You can’t throw your leather jacket in the washing machine, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean it. Read further to learn how to wash a leather jacket.
So you want to look like James Dean or Halsey with your cool, rebellious, edgy leather jacket, right? It’s a fashion trend that will never go out of style.
But what if your jacket is looking a little worse for wear or even stained and dingy?
Not only does a dirty leather jacket dampen the aesthetic of the jacket, but it could also lead to your beloved (and potentially expensive) jacket getting tossed aside as a piece of ruined clothing.
Don’t let this happen to you. We’re going to go over simple and easy steps on how to wash a leather jacket, so keep reading.
Take Precaution
Leather jacket care starts before you even wear the jacket. Leather protection products like creams, sprays, and liquid solutions can be applied to the jacket before you ever take it for a spin.
This will form a protective barrier, which will help protect the jacket to prevent stains and water damage. These protective measures should be reapplied at least once per year in order to maintain protection.
Check the Label
The label on the inside of the jacket should detail the preferred cleaning and washing methods for that particular jacket. Each leather jacket is unique and made from different materials and types of leather. These will change exactly how you care for the jacket.
Simple Soap and Water
Now that you know some preventative measures, it’s time to get to the best cleaning option out there: soap and water.
If you notice something spill or fall on your jacket, you should wipe it away with a cloth ASAP. Since leather is porous, leaving something on the jacket for too long will allow it to soak into the material and lead to a stain.
If you don’t notice right away, don’t fret. Simply mix a very small amount of detergent with warm water. Soak a damp cloth with this mixture and lightly wipe the jacket where the stain is.
Be careful not to rub too hard or use too much detergent. Both of these things can strip away the color of the leather and cause even more damage to the jacket.
Baking Soda
Sometimes soap and water won’t be enough, especially if it’s a stain that’s already set. If you have an oil or grease stain, you can try washing that out with baking soda.
Put baking soda in a thin layer on top of the stain and gently press it in with a damp washcloth. Leave that there for a few hours, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth before drying it with another soft cloth.
Leather Cleaner and Professional Cleaning
There are also specific leather cleaning sprays and solutions you can purchase to wash your leather jacket. Try these for tougher stains, or if you’re nervous about a DIY wash solution.
You can also leave it up to professionals. Take the jacket to a professional cleaner that has experience and credentials to work with leather (not everyone does!). They’ll understand exactly how to treat your jacket without you having to worry about it getting ruined.
How to Wash a Leather Jacket: Wrapping Up
Knowing how to wash a leather jacket properly is a key to making sure you’ll get to rock it for years to come. While you can do it yourself, you can also take it to a professional to get a deep and thorough clean.
But if you can do it yourself, go for it! Check out our other DIY project ideas to keep the DIY motivation going.