Sign Up or Log In or Log In via Follow us on Pinterest
HomeArticlesCommunityMy Profile WH.translationData = {};WH.mergeLang({'navlist_collapse': '- collapse','navlist_expand': '+ expand'});EditHome » Categories » Personal Care and Style » Fashion » Clothes by TypeHow to Clean a Leather JacketEdited by Krazycommando, Teresa, Kimmy, L. Herron-Purcell and 4 othersPin ItArticle EditDiscussLeather jackets. They're cool, they're expensive, and they're irritating when they're dirty. Many people clean their leather jackets with all sorts of substances, only to find a ripped up and faded piece of cloth at the end of the wash. Here's how to avoid ruining your jacket when cleaning it. Edit StepsNoting the Manufacturer's Requirements1Read all the care instructions on the label. Before starting the cleaning process, just to make sure there isn't a special requirement you're missing, check the instructions. Take into account things like the temperature that the jacket can be washed at and what substances can be used on the jacket (it may not say, but it's worth seeing first). Be sure to stick to the rules––the manufacturer knows the needs of your jacket best.
Spot Wiping1Give the jacket a quick wipe. Before using any sort of cleaner on your leather jacket, give it a quick wipe with a damp well wrung-out cloth or a baby wipe, to remove any visible dirt. You may find that a good wipe is all you need to get off any dirt, grime or marks.
Don't worry if all of the grime doesn't all come off––just get most of the dirt off.Most mud, dust or food on the jacket should come off with basic wiping. However, be wary of spice or bright stains, as rubbing these might discolor the jacket.2Consider using a proprietary leather stain-removal spray. A purpose-made non-water base leather cleaner can remove some stains–-read the instructions for the stain types it's suitable for. After spraying, gently rub the stain with a soft cloth.
Avoid using rough cloths or sponges that could scratch the leather. Stick to using a cloth rather than a bath or washing up sponge, as these latter scrubbers tend to have rougher surfaces.Cleaning the Jacket with Detergent1Hand wash your jacket with lukewarm water and a mild liquid soap. Gentle washing-up liquid is a good choice, as it doesn't contain any harsh chemicals, or liquid castile soap. See Tips for a water test first.
Soak the portion of the jacket which has a stain or is dirty in a small tub of water with a few drops of the washing-up liquid.Gently rub stains in a circular motion until clean.Allow it to air dry.Cleaning the Jacket with Olive OilOlive oil, or other vegetable oils, can be used to both clean and "feed" a leather jacket, as follows.
1Dip a soft cleaning cloth into olive oil (or other oil). Use a generous amount of oil.2Gently rub the oil coated cloth over the stain or dirt mark on the jacket. Continue rubbing until the mark lifts.3Rub the spot with a little white vinegar. Use a different clean soft cloth. Leave to dry.4Mix equal parts of white vinegar and olive oil. Using another clean soft cloth, rub this solution over to condition the leather.5Polish with a clean cloth. The stained area should now look like new.Machine Washing Leather JacketsApparently Vogue editor Meredith Melling Burke washes her leather jackets this way, so perhaps you might like to give it a try too.[1] Best trialed with cheaper jackets!
1Add two tablespoons of laundry detergent to the washing machine detergent receptacle.2Zip up the jacket and clear out the pockets. Turn the jacket inside out. Add to the washing machine. Add some soft dark clothing to cushion the jacket, such as dark socks, pants, etc.3Fill the machine with cold water on the smallest load setting. Set to wash on the shortest delicate cycle possible.4Remove. Check for any damage (there shouldn't be any but you never know). If the sleeves need stretching, do so now, while still wet.5Dry the jacket. If the jacket is full-grain leather, place in the dryer. Use the medium heat setting and spin dry. After 10 minutes, remove and turn it inside out if it is dry enough to do so. Try it on, stretch the sleeves as needed, then turn it back inside out and return to the dryer. Check this same way every 10 minutes until it is fairly dry. Lay out to air dry for the remainder of time.If the leather has a special or shiny finish, dry over the bathtub in a warm bathroom instead of using the dryer (lay over a sweater dryer if possible). Again, check regularly (every few hours) and stretch the sleeves if needed.6Use saddle soap or leather conditioner to recondition if needed.Reviving Old Leather JacketsSome leather jackets deteriorate over time but many can be revived. Here is how to fix that lovely old leather jacket you inherited from gramps.
