How to Wash a Leather Jacket

Leather jackets are one of the most popular and trendy pieces of clothing of all time. They are often very expensive and require a great deal of proper maintenance. If properly taken care of, a leather jacket can last for years and even decades. Its resiliency has been much appreciated over the years by motorcyclists, soldiers and pilots. In recent years, leather jackets have become huge fashion statements and worn by actors, models and even politicians.

Things You'll Need

• Wash cloth
• Baby wipes
• Leather cleaning spray
• Tub of lukewarm water
• Dishwashing liquid

Instructions

1. Carefully read all the care instructions on the inside label. Follow these instructions very thoroughly to avoid ruining your leather jacket.

2. Wipe the outer part of the jacket with a damp wash cloth or baby wipes. This will remove any obvious external stains like dirt and dust.

3. Spray stained areas with a leather cleaner, which does not contain a water base, and then gently rub the stain off with a soft washcloth. Avoid using abrasive cloths or sponges that may scratch the delicate leather.

4. Hand wash your jacket gently with lukewarm water and mild soap. Dishwashing liquid often works well as it doesn't contain harsh chemicals that may damage the leather. The best way to do this is to soak the leather jacket in a small tub of water filled with the dishwashing liquid. Gently rub stained areas in a circular motion until clean. Tumble dry low or allow to air dry.

5. Have the jacket professionally washed at the dry cleaner. This will ensure that the jacket is not damaged beyond repair. Depending on the type of leather, this may be rather expensive. However, it will maintain the integrity of the jacket.

Tips & Warnings

• Do consult a leather care professional before attempting to wash your jacket for the first time. Before washing with soap and water, test out a small patch of the leather to make sure there are no harmful effects.

• Do not put your jacket in the washing machine.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish