jacket every day, you might need more frequent cleaning.

Mistakes That People Usually Make While Cleaning Leather Jackets

Try to avoid the following actions in order to increase the life of your jacket:

• Excessive use of water
• Use of household detergents
• Rough scrubbing
• Not using conditioner after washing
• Washing with heat
• Storage of leather jacket when it is wet
• Forgetting about the stain

Little things matter when it comes to leather preservation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use baby wipes to clean my leather jacket?

Not advisable because many baby wipes have chemicals or moisturizers, which can leave marks on leather.

Can I wash my leather jacket using vinegar?

Sometimes a mixture of diluted vinegar is suggested in order to remove particular stains, but it might dry up the leather. It is better to use leather cleaner.

Is saddle soap good for my jacket?

Saddle soap is intended to be used for saddles and other tough leather items. But some jackets can stand it; you need to check with the manufacturer.

What if my jacket is stinky?

Just hang it in a well-ventilated place for one or two days.

Conclusion

Properly maintaining your leather jacket is not expensive nor difficult, but it is essential for keeping it in good condition for many years. The most important thing is to maintain proper routine care to avoid dirt build-up and preserve the natural look of leather.

Consistent cleaning will allow your jacket to grow old gracefully.