How to Wash a Leather Jacket?
Leather jackets are a type of clothing that is always at the foremost when it comes to fashion, and they are worn in every season. This clothing is so adaptable that it may be worn with anything and for any occasion. Wearing it to work, to a friends' party, and on a shopping binge can get your jacket soiled and will mandate its cleaning.
Leather is a fragile fabric that requires special cleaning instructions and care. Before cleaning it the most important thing is to understand the type of leather you're working with. To minimize irreversible damage, clean your leather jacket every two weeks and get rid of any stains immediately.
It is an item that is used most often irrespective of the amount of care you take you can’t always protect it from rain drops or exposure to the sun. Hence your favorite jacket requires a thorough cleaning on a timely basis. Though there are professionals that can deal with the cleaning of your leather jacket but these can be really expensive. There are numerous alternatives that can be used by you to clean it without causing any damage to it, all that is to be done is to put in additional care and follow the instructions mentioned. Using a washing machine can cause your jacket to crack, tear, become dry, or even shrink. So it’s a big no when it comes to washing machines for your leather jacket.
Primary Cleaning
It's quite reasonable if you feel compelled to wear your leather jacket every day because it's extremely comfy and has a certain allure. There's no need to be concerned because cleaning and washing your leather jacket by yourself is no longer a problem. To clean it professionally, keep these rules in mind and follow some basic methods.
Remember to use cotton pad or a clean, soft piece of cloth for the purpose of the application of a cleaning agent to areas that need cleaning.
- Clean the areas like the collars and cuffs as these are the areas that need more cleaning.
- To avert any irreversible damage like tearing or color fading, rub the cotton pad in gentle manner and use circular motions.
- Avoid exposing your jacket to excessive water as this can cause more damage than good.
- After the removal of the stain, ensure that you wipe the area using a clean, dry cloth to eliminate any excess water.
- Allow the leather to dry naturally, do not use a hairdryer and also avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
- After the removal of the stains, use a leather conditioner and a leather moisturizer after this.
Use of a Leather Detergent
The ideal thing for your leather jacket is to use a leather cleaner particularly meant for leather products. These are devised to eliminate the stains from leather clothing without any damage to the quality, shape, and texture of the jacket. These detergents have natural cleaning agents and certain oils that maintain the moisture and protect it against rough weather. To use a leather cleaner, mix a small amount in a cup of water and rub it on the area to be cleaned in a gentle manner. Ensure to do a patch test before using it on the entire jacket.
Use of Baking Soda
If oily or greasy stains are the issue begin with a starch such as baking soda, corn starch, or even flour. These can easily remove greasy stains with least trouble. Apply the flour on the stained area and cover it and let it be so for 2-3 hours. Make use of a cotton pad or damp, soft cloth to rub it in circular motions gently. Allow it remain for another few hours. The flour or soda will absorb the oil and remove it from your leather jacket. Eliminate any excess material from the surface and use a leather conditioner to retain moisture.
Use of Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol eliminates any excess oils in order for the cleaning agent to get in appropriately. Rubbing alcohol is best to keep your jacket in the best condition. Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove molds growing on your leather jacket but be wary of the amount and always dilute it by combining it with water.
Dip a soft cotton cloth or a cotton pad in the solution and wipe the affected area. Always use gentle circular motions. After cleaning, make use of a dry towel to eliminate excess liquid and hang your jacket away from sunlight. Allow it dry naturally all-day round.
Ensure to be careful when cleaning your valuable jacket. Follow the instructions mentioned on your leather jacket. And be sure to test it on a small area of your jacket. Remember that if you go wrong, you’ll damage your jacket irreversibly.
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