When you are considering conquering every fashion trend, then a leather jacket is a must-have item that you need to have in your wardrobe. Whether you are considering investing in comfort and warmth, or you are looking for stylishness and practicality, all you need is a well-made leather outerwear. Even after decades, this outerwear is still trending, and now there are unlimited variations available in this category of clothing. For inspiration, you can explore some of the Best Leather Jackets that combine timeless appeal with modern flair. It is so true that your everyday fashion can become incredibly appealing and effortless in the presence of leather outerwear. However, there is one thing that makes leather jackets quite challenging, and it is Leather Jacket Cleaning. One of the most significant issues is whether to opt for DIY cleaning hacks or seek professional care. If you are also stuck between these two options, then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we will try our best to explain everything related to the cleaning of a leather jacket and how you can get a neat and clean outerwear without ruining any of its features. So, all the fashion freaks out there who are pretty worried about the cleaning of their precious leather ensembles need to stop right now because this is the place where you will get all of your answers. So, let’s get into the details and share all the tips and tricks that will make things simple.
Why Leather Jackets Need Special Care
Unlike other fabrics and materials, leather is a natural material that reacts to the external conditions, ages, and breathes. Dust, dirt, oil, sunlight, and even exposure to water can quickly ruin this outerwear. So, keep in mind that if you are not giving proper care and cleaning to your leather ensemble, then there are chances that your jacket can crack, dry out, or lose its charisma. For colder months, switching to a Cold Weather Jacket is a smart way to stay warm while preserving your leather pieces for special occasions.
Let’s share some points that will explain why specialized care is necessary for your leather jackets.
- Leather jackets come with a porous surface that can absorb oil and dirt quite easily.
- Leather jackets have moisture sensitivity, and too much water can cause stains.
- There are unique textures available in leather jackets, and each of them requires a different type of cleaning and maintenance method.
- If you plan to use your leather jacket for years, then you need to take care of its cleaning and maintenance.
DIY Leather Jacket Cleaning: What You Can Do At Home
If you are someone who enjoys DIY cleaning and maintenance, then this method can be the best way to keep your jacket well-maintained. While having numerous advantages, this method is both budget-friendly and convenient. At the same time, the DIY cleaning method is quite handy, and you can use this process whenever the issue arises.
Here are some reliable DIY methods that you can consider for your leather jacket cleaning.
Start With a Gentle Wipe Down
- When it comes to cleaning dirt and dust, you need to use a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
- Avoid harsh brushes and clothes that can scratch the surface.
- Also, you can use a slightly damp cloth to clean smooth leather. But you need to keep in mind that the water should be in the least amount.
Use a Leather Care Kit
The Leather Care Kit comes with a cleaner, conditioner, and sponges. These items are designed to clean common stains while maintaining the shine and suppleness of the leather.
- Before applying the cleaner to the entire outerwear, you need to test it on the hidden side of the jacket to check whether it is discoloring or not.
- Use circular motion for even coverage.
- Apply conditioner to retain the natural oils and prevent cracking.
Try Specialized Cleaners
- Lexol Leather Cleaner is the most trusted product to clean your leather jacket. It is pretty well-known for its effective formula and pH-balanced nature, which means it will not impact the natural oils of the leather jacket.
- On the other hand, Suede Leather Cleaner is ideal for suede leather ensembles because these jackets have a soft texture that can be damaged easily with ordinary cleaners. This is the reason why you should invest in suede brushes and suede cleaning sprays that can keep this item functional for years. If you own a mens suede jacket, proper cleaning ensures it keeps its refined look and soft feel. With the right care, a suede piece can stay stylish and durable, making it a smart addition to any wardrobe.
Conditioning After Cleaning
Another essential step when you are working on the cleaning and maintenance of your leather jacket is conditioning. Out of all the other caring tips, this is one of the crucial ones because this step can literally save your jacket from cracks. It also helps in restoring the natural oils and suppleness of this outerwear.
- Apply conditioner every 3 to 6 months.
- Keep in mind that you should never overcondition your jacket because this step might make your outerwear dull and sticky.
Stain Spot Treatments
In case of any stain, you can consider stain spot treatment as the quick and ideal fix to clean your outerwear.
