Fine leather items should only be cleaned by hand and any stains should be treated individually, but if you have a battered leather bag or other smooth leather accessory that you would like to clean, you can use the washing machine. However, you must be careful to use the right type of detergent and only cold water, to prevent the skin from deforming. If you don't want to take any kind of risk, it's best to wash the item by hand. Also don't forget to protect and preserve untreated natural leather items.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Hand Wash the Leather Items
Step 1. Wash the leather by hand for both ordinary and extraordinary maintenance
Wiping leather by hand is a good way to treat individual stains or scratches, but it's also an effective choice for doing an occasional thorough cleaning. However, if the object you want to clean is of a fine nature or is made of hard leather, remember that the best way to avoid taking risks is to entrust it to the expert hands of a professional.
Step 2. Prepare a cleaning solution using distilled water and liquid castile soap
Pour a small amount of soap into a bowl that you have already poured some distilled water into. Shake the water with your hand or with a flatware to evenly distribute the soap and create the lather.
- If you want to be sure that the skin is protected, as well as clean, use a soap specifically formulated for cleaning leather objects. You can buy it online or in a shop that sells leather or horse riding items (for example from Decathlon).
- If you don't have a Marseille soap or one formulated to clean leather, you can settle for a mild detergent, for example the one you use for washing dishes.
- In any case it is best to test the cleaning solution on a small area hidden from view, before using it to clean the parts that are clearly visible.
Step 3. Choose a soft, lint-free cloth and moisten it with the cleaning solution
A common kitchen towel may work if you don't have the best options, but a microfiber cloth would be better. Of course, you must avoid any abrasive material, such as the green part of the dishwashing sponges, as it could scratch the leather and cause it to lose its luster.
In general, it is also good to avoid any aggressive cleansing product, since the skin could react negatively, for example by deforming itself
Step 4. Wipe the cloth over your skin to remove any dirt
Respect its natural grain with every movement. In areas where a lot of dirt has accumulated or where stains are difficult to remove, scrub the skin in small, circular motions.
Be careful not to soak your skin with soapy water as you clean it, as an excess of liquid could damage it. If you find that it is very wet, wait for it to dry a bit before starting to clean it again
Step 5. Remove the soap film and residual dirt with a clean cloth
You need to make sure there are no traces of cleanser left when you finish the job, as it could dry out the skin which could crack as a result. Take another soft, lint-free cloth and moisten it with water, then carefully wipe all the surfaces you just cleaned.
Step 6. Let the skin air dry
Place the item on a hanger or place it on a chair or clothesline and wait until it is completely dry before using it or storing it in the closet. Be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight as it tends to dry out the skin, which could then crack.
Step 7. Treat the skin with a skin conditioner
This last step serves to make it perfectly smooth and to keep it protected over time. Follow the directions on the packaging of your chosen leather conditioner and apply it with a dry, clean, lint-free cloth (unless the instructions indicate otherwise).
- With wear, the oils that protect the skin and keep it supple and resistant will inevitably fade away. Every time you clean it with soap you make it even more fragile and dehydrated, so it is essential to use a conditioner that can nourish it again and keep it protected.
- When cleaning leather that has been treated (so-called "finished" leather), you should not use products similar to mink oil or leather polishes. They could in fact destroy the patina that makes it beautiful and shiny.
Method 2 of 3: Machine Wash the Leather Items
Step 1. This method is suitable for objects that are not very valuable
It is important that you understand that there is no guarantee that the leather will not deteriorate during washing in the washing machine. Objects that by their nature must be resistant, for example jackets or boots, are the most suitable for washing in the washing machine.
- If the leather item is a bright color, do not put it in the washing machine as it is likely to discolour.
- The washing machine is also not suitable for those items that have delicate seams or many decorations, unless you don't mind running the risk that these details can be damaged.
- If the item to be cleaned is expensive, for example a pair of elegant boots or a suede jacket, it is better to intervene on individual stains or entrust it to the expert hands of a professional.
