How to Clean your Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is a staple piece that adds the needed zing to your attire. No wardrobe can ever be complete without a leather jacket. A quality leather jacket never goes out of style and is truly classic. But to maintain its classiness, and continue making the most of the elegant style and convenience of being an owner of a leather jacket it is important to take utmost care of your leather jacket and keep it in good condition.

In order to keep your leather jacket in the best of condition, the first step is to check the instructions mentioned on the label. Guidelines as per the type and grain of the leather and any crucial cautions to be taken will be mentioned. A preferred way to clean, cleaning method and instructions for care will also be mentioned. It’s a good idea to stick to this in order to avoid destroying your jacket.

Below we mention a few ways which can be employed to keep your jacket in the best of condition.

Any spills on the mens motorcycle leather jacket should be cleaned right away with the aid of a soft cloth. Leather is porous and hence will absorb liquids, and a stain can form.

You can clean your jacket in the following way

Using a cleaning solution

To clean your leather jacket, mix a solution of warm water and dish soap, dip a soft cloth into it, and wipe the jacket. Also, a cleaning solution that comprises equal parts of vinegar and water can be made. Make sure to wipe your leather jacket with a damp cloth to wipe off the cleaning solution. Dry the jacket using a towel. 

Using Rubbing alcohol

To clean molds off leather mix one part rubbing alcohol with one part water. Dampen a cloth with the alcohol solution and wipe on the area with the mold. Wipe clean using another damp cloth. This will also help get rid of mildew.

Using leather cleaners

The next thing you can do is to use a leather cleaner. Leather cleaners contain ingredients that help take off dirt and stains and also help keep it soft.

It is easy to use leather cleaners. All you need to do is apply a dime-sized glob of leather cleaning solution onto the dirty part of the jacket. Cleaners come in many forms like gels, sprays, or bars. Irrespective of the type of cleaner you are using, always begin with a small amount of cleaner, and gradually apply more as needed.

Gently rub the cleaning solution into the leather with a soft, clean towel and massage it into the surface of the jacket. Continue rubbing with slow circular strokes, rubbing outward in a spiral until the cleaner has been absorbed completely.

Take off excess solution with a separate towel to wipe off any leather cleaner remaining on the jacket. The jacket will look clean and have a rich gleam after cleaning. Your jacket will look as good as new and the leather will be moisturized and protected and will be in good condition for months.

Avoid the use of ammonia or bleach-based cleaners and even conditioners that may have these ingredients. These can damage the finish of your leather, by excessively drying it out and even cracking.

Caring is also important long with cleaning. You can care for your mens suede jacket in the following ways.

Using a waterproofing solution

Waterproof your jacket to save it from damage. Irrespective of the type of leather jacket you own, it is important that you spray it from time to time with a waterproofing agent. This helps close the pores in the leather. This will cause any water on the jacket to simply bead and roll off the leather. Excess moisture can lessen the life of your leather jacket.

Conditioning your jacket

The next thing is to condition your studded leather jacket. It is important to condition your leather jacket with a conditioner once a year or so. For this, you can apply a leather conditioning cream to the entire outer surface of your jacket. Conditioning your jacket helps save it from moisture, makes it soft and flexible, and avoids cracking and splitting.

Cleaning Soft leathers

Jackets made with soft leathers should be cleaned professionally. Avoid cleaning jackets made of soft or textured leathers such as lamb or suede at home.

Dry clean your leather jacket once a year or so.

Suede jackets can be cleaned by dusting them from time to time with the aid of a hand brush.

Storing your jacket appropriately

Your jacket should be stored appropriately. Lay your jacket or drape it on a hanger when not wearing it. Store it in a cool, dry place. Clean and condition the jacket once a year.

If it is not worn too often, store it in a garment bag.

As long as you take good care of your leather jacket, it will stay in the best condition for many years, and may even last more.