- For a water stain, you need to blot the stain and let it air dry gently.
- Grease stains, sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda,and let it dry overnight.
- For an ink stain, you need to dab a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol.
When to Call the Professionals
Indeed, DIY methods are great for regular cleaning, but some situations require professional cleaning. Here are some points that will let you know when you need to take your leather jacket to a leather care specialist.
- If the color of your leather jacket has faded, then you need to take it to a professional because he has the potential to fix the color.
- If your jacket has mold, then a professional knows how to tackle this situation while keeping your leather jacket perfect.
- For a vintage leather jacket or an exotic leather jacket, you should always take your jacket to an expert because they know the hacks to clean it.
- In case of structural damage like tears, loose stitching, or cracked areas, beyond cleaning.
A professional knows how to keep your jacket clean and well-maintained without ruining its finish and elegance. They have the equipment and techniques that can clean and condition your jacket safely. This method is indeed a costly way, but it is an investment that can keep your jacket perfect for a longer period of time.
Best Products for Leather Jacket Cleaning
Let’s share some products that are ideal when you are considering cleaning your leather jacket without damaging its look.
Leather Care Kit
When it comes to leather cleaning, the leather care tip is the ideal solution you need. This kit contains cleaner, conditioner, and sponges. Along with these essential items, you can easily clean your outerwear without ruining the perfection of your leather jacket. Therefore, opt for this option, and get all things done by yourself.
Lexol Leather Cleaner
When you are considering cleaning your leather jacket in the best way, then you should choose the most trusted cleaner, and it is Lexol leather cleaner. This solution comes with effective cleaning power with a pH-balanced formula. Along with this cleaner, you can clean your leather jacket without applying anything harsh, and it also keeps your jacket safe from the UV rays. For collectors who love timeless outerwear like Flight Jackets, using the right cleaner is essential to preserve both the look and the longevity of the piece.
Suede Leather Cleaner
Unlike other leather jackets, a suede leather jacket needs special care. It is so true that suede is a fragile material that requires soft and delicate treatment. In this regard, suede leather cleaner is the best solution to keep your outerwear clean. Also, you should use soft suede brushes to clean this item.
Microfiber Cloths and Brushes
Always use microfiber clothes or soft brushes to clean your leather jacket. Along with these cleaning items, you can remove all the dirt and grime without scrubbing off the outerwear layer of the leather jacket.
Leather Conditioner
One of the crucial steps in leather jacket cleaning is conditioning. Because of this method, you can keep your leather jacket crack-free and supple. So, if you are the one who wants well-made and shiny outerwear, then this step is a must-have.
Extra Leather Care Tips
Here are some extra tips and tricks that you need to keep in mind when you are on the mission to clean your leather jacket.
Avoid excessive water
Always use the minimum amount of water when cleaning your leather jacket. It is because excessive water can ruin your jacket, as leather material has the potential to absorb water.
Keep away from direct heat
Protect your jacket against the UV rays and sunlight because direct exposure to the sun can literally ruin the color and shine of your outerwear.
Protect against stains
Always protect your jacket from stains because they can give it a dirty look, and you have to clean your jacket frequently.
Rotate wear
Wear your leather jacket with a break, and give it a chance to breathe. A leather jacket is an item that needs proper care and maintenance, so it is our advice to use this item with a gap and never consider it an everyday jacket.
Store properly
If you are cleaning and conditioning your jacket properly, but you’re not storing it in the right way, then you are ruining your leather jacket. Therefore, always hang your leather jacket on a padded hanger to keep it in its shape, and use a garment bag to save it from dirt and dust.
Final Thoughts
A leather jacket is a must-have fashion item for your wardrobe, and along with this item, you have the chance to upgrade all types of clothing styles. While offering endless functionality and comfort, this outerwear comes with one notable drawback: the cleaning of a leather jacket. In this guide, we have shared all the points that will explain how you can clean and maintain your outerwear. Both professional and DIY cleaning methods have been discussed here, so take a look and opt for the one that you find suitable. Just American Jackets cares for its customers a lot while selling well-made ensembles. We have shared this guide to make things easy and classy for all the fashion freaks out there.