How to Treat Leather Jackets

Whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast or simply love to sport an edgy look, a leather jacket is an irreplaceable fashion staple. With that said, it is important to take proper care of your leather jacket if it is to take you through more than one season. Continuous exposure to dryness can result in cracking of the leather's surface. If neglected, grime and grease can leave permanent staining. To avoid disappointment, read on to learn about the correct ways to treat a leather jacket.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Remove salt and other grime from your jacket by wiping it with a soft sponge soaked in water. Do so before these substances dry on the jacket's surface, or you will not be able to remove it.

2. Apply leather conditioner once a year as a preemptive measure against cracking. Apply conditioner to a soft cloth, and rub it in, making sure to work in the direction of the natural grain of the leather.

3. Let your jacket air dry. Do not use artificial sources of heat, which can burn the leather's surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang your leather jacket on a sturdy padded hanger to prevent stretching and other changes to the jacket's shape. Many people neglect the cuffs and collar of the jacket when applying conditioner. These areas are equally susceptible to damage as others and tend to get dirtier than other parts of the jacket.
• Never treat your jacket with waxlike or silicone-based products, which prevent leather garments from breathing.