You are short on money and pulled out a real leather jacket from a local thrift shop which is more like a rare find. However, the coat has been in quite good condition, but being thrift, it has obviously seen some bad days as well that have dulled its shine. So, now it’s to get back in its shape, which requires cleaning. But the point is that cleaning a leather jacket is not as easy as it seems to be. You need to follow a proper guide to maintain the quality and longevity of your jacket. 

So, read this article to understand the step-by-step process of cleaning a leather jacket. 

7 Steps Guide for Cleaning A Leather Jacket

Before cleaning your leather jacket, you must know that leather is a natural material, and over time, it can absorb dirt, oils, and even sweat. To prevent the buildup of grime that eventually diminishes the appearance of the jacket, it is crucial to clean it on a regular basis. A clean real leather jacket not only looks better but also lasts longer which means that you don’t need to spend money every year to buy a new one. Here’s a step-by-step guide for cleaning your leather jacket. 

Step 1: Inspect the Jacket

Before you begin the cleaning process, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your leather jacket. Check for any stains, scuffs, or areas that may need extra attention. This is especially important for black leather jackets for men, as scratches or marks can stand out on darker-colored leather.

In addition to this, you must check out the care label that you can easily find inside of the jacket. Most of the real leather jackets come with specific cleaning instructions that you should follow. The thing that you need to keep in mind is that real leather jackets need to be treated differently. So, if you have no idea whether your jacket is made from genuine leather or any synthetic material, the time has come to confirm it.  

Step 2: Collect Your Cleaning Supplies

Once you get done with a thorough inspection of the quality and authenticity of your leather jacket, now you need to collect the supplies that you might need for cleaning. 

After a successful inspection, the next step is to collect the supplies that you might need for cleaning. The list of the supplies that you’ll need is: 

• A soft microfiber cloth, 
• Lukewarm water
• Mild soap or a leather-specific cleaner 
• Dry towel 

Step 3: Spot Cleaning

Instead of putting the whole jacket into a machine, you need to start with the spot cleaning. It simply means cleaning the specific stains or dirt on prominent areas. You can do it by dipping the dry towel in the lukewarm water. Follow this step by gently rubbing the towel on the stained area. However, while cleaning must keep in mind to not be too harsh with rubbing as it may damage the leather of your jacket. 

Step 4: Clean the Whole Jacket

After spot cleaning, now it’s time to remove the dust, oil, or dirt from all of your jacket. For this purpose, dip a fresh cloth in the water and wipe your whole jacket with that damp cloth. But be cautious that excess moisture may warp your jacket or ruin its appearance. So, remove the excess moisture with the help of a dry towel.  

Step 5: Air Dry It

After cleansing the whole jacket, it’s time to dry it. The best way to do this is to air dry it. This means that hang your jacket on a padded hanger or lay it flat on a clean surface. But while doing so, make sure that your jacket is not directly exposed to direct sunlight or any other heat source. If you do so, your real leather jacket might crack, fade or dry. 

If you have an oversized leather jacket, it is even more important to hang the jacket evenly otherwise it may stretch or deform the leather upon drying. 

Step 6: Condition the Leather

If you own a leather jacket, you need to understand that losing oil over time is a natural property of leather. Due to this reason the leather jackets can dry out or crack. This is why it is important to condition your leather jacket regularly. 

For conditioning, you need a leather conditioner. Once your jacket is completely dry, take a soft cloth and apply the leather conditioner with the help of it. In circular motions, rub the conditioner into the jacket with gentle hands. This step will not only restore the moisture of your jacket but also keep your jacket soft, smooth, and crack-free. 

Pay extra attention to areas that see the most wear, such as the elbows or the collar of a black leather jacket for men, as these spots are more likely to dry out and become brittle over time.

Extra Tips for Maintaining Your Leather Jacket

• Avoid moisture: If your leather jacket gets wet, gently pat it dry with a towel and allow it to air dry. Never use a hairdryer or other heat sources to speed up the process.
• Handle with care: Leather is a delicate material. Be mindful of rough surfaces that could cause scuffs or scratches, especially with real leather jackets.
• Regular conditioning: Condition your jacket every 6-12 months to keep it soft and prevent cracking, particularly in high-wear areas.

Conclusion

Your leather jacket is an investment, and with proper care, it will last for years to come. So, why not make it last for decades and save bucks? To do so, follow these steps to ensure that your “investment” stays in top condition for many seasons ahead.