Clothing & Footwear

How to Clean Leather Jacket

Your leather jacket deserve proper care to stay looking their best. Follow these steps to clean them safely without causing damage.

What You'll Need

  • Mild soap or leather cleaner
  • Soft cloths
  • Leather conditioner
  • Rubbing alcohol (for ink stains)
  • Cool water

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Wipe down the entire surface

    Use a soft cloth dampened with cool water and a tiny amount of mild soap. Wipe the entire jacket, paying attention to collars, cuffs, and pockets.

  2. 2

    Spot-treat stains

    For oil stains, sprinkle baking soda on the spot overnight. For ink, dab gently with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol.

  3. 3

    Wipe off soap residue

    Use a clean damp cloth (water only) to wipe away all soap residue. Don't leave soap on the leather.

  4. 4

    Apply leather conditioner

    Once the jacket is dry, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner with a soft cloth. This prevents the leather from drying out and cracking.

  5. 5

    Hang properly to dry

    Hang on a wide, padded hanger (not wire) in a well-ventilated area away from direct sun and heat sources.

Pro Tips

  • TIPAlways test any cleaning product on a hidden area (inside seam or under the collar) before applying to the visible surface.
  • TIPCondition your leather jacket every 6-12 months even if it doesn't look dry -- prevention is easier than repair.
  • TIPFor musty-smelling vintage leather, hang it outside in shade on a breezy day. Fresh air removes odors naturally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XMachine washing or dry cleaning a leather jacket, which strips natural oils and can cause irreversible damage.
  • XHanging leather jackets on wire hangers, which create shoulder dimples and distort the shape permanently.
  • XUsing too much water when cleaning, which stains and warps leather as it dries unevenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Machine washing strips the oils that keep leather soft and supple. It can also cause permanent shrinkage and color loss.