How To Wash Leather Jacket Without Ruining It
The leather jacket is a kind of clothing item that never goes out of style and every season is a leather jacket season. This super versatile outfit can be paired with anything you can think of on any occasion. Wearing it to the office, friends get together, Friday night and on a shopping spree can actually get your jacket dirty.
Leather is a delicate fabric that needs special care and guidelines to clean. Make sure that you know what kind of leather you are dealing with. It’s better to clean your leather jacket every two weeks and get rid of any stains right away to avoid any permanent damage.
No matter how much you’re being careful, you can’t always protect it against rain drops or sun exposure with frequent use. That is why your precious heavy-duty outerwear needs a thorough cleaning between seasons. You must have heard and read everywhere to let the professionals handle the cleaning of your leather jacket. But what if we told you that you don't really have to spend a fortune to get your leather jacket washed? There are a number of ways you can do it yourself without ruining it, all you need to do is be extra careful and follow the instructions because, unlike other fabrics, a leather jacket can’t just be dumped in a washing machine. It can lead to cracking, tearing, dryness, or even shrinking of your luxurious leather accessory.
Basic Cleaning
Well, it’s absolutely understandable if you feel the urge to wear your leather jacket every single day because it’s super comfortable and emits a certain charm. But that definitely puts your jacket at risk of getting stained. No need to panic because cleaning/washing your leather jacket on your own is not an issue anymore. Keep these guidelines in mind and follow some simple tips to clean it like a pro.
- Always use a cotton pad or a clean, soft piece of cloth to apply a cleaning agent to the dirty or stained areas.
- The collars and cuffs of the jacket are usually the most stubborn areas, so pay special attention to them.
- To avoid any permanent damage such as tearing or color fading, rub the cotton pad gently on the leather surface in circular motions.
- Try not to expose your jacket to too much water as this can do more harm than good.
- Once the mark is removed, make sure that you wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth to get rid of any excess water.
- Let the leather dry naturally, avoid using a hairdryer or putting your jacket in direct sunlight.
- Once you’re done getting rid of the stains, apply a leather conditioner followed by a leather moisturizer.
Leather Detergent
The best thing you can do when it comes to keeping your leather jacket clean and as good as new is to invest in a leather cleaner specifically made for leather products. These are thoughtfully designed to help remove the stains from your leather clothing while maintaining the tone, shape, and texture of the product. These detergents are a combination of natural cleaning agents and certain oils that keep the leather moisturized and protected against harsh weather conditions. To clean your leather using a leather cleaner, mix a small amount in a cup of water and gently rub it on the affected area. Do a patch test before using it on the entire jacket. Always use a small amount of cleaner and gradually increase it in case of need.
Baking Soda
If you’re dealing with oil or grease stains, it’s better to get started with some kind of starch; baking soda, corn starch, or even flour would do. They have a reputation for removing greasy stains with minimum effort. Cover the stained spot with the flour and leave it there for 2-3 hours. Use a cotton pad or damp, soft cloth to rub it in gentle circular motions. Let it sit for another few hours. The flour or soda will absorb the oil and suck the stain out of your precious leather jacket. Wipe off any excess material from the surface and apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol basically strips your leather off any excess oils in order for the cleaning agent to penetrate better. It's one of the best things you can keep at home if you’re a leather enthusiast and like to keep your jacket as good as new for a long time. You can use rubbing alcohol to get rid of molds growing on your leather jacket but always be careful with the quantity and make sure to dilute it by mixing it with water because one wrong step and you’ll ruin your jacket beyond repair.
Use a soft cotton cloth or a cotton pad to dip in the solution and wipe the affected area using gentle circular motions. Once it's clean, use a dry towel to get rid of excess liquid and hang your jacket somewhere away from sunlight. Let it dry naturally for at least 24 hours.
