How to Clean a Leather Jacket – Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wondered how to clean a leather jacket?

People love to wear leather jackets because of their looks and unique features, but often, they need to pay more attention to leather jacket cleaning.

Leather jackets need extra care and precautions to protect them from scratches and wear & tear. Cleaning your leather jacket in time can help you to extend its life for years. It will always make your jacket look like the first day you bought it.

If you want to know the best ways to clean a leather jacket, keep on reading this article.

We’ll tell you what items are needed and how to clean them properly.

Clean a Leather Jacket – The Basics

 

Cleaning a leather jacket is more complex than washing a cotton shirt. You can’t just throw it in the washer and hope for the best. You need to use unique products and follow specific steps.

Here’s how to clean a leather jacket:

Preparing the Jacket

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials.

You’ll need a bucket or basin, mild detergent, a soft cloth, leather cleaner and conditioner, water, and an old towel.

Dusting and Brushing

The first step is removing loose dirt from your jacket using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner attachment.

If there are any surface water stains or mud stains, use an absorbent cloth dipped in warm water to get rid of them.

Once your jacket is clean, let it air dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

Cleaner Application

Use leather cleaner on the leather parts of your jacket only (leather cleaner is different from fabric softener).

Apply the cleaner with a soft cloth or sponge and rub gently in circular motions for about five minutes.

The dirt will come off quickly if you follow this method. If not, repeat until all the dirt comes off easily.

Gentle Scrubbing

After applying the leather cleaner, wipe off any excess with another clean cloth or sponge soaked in water only (no soap).

Then rinse off both clothes and hang them up to dry completely before using again.

Rinsing & Drying

After scrubbing your jacket, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap residue or dirt that may have been loosened in the cleaning process.

Use a clean towel to pat dry your jacket so it doesn’t get too wet or heavy from excess moisture during this process step.

How to Remove Stains From a Leather Jacket?

Whether you’ve spilled something on your leather jacket or need to remove dirt marks, these tips will help you eliminate the stains.

Identify the Stain

Before removing a stain from your leather jacket, you need to identify what kind of stain it is. This will help you choose the best cleaning method for removing it. 

For example, a grease stain may require a different treatment than a water stain.

Blot Excess Liquid

If you spill something on your leather jacket, quickly blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. 

This will prevent the liquid from soaking into the fibres, making the stain harder to remove later.

Test an Inconspicuous Area

Before using any cleaning product or technique on your leather jacket, test an inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the material or cause discoloration. 

If there are no adverse effects after 24 hours, proceed with cleaning the rest of the garment.

Apply Leather Stain Remover

Use a leather stain remover if the stain is not too old or has not dried. 

You can also use a leather cleaner or even hair shampoo since these products contain mild detergents that can help remove stains from leather.

Gently Rub the Stain

Rub the liquid gently on the stained area using a soft cloth or sponge. Ensure you do not rub too hard, which may damage your jacket. 

Use circular motions to remove the stain and allow it to dry naturally at room temperature.

Rinse the Area

After rubbing in the cleaner, rinse off all of the excess liquid from your jacket with cold water and let it air dry completely before wearing it again!

Home Remedies for Removing Stains from a Leather Jacket

The following home remedies will help you clean stains from a leather jacket:

Baking Soda and Water Paste

Mix baking soda with warm water and make a paste. Apply this mixture to the affected area, rub it in, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse with cold water and pat dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. 

Repeat if necessary.

Cornstarch Absorption

Sprinkle cornstarch over the affected area and allow it to sit for about an hour before wiping it off with a damp cloth or paper towel.

If the colour has yet to come out, repeat this process until you’re satisfied with the results.

Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar

The citric acid in lemon juice helps remove stains from surfaces such as glass, walls, and countertops. It also works on leather jackets.

Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar to make a paste. 

Apply this paste to the stained area and leave it for 15 minutes before washing it with cold water.

White Vinegar Solution

White vinegar is a great stain remover for leather. Soak a soft cloth in white vinegar to remove the stain and rub it on the stained area.

Use a clean, dry cloth to pat the area dry.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is also very effective in removing stains from leather jackets. It will work best to soak a soft cloth in rubbing alcohol and rub it on the stained area.

Let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe off with another clean, dry cloth.

Talcum Powder Absorption

This natural remedy will absorb oil stains from leather jackets.

Apply talcum powder to the stain and let it sit for several hours before brushing off with a stiff brush. Repeat if necessary.

Toothpaste for Ink Stains

Toothpaste can also be used to clean ink stains from leather jackets.

Apply toothpaste on the stain and rub gently with a clean cloth until you see results. Wipe it off with a damp cloth and let it dry completely before wearing the jacket again.

