How to Clean a Leather Jacket without Damaging It

Step 1

Dust off Your Leather Jacket

Before you begin cleaning, ensure the jacket is free of dust and grime. Use a brush or soft cloth to remove dust that builds up on the jacket. Avoid being too harsh; use circular motions to clean so the leather doesn’t damage.

Step 2

Soap Solution

Next, prepare a mild solution with warm water and two spoons of light detergent. Ensure the solution isn’t too concentrated, or it might harm the leather. Less is always more when cleaning a leather jacket.

Step 3

Gentle Cleaning

Use a soft piece of cloth or a sponge and dip it in the mild solution you have made for a few minutes. Make sure the sponge/cloth is only damp before applying it to your jacket and not dripping wet. It is advisable not to rub the sponge on the jacket. To avoid leaving water marks, lightly blot the leather. An important aspect that you need to keep in mind while cleaning is that you should use as little moisture as possible. You can also use leather cleaning wipes for this step.

Step 4

Wiping

Use a clean cloth and clear off the soap residue with clean water. Make sure the amount of water used is minimal. Also, there shouldn’t be any standing water on the jacket because it might cause harm. Pat and clean your leather jacket with a dry cloth and hang it somewhere away from sunlight until it is completely dry.

Step 5

Cleaning the Inside

The inside of the jacket needs to be cleaned as well. Use the same soap solution to clean the inside. This will help clear off the odor built up inside the jacket. Cleaning the jacket’s interior is important because the sweat residue might break the inner lining, which may compromise the leather in the long run. 

To do this, invert the jacket inside out and clean it with the same mild soap solution using a clean cloth or sponge. Focus on the underarms, cuffs, and collar so that they are fully clean. Once the cleaning is done, hang it in a cool and dry place.

Step 6

Conditioning The Leather

When you are done with the cleaning process, make sure to condition it to maintain the leather’s quality. Lanolin or beeswax can do the trick but if you have any issue with finding it a canned leather conditioner is recommended. But always try the conditioner on the inner side of the jacket to see if that will change the color a bit or not. 

To do this: Take the conditioner on a clean cloth and spread it gently on the leather, use small amounts at a time and let it air dry.

Dark Stains:

If you have dark stains on a light-colored leather jacket, you can make a paste with lemon juice and cream of tartar in equal parts. Apply the paste to the jacket using a clean cloth or sponge and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Reapply another paste and work it onto the stain, then wipe it off with a clean, damp sponge.

Water Stains:

To remove water spots on your jacket, moisten the area with water again and let it air dry. Do not place your leather jacket in direct sunlight, and don’t use any heat source for drying. 

Oil Stains:

To tackle oil or grease stains, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the affected area of your leather jacket and gently rub it. Let the powder sit on the jacket for a couple of hours so that it absorbs the oil. Later, wipe off the powder with a piece of cloth. And than begin the cleaning process.

Ink Stains:

To remove ink stains from your leather jacket, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and blot it on the affected area. Then, let it dry and condition the leather a bit heavily, as the rubbing alcohol can dry it out more than usual.  

Mold:

To get rid of mold on your leather jacket, make a dilute mixture with one part of rubbing alcohol and one part of water. Dampen a piece of cloth with the solution and blot the affected areas. Later, clean the cloth with another clean, damp cloth. Dry and condition. 

Road Salt: 

In snowy regions, salt stains accumulate on the leather during winter. To clear these stains, make a dilute solution using one part water and one part white vinegar. Blot the affected area with the solution using a piece of cloth. Later, clean the jacket with a damp sponge and apply a leather conditioner to maintain the shiny appeal.

Avoid harsh Chemicals

• Don’t use harsh chemicals on your jacket, such as ammonia or bleach. These cleaning agents can strip the natural oil from it. 
• Always go for gentle cleaning solutions that are specifically made for leather care. 
• Always check the ingredients and make sure no damaging substance is used in the agent. 
• Make a habit of spot testing on a small area before applying any product to your jacket. 
• Always use a soft cloth or sponge to clean your jacket, as this will prevent the jacket’s surface from scratching. 

Proper Storage 

• Always keep your jacket away from direct sunlight and store it in a cool and dry place. This will prevent it from fading and cracking.
• Use a padded hanger to maintain the jacket’s shape. This will prevent the jacket’s shoulder from being distorted.
• Free up extra space in your closet so your jacket might stay intact with other items. 
• Cover your jacket with a breathable cloth bag to protect it from dust. This will keep the jacket safe and allow air circulation.

Professional Cleaning 

If you want to take special care of your jacket, it’s recommended that you take it to a professional cleaner. Professional cleaning will keep your jacket in sharp-looking condition and enhance its longevity.