If you own or are thinking of buying a leather jacket, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the correct ways to clean it. Leather jackets are undeniably stylish, which is why they remain such a popular choice of outwear after nearly a century. Worn by men and women alike, they offer an unmatched level of aesthetics paired with superior strength, durability and comfort. But like all leather garments and accessories, attention must be given to cleaning and caring for a leather jacket. Failure to clean your leather jacket the right way could result in significant damage, which is something that no one wants to see happen to their new leather jacket. So, what’s the best way to clean a leather jacket without damaging it?
Understanding Leather
Before we reveal the steps to cleaning a leather jacket, let’s first take a few steps back to reveal the unique characteristics of leather. Genuine leather is derived from cow’s hide, featuring thousands upon thousands of small holes known as “pores.” These pores are invisible to the naked eye but play a key role in the function of leather. Much like hardwood, the pores on leather absorb and release moisture on a regular basis. When leather is placed in a humid environment, for instance, it reacts by absorbing moisture into its pores. Consequently, when leather is placed in a dry environment, it releases moisture from its pores. This phenomenon occurs day in and day out, whether you realize it or not.
You might be wondering how genuine leather is able to absorb moisture through its pores. After all, water damages leather, right? Yes and no. When leather is exposed significant amounts of water over a prolonged length of time, it can certainly damage it, promoting the formation of mold and mildew, and potentially even causing it to rot. However, small amounts of moisture are perfectly fine and should cause no reason for concern. Leather is naturally designed in a way that allows it absorb small amounts of moisture without harm.
Keeping Your Leather Jacket Clean
It’s recommended that owners take certain precautions to keep their leather jackets clean. Doing so will reduce the number of times that you need to clean it using product, which should prolong the life of your jacket. For starters, always hang up your leather jacket on a clothes hanger when you are finished wearing it. Instead of tossing it on the floor or bed, take a few minutes to hang it up in your closet. In addition to keeping your leather jacket clean, this will also help to retain its original shape.
You can also protect your leather jacket from dirt, dust and debris by storing it in an appropriate area. When the summer rolls around and you no longer need it, consider storing it in a climate-controlled closet. Contrary to what some people may believe, leather jackets should not be stored in a vacuum-sealed bag or container. As stated above, leather needs to “breath” through its pores. If you store your leather jacket in a vacuum-sealed bag, the moisture within its pores won’t be able to escape. Depending on just how much moisture is located in its pores, this may cause damage to the leather materials. The bottom line is that leather jackets, and other leather garments and accessories, should be stored in an open, climate-controlled environment with a relative humidity of 40 to 50%. This will protect it from damage while keeping it nice and fresh until you are ready to wear it again.
Tips on Cleaning a Leather Jacket
So, what’s the best way to clean a leather jacket? If you asked ten different leather experts this question, you would probably get ten different answers. Everyone has their own preferred method, some of which involve the use of special products, whereas others involve nothing more than water and mild dish soap. With that said, there are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning leather, so check out the tips listed below.
- Don’t allow your leather jacket to become saturated with water. As previously stated, leather will absorb and release moisture on a regular basis, which is perfectly fine. If it remains wet for a long period of time, however, it can cause significant, irreparable damage. If you discover your leather jacket is wet to the touch, dry it with a clean towel.
- Read the care label! I know this probably sounds like common sense, but you would be surprised to learn just how many people overlook the care label on their leather jackets. This label, however, reveals the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to clean and care for the jacket. Therefore, it’s best to follow the instructions listed on the care label to reduce the risk of damage.
- Try cleaning without any products first. It’s bound to happen sooner or later: you accidentally spill a drink on your leather jacket, leaving behind an unsightly stain. Before using any special cleaning products, however, you should first attempt to clean the stained area using nothing more than a damp washcloth. Place a clean washcloth under lukewarm water. Once damp, gently blot the stained area until it comes clean. Hopefully, this will do the trick. If the stain remains, however, you’ll need to use a special cleaning product.
- For tough stains that a damp washcloth won’t remove, it’s best to use a special leather cleaning product, such as Saddle Soap. Products such as these are designed to remove touch stains safety and effectively, without damaging the leather. Even so, however, you should still test any new cleaning product on a discreet area of your leather jacket, checking to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration or other forms of damage. As long as there’s no visible damage caused by the product, it’s safe to go ahead and use on the stain.
- You might be surprised to learn that olive oil can be used to clean leather jackets. This thick, naturally occurring oil is perfect for leather jackets, as it removes stains while moisturizing the leather in the process.