Feb
If there’s a loyal wardrobe partner that’s always the missing touch from all your outfits and is the perfect go-to item essential for any occasion, it’s probably your favorite leather jacket. Whether it’s for a quick walk through the brisk morning or a rowdy night out with your friends, your leather jacket is the epitome of comfort and style for all your looks.
Leather is tough, which is the reason why your go-to leather jacket is always the one you look for to complete an outfit. But before long, probably after too many close calls in the rain or snow and that fiasco with a cup of coffee, you might begin to consider whether you should learn how to clean a leather jacket. Without ruining it, of course.
Sure, both women and mens leather jackets are tough, but all leather requires a special kind of care. So before you go right ahead and toss your jacket in the wash after looking up “can you wash leather” online and ruin it forever, learn the special steps to clean and maintain your go-to leather jacket and some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind for the future.
Before You Get Started
Before you jump right into cleaning a leather jacket of yours, it’s necessary to identify which leather type you’re working with. Whether it is suede, nubuck, or vegan leather, they all have distinct clean and care requirements. Be wary of throwing your jacket in the wash, as getting the leather too wet can strip the material of its natural oil and harm the sheen of the gloss.
Among these precautions, here’s the list of tools you need for your extensive leather jacket cleanse:
- Sponge
- Soft cleaning cloth
- Leather cleaning solution or dish soap
- Cleaning wipes
- Leather conditioner
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Your Leather Jacket
With the precautions out of the way, it’s time to bring out your jacket and give it the care it deserves to make it gleam like brand new again. Here are the steps to follow to thoroughly clean your leather jacket:
Step 1: Wipe the Jacket with a Cloth
To remove any easily removable stains or dirt, wipe your jacket with a soft cloth to remove the surface dirt. This should also be a part of your regular jacket care before you wear it out to maintain its shine and cleanliness.
Step 2: Clean Lightly Using a Damp Sponge
To begin working on those stubborn stains and dirt, lightly swipe a damp sponge across the material. Make sure to work from the center of the jacket to the edges so you don’t form a “cleaning ring”. It’s vital to not rub or harshly scrub the material to ensure it doesn’t get damaged in the process.
Step 3: Blot With a Mild Cleaning Solution
Some of the best leather jacket cleaners for stubborn stains are a mild leather cleaning solution or a diluted liquid dish soap solution that’s (1:20) one part soap to 20 parts water. Lightly damp your sponge in the cleaning solution and start blotting the jacket in a soft motion. Almost all stains and spots should go away after repeating this process a couple of times. Be sure not to get your jacket too wet in the process.
Step 4: Rinse the Cleanser Away
Once you’ve blotted off all the stains and spots, damp a soft cloth in clean water and wipe away the remaining cleanser from the jacket. Once you stop seeing the cleaner residue on the surface, it’s a sign your jacket is rinsed and squeaky clean.
Step 5: Dry Thoroughly
Bring out a dry, clean towel and pat the jacket to gently remove the moisture from the surface. Once you’ve wiped the remaining moisture, hang your jacket in a ventilated area that receives partial (not direct or harsh) sunlight. Leave your jacket to dry for 24 hours to ensure it’s thoroughly dry.
Step 6 (Optional): Apply Leather Conditioner
If you want to bring back the suppleness, softness, and gleam of your jacket, try conditioning it after you’ve cleaned and dried it. It’s vital to do a small test by applying the product on a small and hidden spot of your jacket to see how the material reacts to it. If everything looks fine, proceed by applying the product in light and even strokes. Leather conditioning should be done once a year or every six months.
How to Clean the Lining of a Leather Jacket
Step 1: Check the Label
To begin, check the care instructions on the interior of your leather jacket. If your jacket lining is made from any other material besides polyester, it’s best to leave it in the hands of a professional cleaner. Most leather jacket women and men wear are made from polyester, in which case you’re good to go.
Step 2: Clean the Stained Parts
Using the same 1:20 parts leather jacket cleaner solution, damp a soft sponge in it and begin blotting the dirty areas. Make sure the cleaning solution for the lining is diluted, as soap attracts more dirt.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
After wiping away the dirt and stains, use a damp sponge to rinse any cleaning solution residue. Then, turn your jacket inside out and hang it in a well-ventilated area for a thorough drying.
Tips to Keeping Your Leather Jacket Always Gleaming
Clothes require constant care, especially the ones that are for rough and tough wear. By cleaning your jacket once every two months, you can preserve its quality and extend its longevity. Here are some tips to keep in mind to maintain a clean leather jacket:
- Never iron your leather jacket in high temperatures or without a protective barrier between the iron and the jacket.
- Spray leather protectant to repel moisture and stain build-up.
- Store your jacket in a dry and cool place that’s away from the sunlight to avoid mildew growth.
- Always empty out your pockets to avoid the material from stretching and ruining the jacket’s shape.
- Avoid spraying perfume or hairspray directly on the jacket since it can dry out the natural oils in the jacket.
Your Wardrobe Essential Needs Your Care
Your leather jacket is your wardrobe essential because of the comfort it provides on top of style. To maintain its longevity and quality, it’s important to never neglect its proper care. When it comes to cleaning leather, less is always more. So be sure to be extra gentle the next time a pesky coffee stain or that tough dirt build-up finds its way on your jacket, and you’re bound to keep it in your closet for years to come.