Tips to Cleaning Leather Coats

Clean your leather coat properly.

Having a leather coat gives you a warm and attractive garment option during cold weather. Leather is not cheap, so it is very important to properly care for the coat. This can be done with a few household staples that safely clean the leather coat without harming it or leaving residue behind.

General Cleaning

Wipe down the jacket as needed with a lint-free cloth. Spot clean as needed by moistening the rag with a few drops of water and wipe down the leather coat. Allow it to air dry.

Deeper Cleaning

Mix about one part white vinegar to two parts linseed oil in a dish. This allows you to both clean and condition at the same time. Dip a lint-free rag into the solution and wring it out. Wipe across the leather coat and allow it to air dry overnight. Wipe it down gently with a clean lint-free rag in the morning, rubbing in small circular motions to make it shine.

Stain Removal

Remove stains with a mist of hairspray. Spray a little onto the stain and wipe off with a damp rag. Scrub tougher stains with a dollop of toothpaste. Work the toothpaste into the stain with a cleaning rag and wipe with a damp rag when finished. Remove road salt stains with a few drops of vinegar, and remove ink stains with hairspray or a few drops of rubbing alcohol. Remember after using products such as these, you must condition the leather as you have removed much of the moisture. Use a leather conditioner or linseed oil to moisturize.

Items to Avoid

Never use bleach on the leather, which can instantly damage and discolor the leather. Also avoid any other household cleaners that are not labeled safe for use on leather as these chemicals can also alter and damage your leather coat.

References

• Mrs. Clean USA: Leather Cleaning