Professional Leather Stain Remover

If you have tried all the above home remedies, but they didn’t work, you can use professional leather stain removers specifically made for cleaning leather garments. They work by breaking down oils and other stains from fabrics. 

The best part is that most of them are available over-the-counter at most stores that sell clothing accessories for men and women.

Can I Wash My Leather Jacket in the Washing Machine?

Well, it’s a common question, but to your disappointment, no, you should not wash your leather jacket in a washing machine.

Washing machines can damage the leather, cause it to lose its shape, and may result in permanent colour changes or cracks in the leather. It’s best to use gentle hand-cleaning methods for leather garments.

How to Clean the Lining of a Leather Jacket?

Clean your leather jacket regularly to ensure its longevity and appearance. The lining of the jacket aids in keeping it clean and comfortable. The lining is made of cloth or other materials like silk, wool, or cotton.

To clean the lining, follow these steps:

Prepare the Jacket

Remove all buckles, zippers, buttons, and other accessories on the jacket so they don’t get damaged while cleaning. You can also remove any metal snaps if you do not have a leather conditioner or cleaner available at home.

Inspect the Lining

Check for loose threads, stains, or other signs of wear and tear on the lining which need repair or replacement. If no such damages are present, proceed with cleaning without removing anything from the jacket’s interior.

Remove Loose Debris

Remove any loose debris from your jacket. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner or gently brushing it with a soft-bristled brush.

Spot Test

Before you start cleaning, you should always spot-test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your jacket to see if it is coloured or coated leather.

If the test results are satisfactory, continue with the cleaning process. If not, try another product or method.

Gentle Lining Cleaning

If you are using a liquid cleaner, apply it directly onto a cloth and wipe down the lining carefully without allowing any excess liquid to drip onto other parts of your jacket, such as its seams or pockets.

Rinse any excess moisture with water before allowing your jacket to dry completely or placing it in front of a fan or heater for several hours until all traces of moisture have been removed completely.

Conditioning a Leather Jacket

Conditioning a leather jacket is crucial in maintaining its softness, durability, and lustre. To condition your jacket:

• Inspect the jacket for dirt or stains.
• Choose an appropriate leather conditioner.
• Test a small, inconspicuous area with the conditioner to ensure it won’t harm the leather.
• Apply the conditioner evenly to the entire jacket, massaging it gently into the leather.
• Allow the conditioner to be absorbed, usually for several hours or overnight.
• Wipe off any excess conditioner from the jacket’s surface.
• Buff the jacket with a clean, soft cloth for a polished finish.

Maintenance Tips for Leather Jackets

Leather jackets are a classic piece of clothing that can be worn with almost anything.

If you love a leather jacket and want to keep it in good condition, here are some tips on maintaining it.

Inspect Regularly

Before putting on your jacket, look at the leather carefully. Check for loose buttons, tears or holes in the seams, and other signs of wear.

If you notice any damage, take your jacket to a professional cleaner immediately so they can assess the problem and recommend a solution.

Clean Dust and Dirt

The most important thing to do when cleaning your leather jacket is to remove all dust, dirt, grease, and oil from the surface before washing it.

This will prevent stains from setting into the material, making them harder to remove later.

Use a soft brush to remove dust or dirt from your jacket before washing it.

Proper Storage

Leather jackets should always be stored in protective bags when not in use so they don’t get scratched or damaged while being stored away.

You can buy bags specifically designed for storing leather jackets and other leather accessories at most department stores or online retailers like Amazon if you still need to get one lying somewhere in your house.

Moisture Avoidance

Leather jackets need to be kept dry to prevent premature ageing. Exposure to rain will cause the leather to become waterlogged and crack.

If your jacket gets wet, allow it to dry naturally away from heat sources such as radiators or fireplaces.

Heat Protection

Leather jackets should also be protected from extreme heat, as this can cause fading and cracking of the material.

If you plan on wearing your jacket during the summer, keep it away from direct sunlight by storing it in a cool closet or an air-conditioned car before putting it on.

Stain Removal

Stains on leather jackets are common because these garments are often worn in inclement weather conditions where dirt is prevalent.

If you notice a stain on your jacket, immediately rinse off any dirt with water before treating the area with a mild cleaner such as saddle soap or saddle soap solution.

Conclusion: Preserving Your Leather Jacket for a Lifetime

 

In the world of fashion, a quality leather jacket is not just an accessory; it’s an investment. Leather experts unanimously agree that with proper care, your beloved leather jacket can withstand the test of time, potentially lasting a lifetime.

Before you consider parting ways with your jacket, ponder its versatility. Cleaning your leather jacket is a straightforward process, requiring the right techniques and a bit of effort, yet significantly more manageable than you might imagine.

Embark on the journey of preserving your leather companion by following these simple steps. With consistent care, your leather jacket can maintain its allure for many years to come.

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