Cleaning a Leather Jacket

Leather jackets are a stylish and classic clothing item you can have in your wardrobe and rock anytime with various outfits. However, if you want to enjoy your darling jacket and wear it for a long time, you must learn how to clean a leather jacket. Keeping a clean leather jacket will help make the jacket last longer and maintain its aesthetic appeal. 

You probably wear your jacket daily, and it's almost impossible to protect it from stains. However, incorporating leather jacket cleaning practices will go a long way to keep it clean and supple. Check out this comprehensive guide to learn more about how to care for your beloved jacket. From learning how to clean leather jackets correctly to how to wash and maintain them, we will give you tips on leather jacket cleaning procedures.

Before Care Tips For Leather Jackets

Even though we are talking about how you can have a clean leather jacket, have you ever thought of cleaning it even before first-time use? Why would you want to clean it? After all, it's not dirty. The secret is that having beforecare is a necessary procedure that will help to protect the jacket from stains, dirt, and grime. Many people need to learn that one of the ways to safeguard leather fabrics first and increase their waterproofing properties is to apply a leather protector. 

You can do this by spraying the chemical on the leather jacket when you buy it for the first time, and for added care, do it again year after year for the best results. Once you have done this, you can start wearing it. Here are quick tips you can incorporate in caring for your leather jacket

• Don't overload the pockets with items that will only stretch the fabric and cause it to tear over time
• Never expose it to contact with alcohol to avoid staining
• Keep away from drinks like beer and other liquids like perfumes, cologne, or hairspray
• Avoid sticking or pinning anything on it

How to Clean a Leather Jacket Outside

The outside of the jacket is the first part of the jacket that is on display for people to see. Whatever you do, ensure it is a squeaky, beautiful, and clean leather jacket every time you wear it. Leather jacket cleaning is not a difficult task that takes up much time. You only need to spend a few minutes on it. 

Here are things to note when cleaning the outer part of a leather jacket:

• Don't use too much water while trying to clean off dirt or stain on the jacket
• Use a damp cloth or sponge and soapy water to clean dirt on the surface
• Apply polish or wax on it to enhance its shine
• It's best to clean it at night, then hang it to dry overnight

How to Clean a Leather Jacket Inside

The inner part of the jacket is not exposed to outside view but is prone to harbor odors and offensive smells. When you look at the smell coming from the armpit and the body in general, you will see why inside the jacket tends to smell. It is essential to know how to clean a leather jacket because if the odors eventually accumulate, your nostrils get used to the smell to the point you no longer smell it. The foul odor not only makes you smell but is also offensive to people who come in contact with you. 

Following this step-by-step guide, these simple steps will show you how to clean a leather jacket correctly.

• Turn the jacket inside out and place it on a stand like a hanger
• Get a damp cloth or use a sponge and soapy water to clean the inside jacket
• Clean from the cuffs to the armpits
• Allow to air out and dry in a well-ventilated area
• Spray a small quantity of air freshener to add fragrance to the jacket

How to Wash Leather Jacket with Hand

Maintaining a clean leather jacket also involves washing it. While hand washing a leather fabric, you must be careful and do it properly because you will be fully immersing it in water. If you are ready to hand wash, follow these simple steps. 

• Pour enough water into the washing container or sink and add a mild detergent or a leather jacket wash
• Before soaking the entire jacket, do a patch test with a hidden part of it to be sure that the detergent will not discolor it.
• Immerse the jacket in the water until wet
• Use your hands to submerge the cloth well into the water till all the parts of the jacket are fully submerged
• Soak the jacket for ten minutes
• Use a soft hand brush to remove dirt or stains on it
• Hand wash and gently rub it, eliminating dirt, dust, and grime.
• Empty the soap-filled water and fill the container again with clean water
• Rinse the jacket in the clean water thoroughly, removing the soapy solution
• Squeeze out the water gently and allow it to dry. Never wring or twist it to avoid damaging the shape
• Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to reintroduce moisture and shine to it
• Use a piece of cloth to buff to create a smooth finish after applying the conditioner
• Store your clean leather jacket in a cool, dry place 

How to Wash a Leather Jacket with Washing Machine

Before washing a leather jacket in a washing machine, it must be a fabric that can withstand the machine's agitation. If the care instructions on the jacket say that the material can be washed in a machine, go ahead. Follow these simple steps to start.

• Check the jacket for any stains and use either a leather jacket wash or soapy water to wipe it off
• Protect the hardware by zipping up the zipper and fastening all the buttons
• Set the machine and fill it with water
• Use cold water to wash your jacket, and never hot water to avoid shrinking
• Add mild detergent or a leather jacket wash to the water
• Protect the leather further by putting it into a large pillowcase or a mesh bag. This will help to prevent direct impact on the cloth and reduce the risk of the fabric tearing
• We recommend washing the jacket alone, but if you must add other clothes, they must be soft and gentle fabrics
• Don't allow the machine to spin so that it does not squeeze or spin the cloth
• After washing, remove and dry in a ventilated area, away from direct sunlight
• Once dry, condition the clean leather jacket and store

How to Remove Tough Stains From Your Jacket

Tough stains are usually harder to remove than mild stains. You can use soapy water or a leather jacket wash and a damp cloth to wipe it off. If you have a stain that has refused to be wiped off, you need to apply something more potent to it to remove the stains. However, ensure you check the care manual and know the kind of substances to use on fabric and what not to use. Also, do a patch test with the inside of the pocket first before use.

Here are a few products that will help you remove stubborn stains from your leather jacket:

Toothpaste: Take a small quantity of toothpaste and place it on the affected area and rub gently in a circular motion, not too hard, to avoid discoloring the cloth. Once the stain is removed, wipe off the toothpaste with a damp cloth.

Baking Soda: Baking soda is perfect for removing stains caused by grease or oil. Scoop a little baking soda and gently rub it on the stained area with a damp cloth. Allow it to sit for a few hours, then wipe off the baking soda on the fabric.

Nail Polish Remover: Nail polish remover removes scuffs and ink stains well. However, use it carefully and in small amounts because nail polish remover can cause damage or discoloration. Take a cotton swab and massage the stains touching only the affected area. Wipe off with a damp cloth after.

Leather Cleaner: Leather cleaners are specifically made to handle tough stains on leather jackets of various degrees. They have the chemicals, oils, and conditioners to remove the stains. To remove stains, take a quantity of leather cleaner and gently rub on the tough stains to remove them.

Frequently Asked Questions