Leather jackets are expensive purchase, you cannot just wear it for a few times and dump it back in your wardrobe only because you feel it has gotten “dirty”. A leather jacket is an investment that can last for many years if properly taken care of. Leather is a natural material that requires some special attention to keep it in good condition. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your jacket looking new for longer.
Here are some tips for cleaning a leather jacket:
Using alcohol to clean a leather jacket can be effective in removing tough stains and grime, but it should be used with caution as it can also dry out the leather and cause damage if not used properly. If you want to ensure your leather jacket is durable and may some day outlive you, we strongly recommend you invest your time and money for its upkeep, without it, there is no way you can use them for longer period.
Here are some tips on how to safely clean your leather jacket without ruining the quality of it.
1) Use a soft-bristled brush
If you are looking for some simple ways to clean your leather jacket must start by using a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated on the surface. This will prevent any particles from scratching the leather when you start cleaning it. However, you have to ensure you are using your light hand on the jacket, do not scratch the jacket too hard and keep your hands light on it. The scratching can result in taking the leather off the jacket and making it look rougher than usual so it is totally not recommended.
2) Test out on a small area
One of the most famous mistakes that people often do while cleaning their leather jacket is they apply the cleaning material on the whole jacket and if the product does not suit the jacket, it ends up ruining the whole material of the jacket. Therefore, it’s important to test any cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area of the jacket before you apply it to the entire surface. This will ensure that the product won’t cause any damage or discoloration to the leather.
3) Use a leather-specific cleaner
One thing that you MUST stay away from is the cleaners that you find in the laundry and cleaning aisle of the shopping mart. Make sure you are getting the ones that are specific for leather jacket, you cannot add just anything to your leather jacket and ruin your expensive piece of clothing. Therefore, when cleaning your leather jacket, it’s important to use a cleaner that is specifically designed for leather. Avoid using soap or other harsh chemicals that can strip the natural oils from the leather.
4) Apply the cleaner with a soft cloth
It is important to use a soft cloth, once you have tested the cleaner and are ready to begin cleaning the jacket. All you have to do is work in small sections, and make sure to cover the entire surface of the jacket. However, this step should only be taken once you have tried out the cleaner on your jacket. Get your jacket ready for the killer look with the use of the soft cloth with a cleaner only. Its as simple as that.
5) Gently rub the surface
As discussed above, do not be hard on your jacket, the harder you scratch your jacket the more it will ruin your jacket. Using a circular motion, gently rub the surface of the jacket with the soft cloth. Avoid using too much pressure, as this can damage the leather. Be gentle with your jacket, take it as a precious piece of clothing and be careful of its cleaning just like that.
6) Remove any excess cleaner
Once you have finished cleaning a section of the jacket, use a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess cleaner. Make sure to remove all of the cleaner, as any leftover residue can damage the leather. Or you can use a dryer to dry it out, but we recommend the use of a dry cloth only, its simple and easy to do.
7) Condition the leather
After cleaning the jacket, it’s important to condition the leather to restore its natural oils and keep it supple. Apply a leather conditioner with a soft cloth, working in small sections. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the conditioner. Apart from this, do not just get any conditioner to clean your jacket, invest in the leather jacket conditioner only.
Use of Alcohol to Clean a Leather Jacket
1) Test a small area first
Alcohol can be very harsh for your jacket therefore before using alcohol to clean your leather jacket, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it won’t cause any damage or discoloration to the leather. This is especially important if you have a light-colored or delicate leather jacket.
2) Use 70% isopropyl alcohol
Do not opt for alcohol unless the other options have failed you tremendously, since they can be a bit harsh. However, if you finally decide to use alcohol to clean your leather jacket, it’s recommended to use 70% isopropyl alcohol. This is a lower concentration than some other types of alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol, which can be too harsh for leather.
3) Dilute the alcohol
Another mistake that most people do is they use alcohol directly on the jacket without thinking of the consequences that it can have on the jacket. To further reduce the risk of damage, you can dilute the alcohol with water. Mix equal parts water and 70% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle and shake well.
4) Apply the alcohol solution
Spray the alcohol solution onto a soft cloth and gently wipe the surface of the leather jacket. Work in small sections, making sure to cover the entire surface. When using alcohol to clean your leather jacket, it’s important to use a gentle touch. Avoid rubbing too hard or using too much pressure, as this can damage the leather.
5) Allow the jacket to dry
After cleaning your leather jacket with alcohol, allow it to air dry completely. Avoid using a hair dryer or other heat source, as this can cause the leather to dry out and crack. Moreover, after cleaning your leather jacket with alcohol, it’s important to condition the leather to restore its natural oils and keep it supple. Apply a leather conditioner with a soft cloth, following the manufacturer’s instructions. When you are done with the conditioning, let the jacket to air dry naturally. Avoid using a hair dryer or other heat source, as this can cause the leather to crack or become brittle.
Use of Baking Soda to Clean the Leather Jacket
Baking soda is a versatile and effective cleaning agent that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including leather. However, it’s important to use baking soda with caution on leather as it can be abrasive and potentially damage the surface if not used properly.
Here are some tips on how to safely use baking soda to clean your leather jacket:
1) Mix baking soda with water
To create a cleaning solution, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. The consistency of the paste should be thick enough to spread, but not too runny. The runny one would just end up making your jacket all wet without doing much of the effect on it. Make sure before applying the paste, you are testing it out on a smaller area to check its affect.
2) Apply the paste
Apply the paste to a soft cloth and gently rub the surface of the leather jacket. Work in small sections, making sure to cover the entire surface. Do not directly apply it on your leather jacket, use a soft cloth first apply on it and then use it on your jacket. Moreover, when using baking soda to clean your leather jacket, it’s important to use a gentle touch. Avoid rubbing too hard or using too much pressure as it can end up damaging your jacket.
3) Remove the paste
After cleaning a section of the jacket, use a clean, damp cloth to remove the baking soda paste. Make sure to remove all of the paste, as any leftover residue can damage the leather. Later when you have cleaned your leather jacket with baking soda, allow it to air dry completely.
Wrapping up!
By following these tips, you can keep your leather jacket looking new for longer and protect your investment in this classic wardrobe staple. You do not need to buy a new jacket every time it is dirty, just use the above-mentioned tips and prolong your leather jacket’s life.
