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Leather jackets are more than just a fashion statement; they're an investment. Properly caring for and cleaning your leather jacket not only ensures it looks its best but also extends its lifespan. Over time, leather can accumulate dirt, oils, and even the occasional spill. However, with the right care, your leather jacket can remain as pristine as the day you bought it.
At The Leather Colour Doctor, we ensure your leather material looks great at all times.
To make sure you clean your leather jacket to a high standard every time, please follow these steps.
Find out more: How To Clean A Leather Jacket
Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a safe and effective cleaning process:
Before starting the cleaning process, take a few precautionary steps to ensure the best results:
Check The Jacket's Care Label: Most leather jackets come with specific care instructions. Always read the label carefully before attempting any cleaning.
Test Any Cleaning Product: Before applying any product all over the jacket, test it on a small, inconspicuous area. This will ensure the product doesn't cause any discoloration or damage.
Remove Loose Dirt Or Debris: Gently shake the jacket and use a soft-bristle brush or cloth to brush off any surface dirt.
Please follow these steps to clean your leather jacket.
Dusting Off The Surface: Begin by gently wiping the entire surface of the jacket with a dry cloth. This initial dusting ensures that you're not rubbing any surface dirt into the leather during the wet cleaning process.
Preparing The Cleaning Solution: In a bowl, mix a few drops of mild liquid soap with lukewarm water. If you have a specialist leather cleaner, you can use the leather cleaner undiluted. Ensure the solution is well-mixed but not too soapy.
Cleaning The Jacket: Dampen your cloth with the cleaning solution, wringing out any excess liquid. Gently wipe the jacket in a circular motion, ensuring you cover all areas. Remember, the goal is to clean the leather, not soak it. If your leather jacket has any particularly dirty spots, you can apply a little more pressure to the affected area, but always be gentle.
Rinsing Off the Soap: Once you've cleaned the leather jacket, dampen a fresh cloth with clean water. Wipe down the jacket to remove any soap residue.
Drying The Jacket: Lay your jacket flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Allow it to air dry naturally. Avoid the temptation to speed up the drying process with hair dryers or heaters, as direct heat can cause the leather material to become brittle or warp, you want to keep the jacket supple.
Uncover more: How To Soften Leather Jackets
Cleaning a leather jacket is one thing, but if you need to remove stains, there is more work to do, but we can help you.
To best remove stains from your leather jacket, it is helpful to have access to the following products:
Oil stains can be particularly tricky on leather due to the porous nature of the material. Here's how to tackle them:
Blot, Don't Rub: As soon as you notice the stain, use a lint-free cloth to blot the area. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the oil further.
Talcum Powder: Sprinkle a generous amount of talcum powder over the stain. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. The powder will absorb the oil from the leather.
Brush Off: Gently brush off the powder using a soft-bristle brush.
Condition: After removing the stain, apply a leather conditioner to the area to restore its shine and suppleness.
Ink can be stubborn, but with patience, it can be removed:
Dab with Alcohol: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently dab the ink stain. Be careful not to rub, as this can spread the ink.
Wipe Away: Using a clean cloth, gently wipe away the ink that has been lifted.
Condition: Ink removal processes can dry out durable material, so always finish by applying a leather conditioner.
Delve into: How To Remove Ink From Leather
Mould and mildew can develop on leather jackets when stored in damp conditions:
Take It Outside: Start by taking the jacket outside to prevent spores from spreading indoors.
Brush Off: Using a soft-bristle brush, gently brush off any visible mould or mildew.
Mild Soap Solution: Prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild soap. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe down the entire jacket.
Air Dry: Let the jacket air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from sunlight.
Condition: Apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and shine.
Over time, leather jackets can absorb various odours:
Air It Out: Hang the jacket in a well-ventilated area for a few days.
Baking Soda: If the odour persists, place the jacket in a large bag with a cup of baking soda. Seal the bag and let it sit overnight. The baking soda will absorb the odours.
Condition: Once the odour is gone, apply a leather conditioner to keep the jacket soft and supple.
Explore: How To Get Fish Smell Out Of Faux Leather
The lining of a leather jacket can accumulate dirt and sweat:
Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any loose dirt or debris from the lining.
Spot Clean: Prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild detergent. Place a damp cloth in the solution and spot-clean any dirty area.
Rinse: Use a cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Air Dry: Hang the jacket inside out to allow the lining to dry completely.
Conditioning is a crucial step in maintaining the health, appearance, and longevity of your leather jacket. Just as our skin needs moisturising, leather requires conditioning to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Leather is a natural material, and leather products need a little help to remain a timeless piece in your wardrobe for years to come.
Check out: How To Dye A Leather Jacket
Choose conditioners with natural ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or natural oils. Avoid products with petroleum or mineral oils. Before you apply conditioner to leather items, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn't darken the leather or leave a residue.
Always clean your leather jacket before conditioning. Dirt or grime can prevent the conditioner from penetrating the leather. Ensure the jacket is dry before applying the conditioner.
Start with a small amount of conditioner, as a little goes a long way. Using a soft cloth, apply the conditioner in a circular motion, ensuring an equal amount is spread across the fabric. Pay special attention to an affected areas like pockets, elbows, and seams. Allow the jacket to absorb the conditioner. This might take a few hours, depending on the product and the leather's dryness, but it will help to remove wrinkles.
Once the jacket has absorbed the conditioner, use a lint-free cloth to buff the surface. This will give your jacket a nice shine. Let the jacket sit in a well-ventilated area away from sunlight for several hours or overnight. This ensures any excess moisture or conditioner evaporates and doesn't leave a conditioner or soapy water residue.
