Cleaning a Leather Jacket: The Right Way to Keep It Looking New

Introduction

The leather jacket is not merely an article of clothing. If cared for properly, it can last for many years. No matter whether you have a vintage motorcycle jacket, a modern bomber jacket or a sophisticated café racer one, cleaning it will be able to preserve its look, softness and durability.

Cleaning a leather jacket seems rather complicated and dangerous to many people since they do not know how to do it properly. However, cleaning a leather jacket is not that complicated as people may think. It is only necessary to follow certain instructions.

In this guide, you will find out how to clean your leather jacket properly, when to use leather conditioner, which products are better to avoid, etc.

Learn About the Leather Jacket First

It is crucial to determine the kind of leather material that was used in making the jacket you want to clean before starting the cleaning process.

Some of the most common types of leather material used in making leather jackets include:

•          Lambskin leather which is known to be soft and smooth.

•          Cowhide leather which is durable.

•          Goatskin leather which is flexible and tough.

•          Suede or nubuck leather which has a soft and textured appearance.

It is easy to clean smooth leather jackets but suede and nubuck require some brushes and specific products since water may cause marks on them.

Collect the Correct Cleaning Materials

Cleaning a leather jacket doesn’t require any costly material. Most of the cleaning process can be done with materials found around the house.

The following materials will be required:

•          Soft microfiber cloth

•          Gentle soap or baby shampoo

•          Lukewarm water

•          Dry towel

•          Leather conditioners

•          Fine brush for dust removal

Do not use any harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, alcohol, or other heavy duty detergents. These materials will make the leather dry and damage it permanently.

Gentle cleaning materials ensure the preservation of natural oils in the leather.

Dust off before cleaning

The first thing you should do before cleaning is remove dust and surface dirt.

Gently wipe the whole jacket with a soft microfiber cloth or a soft brush. Be especially attentive when wiping the shoulders, sleeves, cuffs, and collar as they tend to get dusty easily.

It will not only prevent any scratches during the further use of a wet cloth on leather but will decrease the necessity to wash your jacket thoroughly.

Deal with Stains Carefully

You do not have to wash the whole jacket to clean a stain. Most daily stains can be cleaned by spot cleaning.

Prepare a solution of some drops of liquid soap and warm water. Slightly soak the soft cloth in the solution, squeezing out all the extra water.

Wipe the dirty place gently with circular motions, without applying too much pressure on the material.

After staining removal:

•          Rinse off the soap with a clean wet towel.

•          Dry it with a soft towel.

•          Air dry your jacket.

Always test the cleaning solution on an invisible area of your jacket before cleaning visible parts.

How to Clean Your Leather Jacket Properly

If your leather jacket is dusty and dirty overall, you may want to clean it all over.

Do the following things:

•          Brush off the dust with a soft cloth.

•          Mix soap with water.

•          Clean the jacket with a wet microfiber towel.

•          Rinse off the soap with a clean towel.

•          Towel dry your jacket.

•          Hang it on a wide padded hanger.

•          Air dry it in the shadow.

It is strictly forbidden to soak your leather jacket in water or put it in a washing machine. The thing is that leather absorbs moisture easily and gets stiff, deformed or cracked over time.

Never Neglect Conditioning Your Leather Jacket

Cleaning takes out the dust, but it may take away some natural oil of the leather.

That is the reason why conditioning is necessary in maintaining leather.

Leather conditioner serves as:

•          Replenishment of moisture.

•          Protection from cracks.

•          Essential in keeping the leather soft.

•          Aiding the natural glow of the leather.

•          Adding to the longevity of your leather jacket.

Use a little conditioner in a clean cloth and massage it into the leather with circular motions. Make sure that it stays in for several hours before you start wearing your jacket.

Conditioning your leather jacket every couple of months should do just fine.

Stain Removal Tips

There are several ways in which each stain needs to be cleaned.

Below is a list of the most common stains:

Oil Stains

Apply a small amount of cornstarch or baking soda on the stained area and leave it overnight. It absorbs the oil. Then brush off the powder the following morning.

Water Stains

Moisten the area gently with clean water and let it dry. It minimizes the appearance of water marks.

Ink Stains

Ink stains are among the most stubborn stains. Be careful not to rub the ink since it makes the stain even bigger. For larger stains, it would be safer to use professional leather cleaning services.

Mud and Dirt Stains

Let the mud stains dry out first. Otherwise, it makes it harder to clean wet mud stains.

How to Store Your Leather Jacket

It does not matter if you clean your jacket properly; how you store it will affect how well it looks the next season.

To achieve good storage, the following tips will work:

•          Hang it on a broad wood hanger.

•          Hang it in a cool and dry area.

•          Put it in a ventilated bag when hanging.

•          Do not use plastic coverings for storing.

•          Avoid areas with direct sun rays.

•          Hang it away from heat sources.

Cleaning Mistakes You Should Not Commit

It is very easy to save your leather jackets from any damage as there are only a few mistakes that people make.

These include:

•          Placing the jacket in the washing machine.

•          Treating the jacket with bleach or cleaning agents.

•          Trying to dry the jacket using a hair dryer.

•          Keeping the jacket under the sun.

•          Bleach treatment.

•          Omitting leather conditioner after cleaning the jacket.

When Do You Need To Consult A Professional Cleaner?

Though you may clean regularly on your own, sometimes you will need professional assistance.

Professional leather cleaning is advisable in case:

•          If your jacket gets stubborn stains.

•          Mold grows.

•          The leather becomes rigid.

•          The jacket has costly designs.

•          Color fading happens.

•          The tag says you must do professional cleaning only.

Professional leather cleaners have special products which can clean your delicate leather jackets in a safe way.

Everyday Tips For Keeping Your Leather Jacket Clean

Maintenance is easier than doing a thorough cleaning process.

Here are some of the tips:

•          Dust off your jacket once per week.

•          Deal with the spills immediately.

•          Hang the jacket each time after you wear it.

•          Evade wearing it when it rains heavily.

•          Give conditioners to your leather jacket a few times a year.

•          Evade keeping sharp things on your leather jacket.

FAQS

How often do I need to clean my leather jacket?

For most leather jackets, light cleaning on a weekly basis and heavy cleaning once or twice per year is enough. Cleaning from time to time will also help remove the dust accumulated.

Can I wash my leather jacket using a washing machine?

No. Leather cannot be washed in a washing machine since the machine will ruin leather. Wash your leather jacket manually.

What products can I use to condition my leather jacket?

To condition your leather jacket, use leather conditioner specifically designed for leather materials. Do not use regular oils since they may stain or deteriorate the leather.

Are leather jackets waterproof?

Some rain shouldn’t be an issue, but they shouldn’t be left wet. If your jacket gets wet, let it air dry and then condition when it is fully dry.

How do I keep my leather jacket from wearing out?

Just take care of it. Wash it delicately, use conditioner, and ensure you are storing it well and that it is protected from water, sun, and excessive heat.

Conclusion

Maintaining a leather jacket is not difficult. Using the right materials and techniques, you can ensure that your leather jacket lasts you a long time and stays in pristine condition.