Leather jackets are a great addition to any wardrobe. They are stylish, durable, and with proper care and maintenance, can last you a lifetime.
But can you wash a leather jacket?
In this article, we have put together everything you need to know about washing and cleaning a leather jacket.
We will also go over some helpful tips to keep your leather jacket in great condition for years to come.
How Can You Wash a Leather Jacket?
Leather jackets should only be hand washed or professionally dry cleaned when necessary. Light dirt and small stains can be cleaned by spot-washing the area or wiping it with a damp cloth. Leather jackets should never be washed in a washing machine unless specified by the manufacturer.
| Cleaning Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| Hand washing | Deep cleaning and removing tough stains |
| Professional dry-cleaning | Heavy dirt and stains, delicate leather jackets |
| Spot-washing | Light dirt and small stains |
| Damp cloth wiping | Regular maintenance and upkeep |
| Washing machine | Not recommended, unless specified by the manufacturer |
How to Spot Clean a Leather Jacket
Leather is naturally stain-resistant and most stains or dirt can be removed with a good spot cleaning.
To spot-clean a leather jacket, you’ll need the following items:
- Small bucket
- Microfiber cloth or clean sponge
- Soft brush
- Mild soap
- Leather conditioner
- Dry towel
Once you have the above items ready, you can follow the steps below:
Step 1: Dry rubbing
Since most of the dirt will be on the surface of the jacket, it’s best to start off with dry rubbing.
Take a soft brush or a microfiber towel and agitate the dirt or stain while it’s still dry. This will remove most of the surface dirt and you may not need to go any further.
If the dirt or stain has seeped deep into the fabric, then you’ll need to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Wet Cleaning
Fill the bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap. I’ve found this detergent worked best for spot-cleaning leather and didn’t cause any discoloration or damage.
Dampen the cloth or sponge in the soapy water and then wipe the area you want to clean. Be gentle and avoid rubbing too hard as this can cause further damage to the leather.
Rub in circular motions and be sure to go an inch or two beyond the dirty area or stain. Keep inspecting the area and stop once you’re satisfied with the results.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Once you’re done spot-cleaning, it’s time to rinse off the soap.
Take a dry cloth or towel and gently pat the area until all of the soap is gone. Allow the area to air dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Apply leather conditioner
After the jacket has completely dried, it’s time to apply a leather conditioner.
The leather conditioner will help nourish and protect the leather while also keeping it soft and supple. You can either use a spray-on conditioner or work in a small amount with your fingers or a microfiber cloth.
Be sure to apply the conditioner evenly across the entire jacket and not just at the spot you cleaned.
How to Hand Wash a Leather Jacket
If spot cleaning doesn’t work or the jacket is heavily soiled, then you may need to hand wash it. This should only be done as a last resort as it can damage the leather if not done correctly.
To hand wash a leather jacket, you’ll need the following items:
- Large sink or tub
- Mild soap
- Soft brush
- Dry towels
- Leather conditioner
Once you have the items ready, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the care label
Before you start washing, make sure to check the care label of your leather jacket. This will tell you what type of cleaning should be used for your particular piece and if hand washing is safe or not.
If the jacket does not have a care label, then it’s best to dry clean it as this is the safest way to clean leather.
Step 2: Fill the sink or tub with warm water
Fill the sink or tub with lukewarm water and a few drops of mild soap.
Use the least amount of soap possible. You can always add more later on, but it will be more difficult to remove excess soap from the leather.
Also, avoid washing the jacket with hot water as this can damage the leather and cause it to shrink. Instead, use warm water that is just slightly above room temperature.
Step 3: Soak the leather
Once you have the water ready, submerge the leather jacket and let it soak for 15 minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or debris that is embedded in the fabric.
Do not leave the jacket soaking for longer than 15 minutes as this can cause discoloration or damage.
Step 4: Clean the jacket
Once the leather has soaked, take a soft brush and gently scrub away any dirt or stains.
Go in circular motions and be sure not to scrub too hard as this can cause further damage. Keep inspecting the jacket and stop once you’re satisfied with the results.
Step 5: Rinse and dry
After you’ve finished scrubbing, it’s time to rinse off the soap.
Take a damp cloth or sponge and gently wipe away all of the soap residue. Once you’re done, allow the jacket to air dry completely before moving on to the next step.
You can lay it on some towels and pat it dry to help speed up the drying process.
Step 6: Apply leather conditioner
Once your jacket has dried, it’s time to apply a leather conditioner.
The leather conditioner will help nourish and protect the leather while also keeping it soft and supple. You can either use a spray-on conditioner or work in a small amount with your fingers or a microfiber cloth.
Be sure to apply the conditioner evenly across the entire jacket and not just at the spot you cleaned.
Tips to Keep Your Leather Jacket Clean
Washing a leather jacket will slowly reduce its durability and lifespan over time. Keeping it clean and minimizing stains is a great way to make sure that it lasts for as long as possible.
Here are some tips to keep your leather jacket clean:
Check the weather: Make sure to check the weather before wearing your leather jacket. If it’s raining or snowing, consider wearing a raincoat or waterproof coat instead of your leather jacket.
Clean spills immediately: Try to clean spills and stains as soon as you notice them. This will help minimize damage and make it easier to remove the stain.
Avoid direct sunlight: Don’t leave your leather jacket in direct sunlight for too long as this can cause fading or discoloration.
Store it properly: When not in use, make sure to hang your leather jacket in a cool and dry place away from any moisture. You can also store it in a garment bag or closet to help protect it from dust and dirt.
Use leather conditioner: Use a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and soft. This will also help protect it from cracking or drying out. Reapply every few weeks to ensure that your jacket stays in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you machine wash a leather jacket?
You should never machine wash a leather jacket. Washing it in the machine can cause damage to the fabric as well as shrinkage or fading.
How do you remove stains from a leather jacket?
The best way to remove stains from a leather jacket is by handwashing it or spot-cleaning it with a damp cloth and mild soap. Doing this as soon as possible will help make the stain removal process easier.
How do you wash a Nascar jacket?
Nascar jackets tend to have stitched patches and logos on them that make them more delicate than regular leather jackets. Although it’s recommended to have your Nascar jacket professionally washed, you can spot-clean it using the steps above.
Conclusion
Leather jackets are a great way to add sophistication and style to any outfit. However, they require special care to make sure that they last for years to come.
Washing a leather jacket can be tricky but with the right techniques and products, you can keep it looking fresh and new in no time. With this guide, you now have all the information you need to properly clean your leather jacket and keep it looking great.