Regular Wear: When wearing your jacket frequently, consider conditioning it every 3-6 months.
Infrequent Wear: For leather material worn less often, conditioning once a year should suffice.
Proper storage of a leather coat or jacket is essential to maintain its shape, appearance, and overall health. Incorrect storage can lead to creases, mould growth, or even irreversible damage.
Clean With A Soft Cloth Before Storing: Before putting your jacket away, especially for an extended period, ensure it's clean and free from any dirt or oils. This prevents any potential damage or permanent staining over time.
Use A Padded Clothes Hanger: Always hang your leather jacket on a padded clothes hanger or wooden hanger. This ensures the shoulders maintain their shape and don't get stretched out or deformed. Ideally, avoid using wire hangers with your leather jacket, as they can misshape the leather and leave impressions.
Store In A Cool, Dry Place: Leather is sensitive to environmental conditions. Store your coat or jacket in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, which can fade the colour and dry out the leather jacket. Avoid damp or humid areas, including many wardrobes, as these can lead to mould or mildew growth.
Allow For Air Circulation: Never store your leather jacket in a plastic bag. Natural material needs to breathe. Instead, if you must cover it, use a breathable fabric bag, like cotton. Ensure there's enough space around the jacket in the closet, so it's not pressed against other items, allowing for proper air circulation.
Keep Away From Heat Sources: Avoid storing your leather jacket near radiators, heaters, or any direct heat for long periods. Excessive heat can dry out and crack the leather.
Condition Before Extended Storage: If you're storing your leather jacket for an extended period, like over a season, it's a good idea to condition it beforehand. This ensures the leather remains supple and moisturised during storage.
Avoid Folding: Never fold your leather jacket, as this can lead to creases or cracks in the leather. Always hang it up.
Regularly Check On Your Leather Jacket: If you're storing your jacket for a long time, periodically check on it. Ensure there's no mould growth, and it might be a good idea to air it out from time to time.
Use Cedar Balls Or Lavender Sachets: To keep your leather jacket smelling fresh and to deter pests, consider placing cedar balls or lavender sachets in the storage area. Avoid mothballs, as they can leave a strong Odour that's hard to remove from leather.
While many people understand the basics of leather care, there are common mistakes that can lead to irreversible damage. Here's a breakdown of these mistakes and how to avoid them:
Avoid Incorrectly Waterproofing Your Leather Jacket: Using silicone or petroleum-based waterproofing sprays which can clog the pores of the leather, leading to dryness and cracking.
The Solution: Opt for water-repellent sprays specifically designed for leather. Always test on a small, inconspicuous area first. Remember, while you can make leather water-resistant, it can never be entirely waterproof.
Avoid Washing Your Leather Jacket In A Washing Machine: Placing a leather jacket in a washing machine can lead to discoloration, shrinkage, and loss of the jacket's natural oils.
The Solution: Always hand clean your leather jacket using a damp cloth and saddle soap or a leather cleaner. If it requires deep cleaning, consider seeking professional leather cleaning or dry cleaning services.
Avoid Drying Your Leather Jacket In A Dryer: Using a tumble dryer or placing the jacket near heaters can cause the leather to become brittle, shrink, or warp.
The Solution: Always air dry your leather jacket by laying it flat on a towel in a well-ventilated area, away from sunlight and heat sources. If you have any concerns, speak with a dry cleaner for advice on how to keep your jacket in great condition when cleaning and drying it.
Avoid Storing Your Leather Jacket Incorrectly: Storing leather jackets folded, in plastic bags, or in humid areas can lead to creases, mould growth, and deterioration of the leather.
The Solution: Always place your leather jacket on a padded hanger in a cool, dry place. Use breathable fabric covers with a sturdy hanger if necessary and ensure proper air circulation around the jacket.
Also, avoid using shoe polish to clean leather, as it often clogs pores.
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the care of leather jackets:
Yes, it's a good idea to protect your leather jacket from both UV rays and water. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade and dry out leather, so using a UV protectant can help maintain its colour and suppleness.
While leather has some water resistance to some extent, it's not waterproof. Using a leather-specific waterproofing spray can help protect your leather jacket's natural oils from water damage, especially if you're caught in unexpected rain.
The frequency of care depends on how often you wear your jacket and the conditions it's exposed to. As a general guideline:
Cleaning: If worn regularly, clean your jacket lightly every month with a damp cloth and do a deep clean 2-3 times a year.
Waterproofing & UV Protectant: Apply a waterproofing spray and UV protectant every 6 months, or more frequently if the leather jacket is regularly exposed to harsh weather or direct sunlight.
Yes, suede is a type of leather with a napped finish, and it requires special care. Here are some key differences:
Cleaning: Use a suede brush or eraser to gently remove dirt. Avoid using traditional leather cleaners, as they can darken or discolour suede.
Waterproofing: While you can waterproof suede, ensure you're using a product specifically designed for suede. Regular leather waterproofing sprays can change the texture or colour.
Storage: Suede can be more susceptible to moisture damage. Store in a cool, dry place and avoid any plastic coverings. Use a brush to fluff up the nap if it becomes flat.
You should dry clean suede, rather than wash it, even on the lowest setting. If you wash it, you run the risk of damaging the shape of the jacket, and the material.
Check out: Suede Dye
Leather jackets require specific care, but they aren't necessarily hard to maintain. With regular cleaning, conditioning, and proper storage, a leather jacket can remain in top condition for years. The key is consistent and appropriate care.
Leather jacket care is simple and effective when you know what you are doing. At The Leather Colour Doctor, we take leather jacket care seriously, and we want you to choose the right leather protector as well as make informed decisions about caring for your leather jacket. For all the information you need, contact us today.
