How to take care of leather jacket?
Leather is a long-lasting material and so does the garments made out of it such as leather jackets, pants, and other clothing. However, to ensure this long life we have to take care of the leather clothing properly. In this article, we are going to discuss how to take care of leather jacket and what things to avoid while doing so. In my opinion, this is the last article you will ever have to refer to know how to take care of leather jacket as we have covered every important aspect of taking care of leather jackets and garments. From cleaning to conditioning and beyond, we have covered everything. So let’s get started
Table of Contents
How to clean a leather jacket
Cleaning your leather jacket is the most basic step as well as a crucial step to ensure the durability of your beloved leather jacket. You should always keep your leather garments clean but before cleaning make sure to prepare the leather jacket for cleaning. Regular cleaning will not only prepare it for conditioning but it will also prevent stains and molds in a leather jacket.
Prepare the jacket before cleaning
To prepare a leather jacket or any other leather clothing before cleaning you have to take the following steps
1.| Refer to manufacturer label- Always refer to the manufacturer label for care-related instructions, you will get a clear idea of what to do and what not
2.| Test any cleaning product- Before applying any leather care product on leather, check it on an inconspicuous area and see if the product causes any discoloration or damage
3.| Remove dirt or debris- Use a soft brush or a soft cloth to wipe off any loose dirt or grime on the leather surface
Steps to clean leather jacket
1.| Preparing the cleaning solution- Mix a few drops of mild liquid soap in lukewarm water and stir it well ensuring the solution is not too soapy but uniform. You can use a leather-specific cleaner in place of a soap solution
2.| Cleaning the jacket- Now dip a clean microfiber cloth in soap solution, and squeeze out excess liquid. Now gently wipe the jacket with a damp cloth, working in a circular motion throughout the leather surface. You can repeat the step on dirty spots but keep thins in mind to do it gently without applying much force
3.| Rinsing off the soap- Now take another dampened cloth with clean water and wipe off the surface to remove excess soap
4.| Drying the jacket- Let the leather jacket dry in the air by putting it flat on a towel or something. Keep this in mind not to speed up the drying process by using dryer or heat as it will make leather dry that will eventually cause serious damage
Cleaning the leather jacket lining
The lining of the leather jacket can also be cleaned in a similar way as the leather jacket. You can also consider getting the lining changed by a professional leather worker if it has gotten really dirty. Here are the steps to clean the leather jacket lining:
1.| Vacuum- with the help of a vacuum cleaner, remove any loose dirt or debris from inside the jacket
2.| Cleaning- Clean the lining with soap solution. Spot-clean any dirty area with a circular motion
3.| Rinse- Use a clean dampening cloth in clean water to remove any excess soap residue
4.| Air dry- Hand the jacket inside out in a ventilated and shaded place to dry in natural air
How to condition a leather jacket
Here comes one of the most crucial steps in leather jacket care and it is nothing but the conditioning. Using leather conditioner not only ensures the long life of leather but will also enhance the surface beauty of leather jackets. Just like our skin needs proper moisturizing, leather also needs some kind of conditioning periodically to prevent it from cracking and getting brittle.
However, there are more steps before that which is equally important and it is choosing the right kind of conditioner. Always choose a conditioner specifically designed for leather that contains natural ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, and natural oils. Avoid products containing petroleum jelly or mineral oils as they will even make your jacket worse. And don’t forget to check it on a hidden area to make sure it doesn’t cause any severe discoloration to the leather
Applying leather conditioner
Take a small amount of conditioner on leather and spread it on the surface as it can easily be spread widely. Not with the help of a clean lint-free cloth, apply conditioner in circular motion. Give extra attention to areas that are more prone to damage such as folded edges, pockets, seams, and elbows. Now allow the leather jacket to absorb the conditioner for a few hours depending on the thickness of the leather. Usually, it takes 3 to 4 hours or you can keep it overnight.
Postconditioning care
After the conditioning is done, take a clean microfiber cloth to buff the leather surface. This will give the leather a much-needed shine. Now store it in a ventilated space overnight to make sure that all the moisture leaves the jacket
How to store a leather jacket
You should always store your leather jackets in a cool, shaded, dry, and properly ventilated space. Avoid storing in places that are high in humidity or in close proximity to something damp as leather is prone to getting molds and mildew
Always store your leather jackets hanging instead of folding them as they can develop creases and sometimes even cracks. Folding your leather jacket will also increase the chances of the jacket getting stained by its own metal elements and proper airflow will also be restricted
Finding the right repair shop
Finding a leather repair shop is also a significant part of leather jacket care. Though leather is a tough material but sometimes stuff happens and if your beloved leather jacket gets damaged then you should immediately take it to a leather repair professional. You don’t want to wait until your garment is beyond repair because a quick fix may not work anymore after a few uses. However, always make sure you are contacting the right professionals who have good experience with leather materials. An ordinary jacket repair person may not have the necessary skills, as leather is a unique material that requires highly skilled professionals. Do thorough research before handing over your prized leather jacket to anyone claiming to be a leather worker
How to protect your leather jacket
You can use waterproofing sprays to protect your leather jacket from the elements and ensure its long life. There are many leather protectants available in the market such as silicon spray, acrylic spray, waterproofing sprays, etc. But you should avoid using silicon spray on leather as it will make leather dry and sticky. Other products are safe to use
Things to avoid while taking care of leather jacket
1.| When using waterproofing sprays on leather, don’t just spray all over the leather jacket. Make sure to spray in between the small folds and crevices for proper protection, then cover the larger surfaces with the spray.
2.| Avoid overusing waterproofing products, as they can make leather sticky and ruin its appearance.
3.| Stay away from petroleum jelly as it is not supposed to be used on leather
4.| Avoid drying your leather jacket in the dryer as it will make the leather brittle and cause it to crack
5.| Avoid getting your leather goods in touch with water whenever possible
6.| Avoid direct sunlight on leather garments whenever possible
Conclusion
In conclusion, If you ask me if real leather has any alternative, I would say that real leather holds a special charm that cannot be replicated by any artificial material. Leather’s natural essence and the uniqueness of each skin give it an irreplaceable character. While some cheaper options like bonded leather and faux leather are available, can they replace real leather? In my view, nothing can replace the authenticity of natural leather. A good leather item can last for multiple decades or even a lifetime if taken care of properly.
If you have any doubts, feel free to ask in the comment section, and for more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.
Related topics: Leather Jacket Tear? Here’s How to Fix It Yourself
Leather finishing: A DIY guide to protect and maintain leather