A good quality leather jacket never goes out of style. However, if you want to keep it in great condition, you need to take good care of it. Unlike other items of clothing, you can't just put it in the washing machine, otherwise it could dry out, crack and warp. If it is dirty (or dulled) there are some quick and easy methods that allow you to clean and treat the leather, making it look new for a long time.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use Soap and Water
Step 1. Prepare a solution with a mild detergent
Run some warm water into a large basin. Add about 10ml of neutral liquid detergent and mix until completely dissolved. Your goal is to create a very gentle blend that can be rubbed into the jacket without damaging it.
If you overdo it with the detergent you risk damaging the leather and fading the color, giving the jacket a stained appearance and an uneven hue
Step 2. Wet a soft cloth or sponge
Dip the tool of your choice to clean the jacket into the soapy solution and squeeze it to get rid of the excess liquid. It shouldn't be soaked, just a little damp. If it is too wet, the water could penetrate the skin and saturate it more than it should, damaging it further.
Use a soft cloth. Rough fabrics can leave scratches on soft leather if you don't proceed carefully
Step 3. Rub the outside of the jacket
Run the damp cloth or sponge across the outer surface with long, fluid motions, instead of scrubbing vigorously. Pay particular attention to water stains, dark areas, and places where grease and dirt have accumulated. Clean the entire garment, wetting the rag as often as necessary.
Step 4. Remove the soap by blotting the jacket with a cloth
Scrub it again, but this time using only clean water, to get rid of the detergent residue. Make sure it doesn't stagnate on the skin. Take another dry cloth to blot the surface until it is completely dry. Hang the jacket in the closet so it finishes drying.
Direct heat can damage the skin, especially if it has just been hydrated, so don't put your jacket in the dryer or use a hairdryer
Method 2 of 3: Use a Leather Cleaner
Step 1. Purchase a cleanser formulated specifically for the skin
It contains substances that eliminate stains and traces of dirt, but also oils that can soften the skin, nourish it and keep it in good condition. You can usually find it in the supermarket, as well as in all the shops that deal with leather goods.
A bottle shouldn't cost more than a few euros and will generally last several years
Step 2. Apply the cleaner to the jacket
Sprinkle a nut on the soiled area of the garment. Some products come in the form of gels, spray cleaners, and even bars of soap. When using these alternative formulations, always start with the smallest amount and increase the dose as needed
Step 3. Rub the cleanser into your skin
Take a soft, clean cloth and massage the jacket so that the product penetrates. Spread it in circular motions, forming a spiral that spreads outwards. In this way it will collect the dirt and eliminate the water encrustations.
Rub the product until it is completely absorbed
Step 4. Remove excess cleaner
Use another cloth to wipe off any product residue left on the jacket. When finished, it will be shiny and clean again, and it will look like new. The skin will be hydrated and protected and will remain in excellent condition for months.
- As this product is formulated to be absorbed by dry and cracked skin, there is no need to rinse it after application.
- Leather cleaners are used to treat this material without too much effort, but you will probably have to apply them several times if the garment is very dirty.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for a Leather Jacket
Step 1. Check the manufacturer's instructions
Read the label inside the jacket: it may give you special instructions regarding the type and thickness of the leather and other important warnings. In most cases it recommends the most appropriate cleaning method. You may want to follow these tips if you don't want to ruin your garment.
Step 2. Waterproof the jacket to prevent further damage
Regardless of your skin type, you should periodically coat it with a waterproofing product to seal the pores. Thanks to this treatment, when the water comes into contact with the surface it will form droplets, sliding off without damaging the jacket.
- In theory, you should waterproof it immediately after purchase.
- Wear another jacket if bad weather is forecast. Excessive moisture can reduce the life of your leather garment.
Step 3. Treat the jacket with a leather softener
It is a cream product to be applied on the entire external surface at least once a year. This moisturizing treatment will protect it from moisture, making it soft and flexible, and will prevent it from cracking or cracking.
You can also use the specific soap for saddle leather. It will probably be too heavy for soft or thin leather, but it works perfectly if it is sturdier and more consistent
Step 4. Take the jacket to a professional if it is made of soft leather
Do not clean garments made with very delicate materials or tanned in a particular way, such as suede or calf, at home, otherwise you could damage them. A professional expert in leather and hides has all the knowledge and equipment necessary to remove the most stubborn stains, without the risk of tearing or shrinking your garment.
- Dry cleaning of the skin is not cheap, but in most cases it is not needed more than once a year.
- You can keep the suede clean by brushing it periodically.
Step 5. Store the jacket properly
Always keep it lying on a surface or hanging on a hanger when you are not wearing it. Put it in a cool, dry environment. Try to clean and treat it once a year. If you take good care of it, it will keep in great condition for a long time and may even last longer than you!
- If you don't wear it very often, store it in a garment bag.
- If it has creased after storing it, cover it with a cloth and iron it at medium temperature. Alternatively, hang it in the bathroom when you take a hot shower. Moisture and heat should smooth out creases and wrinkles naturally.
Advice
- When possible, it is best to treat splashes and stains immediately, especially if they are red wine or coffee, otherwise they can leave permanent traces.
- To understand if you can remove the stain with water without damaging it, do a test on a hidden spot, rubbing it with only a few drops. If it does not absorb water, it may resist cleaning with a wet cloth. If it does get in, you need to dry clean it to prevent damage.
- Remember to clean and treat the leather jacket at least once a year.
Warnings
- Avoid using natural oils, such as coconut or olive oils, to clean your leather garment. At first, they can give an apparent shine, but in reality there is a risk that they penetrate deeply, greasing and splitting the material it is made of.
- Some leather cleansers and emollients contain flammable oils that release toxic fumes, potentially dangerous if inhaled.
- Always proceed gently when cleaning your skin. By rubbing and rubbing vigorously, you risk wearing it on the surface and fading the garment.
- Never put it in the washing machine and / or dryer. Almost always these machines cause damage to the leather, breaking it or drying it. There is also a risk that they will shrink the garment by one size.