Step 2. Buy liquid castile soap
Being very delicate it is also suitable for cleaning leather objects, while normal soaps and detergents are more abrasive and therefore could damage it. You can look for Marseille soap at the supermarket, online or in stores that sell organic foods and natural products. If you can't find it, you can make it yourself at home.
Step 3. Pour 60 ml of castile soap into the detergent compartment of the washing machine
You can use liquid castile soap just like you do with one formulated for washing laundry. Follow the instructions in the instruction manual of your appliance to set the washing water to the lowest available temperature.
Step 4. Place the item to be washed in the drum and set a gentle cycle on the washing machine
To prevent it from being rattled excessively during the wash, you can add a few items of laundry of the same color, so that it softens the blows. Use the gentlest washing program provided by your appliance.
If possible, turn the leather garment inside out, close all zippers and fasten all buttons. It could be used to push dirt out of fabrics and, at the same time, to protect the parts where the skin is visible when you wear the garment from damage
Step 5. Turn on the washing machine
Keep an eye on the contents while the wash is in progress. As soon as the cycle is finished, take the item out of the basket to prevent it from starting to dry in that position.
If the leather were to dry out while it is deformed or crumpled it may never regain its original shape
Step 6. Restore the shape of the object
Spread it out on a flat surface or hang it up as needed. Iron any creases formed during washing with your hands. If the skin feels like it has shrunk in size, gently pull it out while it is still moist.
Be very careful if you need to stretch the leather, as there is no guarantee that it will not tear and repairing it could be impossible or very expensive
Step 7. Let the item air dry
Just be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight, as it can dry out the oils that keep it supple. Hang the item in a shady room and open the windows to increase the airflow and make it dry faster.
- Do not use a hairdryer or any other direct heat source to dry the skin.
- If you really want to use the hair dryer, set the airflow to the speed and minimum available temperature.
Step 8. Apply a leather conditioner
It will help restore the skin to its original state and protect it over time. You will generally need to apply it by spreading it out like a polish using a soft, lint-free cloth or kitchen paper. After applying the conditioner, the item will be ready for use again.
If you don't have a leather conditioner available, you can try replacing it with a thin layer of olive oil. Apply it to the skin as if it were a real conditioner or shoe polish, or spread it with small circular and gentle movements
Method 3 of 3: Wash Natural (Untreated) Leather Items
Step 1. Determine if it is natural leather
The surface of untreated leather items appears rough. It is generally used to make accessories that are subject to intense wear, such as work boots, horse saddles and baseball gloves.
Step 2. Remove dirt with a soap formulated for cleaning leather
Pour a dose equal to a 50 cent coin on a clean damp rag, then rub it on the skin trying to form a good amount of foam. When finished, rinse the skin with clean water. Remember that it should not be soaked in water, as it could deform or otherwise be damaged.
If you notice that it is soggy, stop and let it dry a bit to prevent it from spoiling
Step 3. Use a soft brush to remove stubborn dirt and reach inside the small crevices
The cloth may not be able to remove some dirt or to penetrate the small spaces between seams or other details. If you want to use a brush, make sure the bristles are made of a soft material, such as nylon, to avoid damaging the surface of the leather.
You can prevent damage by testing the brush effect on a small area that is normally hidden from view
Step 4. Rinse the skin to remove any residual foam
Wet a clean (lint-free) cloth, wring it out thoroughly, then use it to remove soap and grime residue from the item in question. You will need to do some careful work, because if any soap is left it can dry out and damage the skin.
Step 5. Let the clean item dry overnight
Untreated leather tends to absorb more water than finished leather. For this reason it is good to wait at least 8 hours (or a whole night) for it to dry.
Step 6. Protect untreated skin
Purchase a suitable product, such as mink oil, and rub it on the item once it is dry. Use the last remaining cloth to apply a generous amount of the product of your choice, especially inside the cracks created with wear or on visibly damaged areas. When finished, your leather item will be ready to use again.
