A leather jacket is a symbol of pride and confidence for a person, but this mark of boldness can wither over time or get dirty if its not maintained. And the longer you wear it, the smellier it gets. And just like that you might be confused about How to Clean a Leather Jacket?.
There are many guiding tips on social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. These tips and tricks can hardly be reliable, so we at Real Jackets offer a simple and complete guide on how to Wash a Leather Jackets step-by-step.
So, if you’re here because you’re thinking about cleaning your leather jacket or need an insight, then you’ve come to the right place. Likewise, whether it be cleaning at home or by a professional, we offer thorough guidance on washing a leather jacket. So, in this topic, we’ll cover easy and effective ways and techniques to help you clean your jacket properly.
Topics Covered in this Article,
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- Check out the Leather Jacket’s Label
- Brushing the Dust of the Leather Jacket
- Maintaining the Leather Jacket
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- Avoid Using a Washing Machine
- Do Not Use Bleach and Ammonia Based Cleaners
- Always Moisturize Your Leather Jacket
- Beware of Red Rot
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- How Do I Clean a Suede Leather Jacket?
- How Can I Clean a Faux Leather Jacket?
- How to Clean Mold or Fungus In a Leather Jacket?
- What is the Actual Cost of Dry Cleaning a Leather Jacket By a Professional?
- How do I Clean a Varsity Lacket with Leather Sleeves?
Tips for Clean a Leather Jacket at Home?
Many people often believe that leather jackets are hard to clean, but that is quite an inaccurate statement. The process itself is easy but requires things to be considered before proceeding, so here is what you should do to get started.
Check out the Leather Jacket’s Label
It is always considered wise to read out the manufacturing label of the jacket you’re you’re about to clean. The reason why you should read out the label is due to the specific instructions given. Because each type of leather has its own treatment and tanning process, meaning each jacket has its own properties, some need to be dried naturally in the air, while others may require cold or hot water to wash them. In short, not reading the proper instructions on the label can ensure the quality of these jackets is maintained.
Brushing the Dust of the Leather Jacket
Once you’ve read the label carefully, identify your jacket’s properties, what’s next is to wipe off all the grime using a soft cloth or a brush. Initiate by gently wiping the surface in a circular motion. It is recommended not to rub it excessively, and be sure to brush off the corners as the dust tends to stick the most there.
Maintaining the Leather Jacket
Different types of leather jackets have different types of leather cleaning solutions; apply the solution as soft as a rag when you start cleaning, and be sure to wipe in a steady circular motion without rubbing too hard. Additionally, check out the cleaning instructions mentioned on the back of the leather jacket cleaner solution.
Once you’re done cleaning the jacket, the second thing to do is apply leather conditioner for a soft and supple feel. But to apply the conditioner, you have to do a color test first to find out if the dye of the jacket is stable or not. After the jacket is fully dried, apply the conditioner.
Also, you can apply the conditioner during rainy days to prevent the leather from getting damaged.
How to Remove Smell from Leather Jacket?
Leather jackets are heat rententive and insulated, they can capture the body heat so can body’s smell. So, if you wear it time to time then both the interior and exterior can get smelly. So, here are a few easy steps you can take to get rid of the odor in front of a leather jacket.
To remove the smell from the exterior of the leather jacket, use vinegar spray equally on all portions. Before continuing this process, be sure to do a spot test to see if the jacket is invulnerable to vinegar and if the color fades or gets damaged, do not proceed any further. If the color still remains vivid and solid, spray the jacket and use a soft cloth as you gently rub it. This will get rid of the odor, and the smell of the vinegar will also fade.
Also, to get rid of the smell from the inside, get some baking soda. Sprinkle the powder in a large zip-lock bag without closing it and place it near the leather jacket. After that leave it for 24 hours. Through this method you’ll remove the odor from the jacket after 24 hours if the smell still persists, repeat the process. Also be sure to clean off any residue of the powder.
How Can I Properly Clean a Leather Jacket?
There are several methods for cleaning leather jackets. Similarly, one of them is by simply airing it out. Keep the leather away from heat sources such as sunlight and also from damp places. This will maintain the leather without cracking or deteriorating.
Another method is to use a clean water solution mixed with baking soda. It is one of easy techniques that removes any dirt and stains. Use a sponge to clean the jacket. Afterward, you can use a soft dry cloth to wipe off any powdered residue.
