Faux leather jackets are on trend, but many people have no idea how to clean them. While it is common knowledge that leather is not washable, leatherette is a very easy to clean fabric. Regardless of how dirty your jacket is, you can use products you probably already have around the house.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Hand Wash the Leatherette
Step 1. Remove any kind of encrustation
Before cleaning a leatherette jacket, look carefully at the fabric to check for dry stains, such as those from caked food. Gently remove the residue and clean the area with a soft cloth.
Step 2. Mix the laundry detergent into the warm water
Pour about 15 ml into a small bowl filled with water. Gently twist to distribute it.
- If you need to buy a new detergent, try one formulated for delicate clothes;
- You can also try a leatherette cleaner.
Step 3. Dampen a soft cloth
Dip a clean cloth into the bowl and soak it in soapy water. Squeeze it out to get rid of excess water so it's just wet.
It is easier to apply soapy water several times than to remove traces of the soapy water on the jacket, so wring out the cloth well
Step 4. Clean
Wipe the damp cloth over the jacket, paying attention to encrustations and stains. Re-moisten the cloth in the soapy water as needed.
For best results, focus on areas that are dirty, greasy or have dry spots
Step 5. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove traces of detergent
Wet another cloth and wring it out to get rid of excess water. Once moistened, pass it on the jacket, repeating the operation until the detergent has disappeared. Rinse it between strokes.
If you leave detergent residue on a faux leather jacket, there is a risk that the fabric will crack and stiffen
Step 6. Wipe off any remaining moisture with a soft cloth
Once you are done with the wet cloth process, take another dry and clean one. Since the amount of water is minimal, it should be enough to wash it off. If the jacket remains damp, let it air dry.
Don't rush it to dry. By putting it in the dryer or turning on the hair dryer, the heat will ruin the leatherette
Step 7. Apply a product to soften the jacket
It will prevent it from drying out and cracking. When you clean it, there is a risk that the fabric will dehydrate, so it is important to end the process with a suitable product. You can buy a conditioner designed specifically to soften the leatherette or you can use olive oil by pouring a few drops on a cloth and applying it on your jacket.
Even if the leatherette is different from real leather, it is still necessary to keep it soft
Method 2 of 3: Machine Wash
Step 1. Check the label on the jacket
The washing instructions for the leatherette may vary depending on the manufacture and composition. So, before putting your jacket in the washing machine, read the directions on the label to make sure you proceed correctly.
- Generally, the leatherette garments currently produced are machine washable;
- Avoid dry cleaning unless the label explicitly states. Dry cleaning chemicals dehydrate the leatherette with the end result cracking, stiffening and fading.
Step 2. Turn it inside out and place it in a mesh washing bag
Protect the outside of the jacket by washing it inside out in a delicate bag.
If you can't find a bag on the net, use a pillowcase. Make sure you close it with a hair elastic or by knotting the ends of the opening
Step 3. Choose a program for delicate clothes and set the spin cycle to a few revolutions
Unless the label says other information, turn the washer knob on the delicates cycle by selecting cold water.
Step 4. Let it air dry
The heat easily damages the leatherette, so lay the jacket horizontally to air dry. You can also try hanging it, as long as you arrange it evenly on the hanger so it doesn't warp.
- If you want to dry it in the dryer, you will ruin both your garment and the machine;
- If you hang it, make sure the hanger is not pressing on the wrong areas, but is positioned so that it lines up with the seams of the jacket.
Step 5. Do not overheat the iron if it is wrinkled
Put a towel on the jacket and gently press the iron on the ruffles. Do not rest it on the towel and make sure that the metal plate never comes into contact with the leatherette.
- You can also use steam to remove creases;
- Never apply heat to the leatherette.
Method 3 of 3: Remove Unpleasant Odors
Step 1. Sprinkle some baking soda on the inside of the jacket
It will absorb and neutralize bad odors without damaging the fabric. Pour in a generous amount to cover most of the inner lining.
Don't forget to put it in your sleeves
Step 2. Put it in an undisturbed area
Choose a spot away from pets and children, such as the center of a table. Roll it out so the baking soda stays in place.
Children and pets can experience negative side effects if they ingest baking soda
Step 3. Leave the baking soda on overnight
It will take time to absorb bad smells, so leave it for at least eight hours.
Step 4. Vacuum
Attach a small nozzle to the vacuum cleaner or use a hand vacuum to remove baking soda from the jacket, even inside the sleeves. Shake it and repeat the operation if you see more white powder falling.
Step 5. Smell the jacket
The bad smell should be gone from the inner lining. Repeat if it persists.
Advice
Always read the washing instructions on the garment labels
Warnings
- Do not dry clean it.
- Do not put it in the dryer as the fabric may decompose.
- If you apply too much detergent, the leatherette may crack.
- Once the leatherette starts to crack, it cannot be recovered.
