We all have that one item in our closet that just makes us feel good. For many, it’s a leather piece, a cool jacket, a nice bag, or those comfy boots. It’s an investment and probably your favorite thing to wear.
But let’s be real, while leather looks sharp, it’s not the easiest to clean. Unlike tossing jeans in the wash, caring for leather can feel a bit scary. You might worry about stains or scuffs. And who has time for complicated instructions?
So, ready to give your leather some much-needed care? Here’s a quick guide to keeping your favorite leather pieces looking their best for years.
Keeping Your Leather Clean
First things first: always check the care label on your leather item. Different types of leather need different care, and that label is your best guide. You can also check out our “Label and Icons Care Guide” .
never dunk your leather jacket in water, and definitely don’t throw it in a washing machine. Trust us on this one!
Instead, a little regular wiping goes a long way. Grab a damp cloth (not soaking wet ) and gently blot any dirty spots. Think of it like dabbing, not scrubbing. This helps stop dirt and grease from building up. Once you’re done, just hang your jacket up and let it air dry naturally.
How to Store Leather Jackets Properly
To keep your leather jacket looking sharp, storage isn’t just about where ,it’s about how. Avoid folding your leather jacket for long periods, as creases can become permanent and weaken the leather fibers. If you must pack it for travel, roll it gently instead of folding to reduce wrinkle risk.
Always hang your leather jacket on a solid, padded hanger to help maintain its natural shape and avoid shoulder dents. Avoid wire hangers, as they can cause stretching or creasing over time.
Instead of using plastic garment bags that trap moisture, use a breathable fabric cover to protect your jacket from dust while allowing air circulation.
For added protection during seasonal storage, consider placing moisture-absorbing packets to control humidity that can damage the leather at a moderate temperature in dark places.
Conditioning Your Leather
If you feel like your leather needs a little extra care, you can use a leather conditioner. Just make sure to pick one that doesn’t have any color or dye in it. And here’s a smart tip: always try it out on a small, hidden spot first before you use it on the whole jacket. That way, you’re sure it works well!
Avoid Sunlight, Heat, And Moisture:
Direct sun can make leather fade or change color. Store your jacket somewhere without direct sunlight, wet places and in a spot with low humidity to prevent mold. And remember, prolonged exposure can also dry out the leather, making it crackable
Heat can dry out leather and make it brittle. Never put your jacket on a hot surface like a radiator or heating vent. And a big one: do not iron your leather jacket. The intense heat can cause irreversible damage like shrinking, cracking, or discoloration.
Remove Odors:
You can try placing the leather item in a garment bag or pillowcase with some odor-absorbing materials. Think baking soda in an open bowl or a sachet of activated charcoal. Just make sure the baking soda or charcoal doesn’t directly touch the leather, as it can dry it out or leave a residue. Leave it like this for a day or two.
For persistent smells, especially smoke, a professional leather cleaner might be your best bet.
Where to Repair Your Leather Jacket
Got a tear or a stubborn stitch on your favorite leather jacket? Don’t just hand it over to any dry cleaner – they’re usually not equipped for specialized leather work. Here’s who to trust with your repairs:
We’re always your best bet! Since we made your jacket, we know it inside and out. Reach out to us directly for advice on repairs. We might even offer repair services ourselves or or point you to specific, authorized repair shops that truly understand our products.
If contacting us isn’t an option, your next step is a shop that only specializes in leather repairs. These pros have the tools and know-how to fix high-end leather jackets, ensuring yours gets fixed right.
Dealing with Scratches and Scuffs:
Got a leather jacket with a few minor scratches? Don’t worry, especially if it’s made of soft leather, which tends to show marks more easily. Often, you can simply blend them out yourself! Just gently rub the scratch with your finger. The natural oils in your skin work remarkably well, acting as a natural conditioner that helps to smooth out those superficial marks and seamlessly integrate them right back into the leather’s texture. Essentially, these oils provide a touch of lubrication and help to lay down any displaced leather fibers, making the scratch less visible.
Waterproofing Your Leather
Even though your leather jacket can handle a little sprinkle, heavy rain is a different story – it can really cause damage. If your jacket gets too wet, you might see water spots, or it could get stiff and even crack over time.
To give your jacket some extra protection, especially if you live somewhere with a lot of rain , a leather protectant spray is a great idea. Think of it as an invisible shield for your jacket that helps water just roll right off.
Just make sure you pick the right spray for your specific type of leather like aniline, suede, or nubuck. You need different care, so always double-check before you spray!
Caring for Suede or Nubuck Leather
Suede and nubuck have a beautiful, soft, velvety texture, but this unique “nap” also means they need special attention to stay clean and prevent stains. To keep your suede bomber jacket looking their best, regular brushing is essential. Use a specialized suede brush to gently whisk away loose dirt and dust, which also helps restore that beautiful, uniform “nap” texture .
For any dry marks or scuffs that appear, a suede eraser is your go-to tool. Just gently rub the affected spot, and you’ll often see the mark lift away. Whether you’ve got a classic suede bomber, a rugged trucker, or a cozy shearling leather jacket piece , after erasing, give the area another light brush to blend everything smoothly.
Dealing with more stubborn stains? , a specialized suede and nubuck cleaner can come in handy. Before you apply it, always spot test the cleaner on a hidden area of your item to ensure it doesn’t cause any discoloration.
Simple Faux and Vegan Leather Care
Taking care of faux, vegan, or fake leather is actually pretty chill and way easier than dealing with more delicate stuff like suede or distressed leather, which can be a total hassle to clean and maintain.Whether it’s a motorcycle jacket, biker style, long leather coat, casual vest, or a sharp blazer, faux leather pieces just need a little regular upkeep to stay looking fresh all you really need is a damp cloth and a bit of mild soap to wipe away dirt and dust. No fancy cleaners or deep conditioning rituals like you’d need for suede or distressed leather .
Just make sure to dry it off with a soft towel afterward so no moisture hangs around. While you don’t have to condition it, using a light product made for synthetic materials every now and then can help keep the surface from cracking.
When to Call a Leather Care Professional
Don’t try to fix it yourself if your jacket gets badly stained, thoroughly soaked, or develops mold. These issues can cause lasting damage if not treated correctly. Likewise, for more complex tasks like color restoration or requiring stitching repairs, a DIY approach can do more harm than good. In these situations, your best bet is to reach out to a professional leather technician like us . They have the specialized knowledge and tools to properly restore your beloved jacket.
Exclusive Tip from Excellent Leather Shop:
At Excellent Leather Shop, every jacket piece is made from genuine, premium leather, carefully crafted to last. That’s why we’re not just here to sell. We’re here to support. Whether it’s cleaning tips, product recommendations, or repair guidance, we offer personalized care advice for every piece.
Not sure how to handle a specific issue? Reach out to us anytime.
In Conclusion:
So, you see, keeping your leather jacket in great shape isn’t a huge mystery or a massive chore. It’s not about being super high-maintenance; in fact, with a few simple habits, it can be pretty low-key. There’s a care routine for every vibe. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works for you. A little regular care means your favorite leather jacket will continue to be that perfect, stylish piece in your wardrobe for years and years to come.
