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You’ve invested in ahigh-quality leather jacket which has understandably become your favorite go-to item for almost any occasion—whether a crisp morning walking the fields in the backcountry, a cool night cheering for your boys under those Friday night lights, or anything in between.
But, before long (maybe after a few too many close calls with your dog and that cup of coffee) it may occur to you that you should learn how to clean a leather jacket—without ruining it. If your instincts are telling you that you can’t just toss it in the wash, well, those instincts are right.
Leather is tough, but if you don’t know how to clean a leather jacket properly, you run the risk of ruining something special. Leather requires a particular kind of care, so follow the steps below to clean and maintain your leather jacket, and enjoy it for years to come.
One Note to Start: Check the manufacturer's instructions on your jacket before you begin. In most circumstances, the manufacturer will recommend a cleaning procedure best suited for your item. Also, always spot check your method in an inconspicuous area.
Using a soft cloth or brush, wipe away any dust or oil buildup. Always use a circular motion to help prevent any form of damage to the leather.
Combine warm water with about two teaspoons of liquid detergent to create a mild, delicate solution that can be used to clean your jacket without causing damage or abrasions. When working with and cleaning leather, less is more.
Note: If you don't want to use the soap solution (especially if your jacket isn't excessively dirty), you can skip to step 4.
Soak a soft cloth or soft sponge in your mild soap solution for a few minutes. Before applying to the leather, be sure to wring out the cloth or sponge so it is somewhat damp, but not dripping wet. DO NOT RUB! Lightly blot to avoid leaving watermarks, and remember to feather your blots. The key to this cleaning approach is to use as little moisture as possible. Look for water spots, discolored patches, and areas where dirt or oil have accumulated on the leather.
Using a clean, soft cloth, wipe down the jacket with clean water this time to remove soap residue. (Remember to use the smallest amount of moisture needed.) Make sure the jacket doesn't have any standing water on it because too much water does more harm than good. Pat the leather with a dry, soft towel, then hang the jacket somewhere cool until it is completely dry.Do notuse direct heat (like a hair dryer or direct sunlight) to try to speed up the drying time.
The soap solution used for cleaning the outside of your leather jacket can also be used to clean the inside. It may not be on display, but cleaning the inside is as important as preserving the outside appearance of your jacket. Not only can odors eventually build up, but sweat on the interior of the jacket can eventually break down the lining and compromise the leather.
If you want to clean a leather jacket with minimal effort, investing in a leather cleaner is another option. Agood leather cleaner will be uniquely designed to help remove dirt and stains and keep the leather soft and healthy.
Apply a small amount of leather cleaner onto the jacket. Always begin with a small amount of cleaner, and gradually increase the amount as needed.
Gently massage the leather cleaner into the jacket's surface using a soft, clean cloth. Slowly massage outward in a spiral with steady circular strokes. Continue until the cleaner is absorbed as much as possible.
Wipe away any residual leather cleaner from the jacket with a fresh cloth. When finished, the jacket should have a clean, rich sheen to it. There's no need to rinse away leather cleaner once it's been applied because it's meant to sink into dry, chapped leather. The leather will be moisturized and maintained, allowing it to look great for months before it’s time to clean again.
