Caring For Your Leather Jacket
What Not To Do
- Don't get wet or take out in the rain.
- Don’t machine wash, dry clean, or tumble dry.
- Don’t use bleach, vinegar, alcohol wipes, or baby wipes.
- Don’t expose to direct sunlight or car dashboards for long periods.
- Don’t hang near radiators, heaters, or vents.
- Don’t over-condition. This can clog pores and dull the surface.
Cleaning Your Leather Jacket
Spot clean only. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dust and surface dirt.
For deeper cleaning. Apply a small amount of leather cleaner using circular motions, then gently buff with a dry cloth.
Never machine wash or dry clean. The chemicals and agitation can ruin natural leather fibers.
Avoid dry cleaners. For tough stains or full restoration, take it to a professional leather specialist rather than a regular dry cleaner.
Fixing Your Leather Jacket
Wrinkles. Hang the jacket in a steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes. The steam relaxes the leather. Then smooth it gently with your hands. Never iron directly. If absolutely necessary, use an iron on low setting with a cotton sheet between the iron and jacket.
Odors. Air it out outdoors (shaded area) for 24 hours. For stubborn smells, place the jacket in a breathable garment bag with an open box of baking soda for 1–2 days. Never use Febreze or alcohol-based sprays.
Scuffs. For light scratches, rub gently with your fingertip; the natural oils in your skin can help blend small marks.For deeper scuffs, apply a touch of color-matched leather cream.
Tears or Peeling. Do not patch or glue at home. Take it to a professional leather repair shop for them to restore panels.
Water & Weather Protection
Water Exposure. If your jacket gets wet, gently wipe off excess moisture with a soft towel and stuff the sleeves and body with paper to maintain shape.
Then air dry at room temperature away from heat. Never use a hair dryer or heater as heat will cause cracking.
Once fully dry, apply conditioner to restore lost oils.
Weather Protection. Use a leather protector spray labeled for aniline or semi-aniline leather (depending on your jacket finish).
Test it on an inside seam first and reapply every 2–3 months during rainy or humid seasons.
Maintaining Your Leather Jacket
Leather conditioning every 3-6 months. We often forget that leather is skin and needs moisture. Condition your leather to prevent stiff texture, visible dryness, fine cracks, or dullness. Use a natural, non-silicone conditioner. Avoid petroleum or wax-heavy products unless your jacket is distressed leather.
To condition your jacket, first test the leather conditioner on an inconspicuous area to ensure no color change. From there, apply a pea-size amount per section in a circular motion. Let it absorb for 10–15 minutes before buffing with a clean cloth.
Note: Over-conditioning can make the surface greasy or attract dust.
Deep Cleaning every 6-12 months. Apply your leather cleaner using a soft cloth in small circular motions. Work section by section (collar, sleeves, front panels, etc.). Remove excess cleaner with a clean cloth and allow to dry naturally. Once dry, follow immediately with a leather conditioner.
Ongoing Upkeep. Use a dry, soft microfiber or lint-free cotton cloth to remove dust and dirt buildup. Wipe with the grain of the leather.
Storing Your Leather Jacket
Hang, don’t fold. Always store your jacket on a wide, padded hanger to keep the shoulders from slumping.
No cramped closets. Compression can cause permanent creases.
Avoid plastic covers. Leather needs to breathe, so use a cloth garment bag or let it hang freely.
Keep it cool and dry. Never store near heaters, in humid basements, or in direct sunlight. UV rays can fade and dry out the leather.
For long-term storage, condition first.