How To Wash Leather Jacket

Leather jackets are an investment, so it’s important to learn how to clean and maintain them. Knowing the proper cleaning techniques will help preserve the jacket’s appearance. 

Here are some valuable tips and methods to clean your leather jackets at home. 

Things You Need To Know 

1. Before starting, make sure to understand the material you have. 
2. Suede, nubuck, and vegan leather require different care instructions. 
3. Also, ensure your leather cleaner is not bleach or ammonia-based, as they can harm the leather.
4. Never machine-wash a leather jacket, as it ruins the material.
5. If you spill something on your leather jacket, clean it immediately. It’s easier to address the spill immediately than to remove the stain later.

How To Clean Leather Jackets – A Complete Guide

With these effective ways, learn how to clean leather jackets to make them look clean and refreshing. You don’t need to spend much cleaning a leather jacket, but you must take special care when washing it to avoid damage. Unlike other clothes, you can’t put a leather jacket in a washing machine, which could get ruined. 

Step 1: Wipe To Remove Dust 

A regular quick wipe with a soft, dry cloth can help remove surface dirt and maintain the great look of your leather jacket. Before wet cleaning, wipe off dust on a leather jacket using a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid scrubbing to prevent damage. Use a soft-bristled brush for suede or Nappa leather jackets.

Step 2: Use A Mild Soap and Water Cleaning Solution 

To clean your jacket, fill an open container with warm water, add a small amount of mild liquid dish detergent, and stir until it dissolves. Ensure the solution is gentle to avoid damaging your jacket.

Step 3: Use A Damp Cloth 

Use a damp, soft sponge or towel with mild soap to clean the leather. Avoid excess liquid to prevent saturation, and use gentle materials to avoid scratching. Wipe the leather jacket with a damp cloth, using gentle motions. First, focus on cleaning the dirty parts and re-dampen the cloth as needed.

Step 4: Dry Out The jacket

Remember not to hang the jacket in direct sunlight or put it in the washing machine spinner to dry. Simply hang it in your closet to dry naturally. 

PRO TIP: “If you get a watermark on your leather while cleaning, re-wet the area and gently feather the edges to prevent one from forming.”

Wash Stubborn Stains From Leather Jackets

Your leather jacket can be stained by various substances. If you need to clean it, try the following methods. 

Use Saddle Soap:

Many recommend using saddle soap on sturdy leather jackets for safe cleaning. Avoid using it on thin leather.

Toothpaste:

You can use non-gel toothpaste to remove prominent stains on your leather jacket. Simply apply the toothpaste to the stain and rub it in using your fingertip.

Nail Polish Remover:

Use nail polish remover on a cotton swab to remove scuffs and ink stains from leather. Blot the stain only with a cotton swab to avoid spreading or discoloration. Wipe and clean with a damp cloth, then gently dry it with a towel.

Make DIY Cornstarch or Baking Soda Mixture:

If you suspect grease stains on your leather jacket, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the spot and rub it in with a damp, soft cloth. Let the stain sit overnight. The starch or baking soda will absorb the oil. Use a damp cloth to rub it off, then pat the jacket dry. The oily stain will be gone!

Alcohol: 

Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water, then use a damp cloth to gently wipe the stain until it lightens. Finish by wiping off the alcohol with a clean, slightly moist cloth. 

Use Leather Cleaners To Clean Leather Jackets

Consider investing in a specialized leather cleaner from a store. These products are specialized in removing stains and dirt from leather garments. However, they also contain oils to keep your leather jacket healthy and shiny.

• To clean the jacket, apply a small amount of the solution to a cloth and gently rub the affected area. This solution also conditions and extends the jacket’s life. Begin with a small amount and add more if necessary.
• Gently massage the cleaner into the jacket using circular strokes with a soft, clean cloth to lift dirt and remove water stains.
• After ensuring the leather cleaner has been properly worked in, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off any excess cleaner from the jacket. This will give the jacket a nice finishing luster, leaving it soft and supple like new.

REMEMBER: “Apply leather conditioner once or twice a year to keep your jacket clean, shiny, and protected from moisture. You can also try using mink oil on the jacket.” 

Leather Care – Maintain Your Leather Jackets For Extending Time Period

Before worrying about washing a leather jacket, learn how to properly care for it to avoid frequent cleaning. Here are some tips:

• Check the manufacturer’s label inside the jacket for essential instructions. 
• Store your jacket by hanging it on a hanger in your wardrobe. Use a garment bag for your leather jacket if you don’t wear it often to keep it in good condition for years.
• To prevent permanent stains, clean any spills on the leather jacket right away.
• Leather is raw animal hide with natural oils that give it smoothness. 
• Learn how to iron leather jackets, as it provides a cheap way to remove wrinkles quickly.  
• Machine washing a leather jacket can dry it out and cause cracks. If used often, wash a leather jacket or coat twice a season, and dry clean it once if used sparingly.

Final Note

If you want to clean your leather jacket safely, the standard option is to take it to a professional leather care provider. Experts in leather cleaning ensure that your jacket is thoroughly cleaned without stripping away the natural oils or ruining the texture. By trusting the professionals with your jacket, you can relax and not worry about shrinking. 

On the same note, finding a reliable leather jacket can be more challenging, but no worries—Gulf Leather Jackets offers an extended collection of leather jackets for men and women.