How to Clean a Leather Jacket

A quality leather jacket can quickly become a favorite staple in your wardrobe—and consequently, one of the most frequently worn items. With regular use, the once-flawless leather of your jacket might begin to fade or stain, and the lining may develop an unpleasant odor. (If your jacket is thrifted, it might have come with some or all of these charming features already.) That’s where the question comes, “How to clean a leather jacket?”

These problems are easily resolved for most fabrics—drop by your local dry cleaner and let them handle it. However, with leather, even minor imperfections can become significant issues because most dry cleaners refuse to accept leather or suede items. This means you’ll need to tackle the cleaning yourself.

Fortunately, a leather jacket is built to endure years of wear, but the secret lies in proper maintenance. Whether it’s a new or thrifted piece, taking good care of your leather jacket is crucial to ensuring it can be passed down for generations. Investing just ten minutes a year in proper care can make a significant difference.

Make sure to dust off the surface dirt with a soft microfiber cloth and use a good quality leather conditioner if you had the jacket on in the sun and otherwise, too—it would only be beneficial.
Now, that was the easy part, but what to do if something spills on your jacket? Let’s find out how to clean leather jacket at home properly.

Basis of Cleaning a Leather Jacket

There are several key tips regarding how to clean a leather jacket. By following those tips, you will easily avoid damaging it. First and foremost, DO NOT look for “can you wash a leather jacket‘ online, as you might find some articles saying you can. But it will just ruin the jacket completely. What you can do is spot-clean it with a mild detergent solution. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s see:

How to Remove Stains from A Leather Jacket:

There are much safer ways to clean a leather jacket. Spot cleaning is the recommended way to remove minor stains. 

Water-Detergent Mixture:

You can prepare a homemade water and mild detergent solution. Dampen a soft fabric cloth in this mixture, wring it out so the water does not drip, and gently rub the affected area in a circular movement (this helps distribute the solution equally). Ensure that you never soak the leather. Repeat the process until stains disappear.

Using Toothpaste:

A non-gel toothpaste should be applied to the stain using the index finger. The stain should then be rubbed using a soft, clean towel. This has to be done very gently, as scrubbing harshly can discolor and scratch the leather. The toothpaste should be wiped off with a clean, damp cloth.

Sprinkling Cornstarch or Baking Soda:

Grease and oil stains can be removed from the leather jacket by sprinkling absorbent powder such as cornstarch or baking soda on the spot. The powder should then be gently rubbed using a damp cloth and left to sit for a few hours or overnight. The starch or soda will absorb the oil. The powder should then be wiped using a soft cloth and dried with a soft towel.

Applying a Leather Conditioner:

The last step of every leather cleaning process, be it rubbing alcohol or sprinkling cornstarch, is applying a leather conditioner. This step helps maintain the leather’s soft and supple texture.

How to Clean Leather Jacket Inside

Understand that this is a general leather jacket inner cleaning guide and can be used on most of the leather jackets, however if you have a faux (PU) inner, or shearling, search for how to clean a leather jacket’s shearling inside for exact results.

Flip your leather jacket inside out to eliminate any dust and debris that may be lurking within. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing one teaspoon of detergent with 2 cups of water. Use a cleaning cloth or a soft-bristled brush, dip it into the solution, and focus on the most challenging spots first. Pay special attention to areas like the armpits, collar, and wrists, as they tend to accumulate body oils.

Once finished, remove any excess soapy water from the lining by pressing a clean sponge or dry towel firmly against the area, allowing it to absorb into the damp cloth. Finally, hang your leather jacket and let it air dry in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space.

How to Clean Tough Stains from a Leather Jacket

Blotting with Nail Polish Remover:

This is yet another proven way to get rid of scuffs and ink stains on a leather jacket. First,  blot the area with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover. The spot should not be rubbed, as this can worsen the stain; it should only be blotted gently until it is gone. The stain should then be wiped with a clean, damp cloth and towel-dried.