1In a small bowl, mix 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts boiled linseed oil.2Dip a clean soft cloth into the solution to dampen.3Rub the dampened cloth over the leather jacket. Rub all areas where it seems dry and in need of moisture.4Polish with a soft cloth. There is no need to remove the mixture, as it will soak into the jacket and moisturize it.Edit TipsAlways rub the leather softly. Rubbing too hard can rub up, crack or damage the leather.To check whether leather is washable, drop a few spots onto an inconspicuous spot. If it forms droplets, it is okay to wash. If the water gets absorbed into the leather, it can only be dusted and wiped with a slightly damp cloth. Read the jacket's label for more details.If preferred, take the leather jacket to a trusted dry cleaner. Quiz them before allowing them to clean it though, as you'll want reassurance that they're familiar with cleaning leather products. Dry cleaning may be the preferred option for very expensive jackets or where a stain appears so difficult to remove that you're unsure what to do next.With great care, stains on white or light colored leather can be removed using acetone (nail polish remover) but you'll need to use the tiniest of amounts and only use feather-light rubs. Remove from the jacket as soon as the stain lifts, by wiping with a clean damp cloth.[2]Edit WarningsIn some cases, any cleaning product has the potential to ruin a leather jacket. Test on an inconspicuous area first, to see if it causes a stain or other problems.Rags soaked in linseed oil are a potential flammable hazard; wash or soak them to remove the oil before disposing of them.Edit Things You'll NeedSoft, lint-free cleaning clothsGentle dish or liquid soapWaterLeather spray (optional)Washing machine detergent (where using washing machine method)Sweater dryer (optional)White vinegarBoiled linseed oilEdit Related wikiHowsHow to Clean Grease Stains on LeatherHow to Remove Ink Stains from LeatherHow to Remove Chewing Gum from a Leather JacketHow to Clean Mold from LeatherHow to Make Your Leather Jacket SofterEdit Sources and Citations? http://editbydesign.com/2012/09/06/how-to-machine-wash-a-leather-jacket/? Molly Dye's Survival Manual, p. 66Bridget Jones, Vinegar & Oil, (2010), ISBN 978-0-7548-1902-8 – research source for oil and reviving methodshttp://editbydesign.com/2012/09/06/how-to-machine-wash-a-leather-jacket/ – research source for machine washing methodArticle Info Featured ArticleCategories: Featured Articles | Clothes by Type
Recent edits by: Flickety, BojacDnagle, Laura
Share this Article: TweetDiscussPrintEmailEditSend fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 6,024 times.
Was this article accurate?
YesNo Write An ArticleRandom Articlevar aax_src='3003';var amzn_targs = '';var url = encodeURIComponent(document.location);try { url = encodeURIComponent("" + window.top.location); } catch(e) {}document.write("");document.close();Related Articles\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\corner_sprite.png){kind=icon}
Wear a Pancha Kachcham\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-23px-Lungi_44.jpg)
Wear a Tube Sarong (Men)\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-24px-0186-1258.jpg)
Select a Business Suit and Accessories\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-43px-DSCN8811-5214.jpg)
Look Stylish in a Tracksuit Featured Articles\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-40px-Stop-Snoring-Step-8Bullet6.jpg)
Stop Snoring\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-44px-Make-Paper-Step-16.jpg)
Make Paper\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-44px-Get-a-Flat-Stomach-Step-15.jpg)
Get a Flat Stomach\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-44px-Get-Rid-of-Toe-Fungus-Step-12.jpg)
Get Rid of Toe FungusMeet a Community Member\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\1605100.jpg)
Meet Loay, a community member from Jordan who joined us two years ago. He likes writing articles on various topics, but his favorite subjects to focus on are technology (especially handheld devices), drawing and graphic design. He enjoys the feedback he gets on his articles, both from receiving Rising Stars and seeing how many times the articles have been read.
