How to Clean a Leather Jacket

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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 others

Pin 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 Steps

Noting 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 Oil

Olive 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 Jackets

Apparently 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 Jackets

Some 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 oil

Edit 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 Softer

Edit 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 Article

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