Rubbing Alcohol:

When understanding how to clean a leather jacket for men you must know that rubbing alcohol can be your best bet when diluted with water, but make sure you use it right. Mix one part of alcohol with one part of water, dampen a cloth with this solution, and then carefully wipe the affected area instantly to remove leather jacket scuffs and stains. The remaining moisture can be removed with another clean, damp cloth. Apply leather conditioner onto the area and let it air dry.

Specialized Leather Jacket Cleaners

Specialized leather jacket cleaners are always the best. Start by applying leather cleaner on a soft microfiber cloth. Massage the cleaner into the jacket using a steady circular motion on the entire surface, forming an enlarging spiral. Allow the jacket to absorb the cleaner and moisturize the material. Wipe away excess leather cleaner from the jacket with a fresh cloth.

How to Clean Mold Off A Leather Jacket

Removing mold from a leather jacket seems overwhelming, yet the trick to getting rid of it is straightforward. Brush off the mold clusters using a soft brush. At this stage, one should aim to eliminate as much mold as possible. After removing the mold, the next step is to mix equal parts of vinegar and water, dampen a cloth with the solution, and gently wipe the affected areas. After using the vinegar solution on the mold-affected leather jacket, moisture needs to be restored, requiring a leather conditioner. Apply equally on all areas of the leather.

What You Should Not Do When Cleaning Leather Jacket

A women’s leather jacket is known for its classic style and durability. Although they offer longevity, their quality can only be maintained by giving them special love and care.

Strong chemicals such as bleach-based cleaners and ammonia are lethal to the life of leather jackets and should be a strict no-go zone. They can cause the jacket’s leather to dry and eventually crack while damaging its finish massively.

Using too much water to clean a leather jacket is another practice that can do more harm than good in terms of quality. It can cause it to get stains.

Tips for Maintaining Leather Jackets

Leather jacket maintenance is much less overwhelming than it seems, and this guide is the stepping stone towards mastering the art.

Clean With a Soft Cloth Before Storing:

Before storing your jacket, particularly for long periods, ensure it’s clean and free of dirt or oils to prevent potential damage or permanent stains.

Use a Padded Clothes Hanger:

Always use a padded or wooden hanger to hang your leather jacket. This helps maintain the shape of the shoulders and prevents stretching or deformation. Avoid wire hangers, as they can distort the leather and leave marks.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place:

Leather is susceptible to environmental changes. Keep your coat or jacket in a cool, dry location away from sunlight, which can fade the color and dry out the leather. Steer clear of damp or humid areas, as these can promote mold or mildew growth.

Allow for Air Circulation:

Never store your leather jacket in plastic. Leather needs to breathe, so if you need to cover it, use a breathable fabric bag, like cotton. Ensure there’s ample space around the jacket in the closet to allow proper air circulation.

Keep Away from Heat Sources:

Avoid placing your leather jacket near radiators, heaters, or any direct heat sources. Excessive heat can dry out and crack the leather.

Condition Before Extended Storage:

If you’re storing your leather jacket for an extended period, such as over a season, consider conditioning it beforehand. This helps keep the leather supple and moisturized during storage.

Avoid Folding:

Never fold your leather jacket, as this can create creases or cracks. Always hang it up.

Use Cedar Balls or Lavender Sachets:

Consider using cedar balls or lavender sachets in the storage area to maintain a fresh scent and deter pests. Avoid mothballs, as they can leave a strong odor that’s difficult to remove from leather.

Final Thoughts

It is crucial to learn how to clean a leather jacket to maintain its durability and appearance. By learning how to deal with leather jacket mold, the best practices for washing a leather jacket, and conditioning it, one can ensure that their leather jacket is the most treasured and well-kept piece of garment in their wardrobe for years to come.

The following three rules are key to leather jacket cleaning and should always be followed:

• Using good cleaners and conditioners.
• Regularly dusting and spot cleaning.
• Addressing mold issues promptly. 

By following these strategies, you’ll know exactly how to wash a leather jacket that will make your jacket look like a classic masterpiece, enjoy wearing it for the longest time possible, and reap the benefits of one of their most valuable fashion investments. 

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