How to wash a leather jacket without damaging it

For many people, a high-end leather jacket is a one-time purchase.
But over time, the jacket begins to look old due to dust and stains.
After receiving many questions about how to wash leather jackets, we decided to answer them through this article.

Washing leather is not as easy as other types of clothing because you cannot put a leather jacket in the washing machine.

The easiest way to clean your leather jacket is to take it to a professional who has good experience and skills to do the job, but this comes with some costs.
We suggest another way to clean your coat at home on a budget.

Can you wash a leather jacket at home without damaging it?

Can leather jackets be washed?

Yes, it is indeed washable, but you cannot wash a leather jacket at home, although you can wash it at home to make it look like new.
Before following our leather guide, read the label inside your jacket to make sure you can wash your leather jacket.
You need the following items to clean leather jackets at home.

A clean cloth (ideally microfiber) and brush.

Bowl, clean water and baby shampoo or leather cleaning solution.

Skin conditioner (optional).

Related, How to properly preserve leather jackets

How to wash leather jackets at home (DIY)!

Wash leather jacket at home?
You need to buy a good quality leather cleaning solution and a leather dust cleaning brush.
Don't worry if you want to wash your jacket without purchasing additional products, we also offer alternative methods that can be done with items you already have at home.
Follow our simple yet effective steps to clean your leather jacket without damaging it!

Clean the dust on the leather jacket


First on the list of ways to wash a leather jacket is to clean the dust from your jacket.
Start by cleaning dust from the surface of the jacket.
Make sure you use a soft brush so you don't damage the leather.

So, I recommend you to buy a skin cleansing brush because it will be helpful for you in the long run.
You can also wipe dust off the surface of the jacket with a clean cloth.

How to wash leather jackets with baby shampoo

• Take a bowl of water.

• Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of baby shampoo to it and mix well.

• Dip a cloth (you can also use a towel or sponge, but a microfiber cloth is ideal) in a bowl of baby shampoo solution, wring out excess water, then apply the damp cloth to the surface of your leather jacket.
• Once the surface of the jacket is wet, begin wiping the jacket in circular motions with the cloth.
Be sure to wipe off stains with stain first.

• Then take another clean cloth and soak it in clean water and start wiping the surface of the jacket to remove the detergent/shampoo.

• Use a clean, dry towel to wipe off any excess water on the leather jacket's surface in the same circular motion.

• Now you need to dry the jacket before using it.
Avoid using a dryer or direct sunlight during this process as this may damage your jacket.
Hang it in a cool place for at least 24 hours and you're good to go.

OR

• How to wash leather jackets with leather cleaning solution

You can avoid washing your jacket with baby detergent by using a leather cleaning solution.
It may be available at specialty leather stores, but a good quality leather cleaner may cost you a few dollars.

These cleaners come in different forms (sprays or gel bars).
They come with a step-by-step instruction manual.
But first, try using the leather cleaner on a small part of the jacket to test its effect on the leather.

• Dilute the cleaning solution if necessary and if noted in the cleaning manual.

• Before applying the solution to the entire jacket.
Test the solution on a small area to check for damage or discoloration.
• Use a clean cloth or sponge to apply the solution.
Use gentle circular motions and focus on stained areas.

• After applying the solution, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off excess cleaning solution.

• Let the cleaned jacket dry naturally.
Let it hang on a padded hook or lay it flat on a clean surface.
Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or heat sources.

Apply skin care oil

Apply leather conditioner to the jacket when it is completely dry after the cleaning process.
Leather conditioner, or leather jacket polish, will restore the shine of the leather, leaving it soft and supple.

Some conditioners are even waterproof, which will help prolong the life of your jacket.
Just make sure that after washing your leather jacket, it is completely dry before applying conditioner.

Conclusion

Finally, I hope this guide will help you wash your leather jacket and keep it looking new.
It will also improve the environment by convincing people to buy leather jackets that can last at least ten years and replace disposable fashion items.