How do I clean a leather jacket?

You've invested in a high-quality leather jacket that has quickly become your favorite piece for just about every occasion, whether it's an early morning stroll across the fields to the backcountry, a chilly evening cheering on your boys under the Friday night spotlights, or anything in between. However, you may find that after a while (perhaps after a near disaster with your dog and your cup of coffee), you're wondering how to clean your leather jacket without damaging it. If your instincts tell you that simple laundry isn't enough, they're right.

Leather is tough, but cleaning a leather jacket requires a delicate approach to avoid altering something so special. Follow the steps below to service and clean your leather jacket properly, so you can enjoy it for many years to come.

Cleaning a leather jacket: Step by step

Remove dust from the leather using a soft cloth or brush. Be sure to use circular movements to avoid damage to the leather.
Prepare a mild soap solution by mixing warm water with about two teaspoons of liquid detergent. This mild, gentle solution can be used to clean your jacket without risk of damage or abrasion. When it comes to leather cleaning, the fewer products the better.

Note: If your jacket is not too dirty, you can proceed directly to step 4 without using the soap solution.

Clean leather gently by soaking a soft cloth or sponge in the soapy solution. Before applying the cloth or sponge to the leather, be sure to wring it out so that it is slightly damp, but not dripping. Dab lightly instead of rubbing to avoid water marks. Look for water spots, discolorations and areas where dirt or oil can accumulate.
Wipe the jacket with a clean, soft cloth soaked in clean water to remove soap residue. Take care not to leave any standing water on the jacket, as excess water can cause damage. Pat the leather dry with a soft towel, then hang the jacket in a cool place until completely dry. Avoid the use of direct heat, such as a hairdryer or direct sunlight, to speed up the drying process.
Clean the inside of the jacket using the same soapy solution as for the outside. Hang the jacket upside down on a hanger, clean the inside with a sponge or soft cloth, paying particular attention to the cuffs, collar and armpits. Then hang the jacket to dry in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct heat.

How to clean a leather jacket with leather cleaner

If you want to clean your leather jacket with little effort, using a cleaner specially designed for leather can be a practical option. A good leather cleaner is formulated to effectively remove dirt and stains while preserving the suppleness and health of the leather.

APPLY Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to the jacket. Always start with a small amount, then adjust as necessary.
MASS Gently massage the leather cleaner onto the jacket surface using a soft, clean cloth. Use regular circular movements, massaging slowly outwards in a spiral. Continue until as much of the cleaner as possible has been absorbed.
Wipe off any residue of leather cleaner from the jacket with a clean cloth. When finished, the jacket should be clean and shiny. There's no need to rinse off the leather cleaner, as it's designed to penetrate dry, cracked leather. The leather will thus be moisturized and maintained, retaining its shine for several months before further cleaning is necessary.

How to remove stubborn stains from a leather jacket

Whether you like it or not, spending time with your favorite leather jacket can sometimes lead to the appearance of stubborn stains. It's best to act quickly, but this isn't always possible, and sometimes the stain can go unnoticed for some time. The following tips and materials can help you get rid of the most stubborn stains, but as always, be careful and check your method first.

Cleaning a leather jacket with soap and water

Use a soft, clean sponge with a mixture of soap and water. Use circular movements with the sponge, then dab with a dry cloth. Repeat the procedure, alternating sponge and cloth, until the stain has (hopefully) disappeared.

Cleaning a leather jacket with toothpaste

Apply non-gel toothpaste to the stain with your finger. Then, using a soft cloth, rub gently in circular movements to cover the entire stain. Do not rub, as this may scratch or discolour the leather. Leave the toothpaste to act on the stain for ten seconds, then use a soft, damp cloth to gently rub the toothpaste away as the stain loosens.

Cleaning a leather jacket with nail polish remover

To remove ink stains, dab the area with a cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover. The ink may smear if you rub. Then blot with a clean, damp cloth and dry gently with a towel.

Cleaning a leather jacket with baking soda, baby powder or cornstarch

Sprinkle baking soda, baby powder or baking soda on the surface. corn starch on oil or grease stains to remove them. Using a damp cloth, gently massage the affected area. Leave the resulting paste to stand for several hours, or even overnight. The oil will be absorbed by the baking soda, baby powder or starch. Then, using a clean cloth, wipe off the powder and dry with a soft towel.

Cleaning a leather jacket with rubbing alcohol

Need to remove mildew from leather? Mix one part rubbing alcohol and one part water in a bowl. Wipe the affected area with a damp cloth soaked in the alcohol solution. Wipe clean with another damp cloth. This should also remove any mold.

If the stain persists, it's time to call in the professionals. Remember, what works for one type of leather jacket may not work for another. It is therefore advisable to carry out a test on an inconspicuous area before using any of the above suggestions.

Finally, if your jacket is a little dull, you can use a small amount of leather softener or upholstery wax with a soft cloth to polish the leather.

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