Join The Community- collapse Things to Do Write an Article Edit this Article Request a New Article Answer a RequestLogin for more!+ expand Places to Visit Recent Changes ForumsCommunity Portal Follow Us On...the how to manual that you can edit Home About wikiHow Terms of Use RSS Site map
Explore Categories Arts and Entertainment Cars and Other Vehicles Computers and Electronics Education and Communications Family Life Finance and Business Food and Entertaining Health Hobbies and Crafts Holidays and Traditions Home and Garden Other Personal Care and Style Pets and Animals Philosophy and Religion Relationships Sports and Fitness Travel wikiHow Work World Youth All text shared under a Creative Commons License. Powered by Mediawiki.
xThank Our Volunteer Authors.Give wikiHow a +1.if (WH.ExitTimer) {WH.ExitTimer.start();}
Connect to PSU's social reader to share articles and see what your friends are reading. [ More info ] PSU has some of the best PlayStation content on the internet, and we want you to take part in sharing it with the world! This app will share your news reading activity with your Facebook friends, and allow you to see what they are reading. You can remove the app at anytime, and continue to read the news you love. We won't bug you! Facebook social sharing is - Toggle
2Depriving the fungus of oxygen. This may stop the spread of the infection into new nail as it grows. One remedy is to coat nails nightly with vaseline. Only use this on a thoroughly dried toenail to avoid sealing in water that promotes fungal growth. Or, you can keep nail polish on them, especially at the quick, where new nail is forming.
3Use sulfur powder. It's available in most drug stores as a non-prescription item, or look for it in the gardening department. You can also mix this with an over-the-counter anti-fungal powder.
4Change the environment. Fungus is a growing, living thing, and by changing the environment that it lives in, you may stop its growth.
Wear open-toed shoes when you can, and expose your feet to the sun. If you can't do that, try wearing more spacious shoes, at least. Fungus likes warm, dark places—deny that, and banish the rot. If sunning, don't forget to use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.5Take foot baths. There are various solutions that people have tried that may work for you.
Soak your feet in water with vinegar added:1/4 cup (60 ml) of vinegar2 quarts (2 liters) of water. Do this every day for at least two weeks, then at least once a month.Using peroxide and baking soda:4 cups (1 liter) hot water1/4 cup (60 ml) peroxide1/2 cup (120 ml) baking soda1/2 cup (120 ml) epsom saltsMix ingredients, then add 1/4 cup (60 ml) white vinegarSoak the affected toe in vinegar. In the morning, take a cotton ball and soak it in white vinegar. Set it on the nail, and tape in place. Secure with a small balloon. Change out the cotton in the evening. Continue this regimen until your fungus has disappeared—about four weeks.Soak the affected toe in a solution of Listerine and vinegar. Listerine includes thymol, the active ingredient in thyme oil, and has anti-fungal properties.6Use orange oil. Another method is a five to ten percent solution of pure orange oil, available in garden and farm centers (not orange oil cleaner) in a mixture of vinegar and rubbing alcohol. Apply daily between toes, on and under toe nails. You can obtain a medicine dropper at a drugstore or Walmart.
7Try other oils. As an alternative, you could use a few drops of tea tree oil, neem oil, thyme oil, or oregano oil. These can be bought in vitamin or health food stores.
Snakeroot leaf extract has been shown to be effective to some degree.Method Two: See Your Doctor1Make an appointment. If home remedies are not working, your doctor will be able to tell you if you have onychomycosis, and if so, will know the best way to treat a stubborn case, and can give you a prescription for an oral medication that will kill the fungus.
Typically, you take the pills daily for a week out of each month for at least six months.There are warnings for this kind of anti-fungal product which is taken internally and includes side effects of possible liver damage and even death. Be sure you consult your physician before embarking on this sort of regimen.Your physician may also want to use laser therapy instead, or in addition to other remedies.Prevent Future Occurrences1Avoid bare-footing. Wear sandals in public showers and locker rooms.
2Keep your feet dry. Make sure the insides of your shoes are dry, and change socks frequently. Cotton socks are best in this case.
3Keep your shoes comfy. Wearing comfortable shoes, with wide tip that doesn't jam your toes together will keep your feet airy.
4Keep it toxic (to fungi). If your habits or wardrobe are a risk factor, regularly dust your feet with an absorbent or anti-fungal powder.
Edit Video\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-44px-Get-Rid-of-Foot-Odor-Intro.jpg)
\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-44px-Prevent-Varicose-Veins-Intro.jpg)
\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-43px-Deal-With-and-Recover-From-Complete-Knee-Replacement-Surgery-Intro.jpg)
\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-43px-Treat-Toe-Nail-Fungus-Intro.jpg)
\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-44px-Clean-a-Leather-Jacket-Step-4.jpg)
\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-44px-Make-Meringues-Intro.jpg)
\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\1323316.jpg)