Lastly, you get yourself a large tub mixed with warm water and ammonia-free leather cleaner for jackets. Afterward, unzip all the closings and pockets, then rinse the jacket under the tub and clean it out with a soft sponge. Let the jacket stay in for 20 minutes or so, then take it out and use a dry towel to completely remove moisture. Also, when you’re drying the jacket, remember not to hang it using a proper hanger to avoid bumps once it dries.
Where Can I Professionally Dry Clean Leather Jacket?
Dry Cleaning is one of the most ideal ways to get yourself a spotless leather jacket without any effort. But this washing method is a costly one since it requires a professional who does all the care and maintenance for your jacket. Similarly, these experts can restore a decade-old antique to its prime form, as they use natural procedures and save chemicals, which improves the quality of a leather jacket rather than turning it apart.
In addition, these experts can give advice that allows you to take care of your leather garments individually. Check out your leather cleaners for jackets nearby to learn more about maintaining your leathered products. Also, you can use modern and common apps such as Google Maps to find out the nearest and most recommended dry cleaning services available in the state or county.
Do’s and Don’ts About Washing Leather Jacket
To sum up, what we’ve talked about, washing a leather jacket is simpler than you think. If you go through all the steps we’ve told you so far, you’ll have a better understanding and idea on how to clean a leather jacket. But even so, there are things you need to be aware of when washing one.
So, here’s a list of things you should consider when washing leather jacket.
Avoid Using a Washing Machine
Some jacket in the washing machine are easily cleaned on a gentle cycle. But many professionals and jacket makers suggest that it is better to avoid the use of a washing machine. The reason for that is it can maintain the life expectancy of the jacket, as the machine wash can weaken the durability of the leather and soft supple feel of the jacket itself.
Do Not Use Bleach and Ammonia Based Cleaners
Another thing experts have recommended the most is to never use bleach, acetone, and ammonia based cleaning solutions. These can ruin not only the natural look of the jacket but also crack the leather.
Always Moisturize Your Leather Jacket
Surely, you can either dry clean or wash the leather jacket at home. Yet if you want to preserve the quality of your outerwear, be sure to moisturize your leather jacket. Use high-quality leather conditioner so it can look just like the day you bought it even after a decade passes or so.
Beware of Red Rot
The Red Rot is a degrading process that no leather products can avoid. Once a leather jacket is infected with red rot, it eventually begins to deteriorate over time. So, if that happens be sure to reach out to a professional on how to maintain your jackets after its infected.
Commonly Asked Questions About Washing a Leather Jacket
How Do I Clean a Suede Leather Jacket?
Derived from young animals skin, suede is a leather which is highly sensitive to water and can leave stains on it forever. So, the best method to clean a suede jacket is to use vinegar. Get yourself a solution in a tub and use a soft cotton cloth then clean the jacket by gently rubbing it in a circular motion.
How Can I Clean a Faux Leather Jacket?
Faux is an artificial material that is less durable than actual leather and has chemical odors all over. It is weak to water, vinegar, and alcohol which can quickly crack the fabric. But, you can still use diluted alcohol and baking soda to clean it. Instead of using a brush, use a sponge or cloth to preserve the quality of the faux leather jacket.
How to Clean Mold or Fungus In a Leather Jacket?
Mold is common to get in a leather jacket, when you keep the jacket in damp and moist places. Similarly, mold can be persistent and can ruin your jacket’s quality. To get a rid of mold use a saturated alcohol or vinegar with cotton balls then wipe off the fungus.
What is the Actual Cost of Dry Cleaning a Leather Jacket By a Professional?
the price range of Dry Cleaning a leather jacket lies around $40 – $100. The price varies upon the expertise of cleaner, jacket’s size, and its condition. Also note that the cost might get higher if a jacket needs repair or alterations.
How do I Clean a Varsity Jacket with Leather Sleeves?
To clean a varsity jacket with leather sleeves one of the easy and best way is by using a lint roller. This can get rid of all the grime. So, once you’re done rolling, use a baby shampoo or solution to wash-off the jacket. Afterwards, dry it off and apply a leather conditioner to the sleeves.
Additionally, avoid direct sunlight and heat on sleeves to maintain its quality.