A well-cared jacket can last a lifetime.
A good leather jacket will quickly become the most used item in your closet – and therefore one of the dirtiest pieces in your wardrobe. Constant wear can cause the once flawless leather of your jacket to fade or stain, and the lining is likely to develop a slight odor (if your jacket is old, it may already have one or all of these charming characteristics).
With any other fabric, these problems are easy to fix – just go to your local dry cleaner and let them do the hard work. But with leather, small imperfections like these can become a big problem because most dry cleaners will reject any form of leather or suede (trust me, I’ve done my research). That means you have to do it yourself.
Fortunately, a leather jacket can withstand decades of wear, but the key is in the care. “Whether it’s a new or vintage leather product, proper care is critical to ensure the product can be passed down through generations,” says Josh McPherson, Senior Retail Operations Coordinator at Tecovas. “Ten minutes of proper care per year can go a long way.
Below, McPherson and other leather industry experts share their top tips for leather jacket longevity. Here’s the right (and wrong) way to clean a leather jacket.
How Often to Wash a Leather Jacket
Leather has been used for thousands of years because it is so durable and easy to wear. However, if your jacket is looking a little worn, David Mesquita, Vice President of Leather Spa, says: “A leather jacket should only be professionally cleaned when necessary, usually once a year or less. Excessive cleaning can dry out the leather, so it’s best to clean it only when necessary.”
On the other hand, leather care should be a little more frequent: every three to six months is the right time to maintain softness and flexibility. In addition to regular treatment, Mesquita recommends storing leather items of all kinds in a cool, dry place. Prolonged exposure to sunlight should also be kept to a minimum.
Can You Dry Clean a Leather Jacket?
According to McPherson, you can’t dry clean a leather jacket, but experienced cleaners can use other tools to do so – but there are few of them. “Not every dry cleaner has these tools,” he tells InStyle. “Most of the more expensive dry cleaners that specialize in specialty products offer this service. The safest bet is to care for and clean your clothes yourself.”
One of the places you can rely on for quality service is Leather Spa. The New York-based leather repair and cleaning service is known among fashion editors for its breathability. “We specialize in leather care and repair and have years of experience working with leather jackets, shoes, bags and luxury items,” says Mesquita. “We clean all garments by hand; there are no dry cleaning machines. If you don’t live in New York City, you can send your jacket in for dry cleaning.
Both Mesquita and McPherson believe that leather jackets are best washed at home. “Conventional dry cleaning is not suitable for luxury leather,” explains Mesquita. “Leather needs special cleaning to preserve its natural oils and integrity.
How to Clean a Leather Jacket at Home
Most leather jackets can be divided into two categories: the outer layer and the lining. Depending on what type of fabric you’re working with, there are different techniques. “Cleaning the inner lining is all about removing bacteria and odors,” says McPherson. “You can do that with baking soda or talcum powder. Let it soak in and then brush it off.” He also recommends the tried-and-true Tide Pen for stains on lining.
Mesquita also says: “If the lining is made of polyester or cotton, you can clean it gently with a mild detergent solution.” Just make sure that the leather itself doesn’t get wet. The outside, on the other hand, should be wiped with a soft cloth to remove dirt. “For more stubborn stains, a stain remover for leather can be used sparingly,” he says.
McPherson advises against gels and liquids. “There are many different products on the market, so it’s important that you use products that are specific to what you’re trying to achieve,” he says. “I can highly recommend the Tecovas Basics Care Kit. It contains everything you need to clean and care for your leather products.”
Mesquita warns against polishes that are designed for shoes. “They are usually too heavy for jacket leather,” he says. “Avoid general cleaners as they can remove the essential oils. Look for
How to Clean a Leather Jacket That Smells
I love a good vintage find as much as the next person, but there is one big downside: the smell. Leather is the hardest fabric to remove odors from because it can’t be washed like regular fabrics. However, McPherson recommends Tecova’s Refresher Spray. “It works great to remove odor-causing bacteria.
If the lining of your jacket is the problem (read: stains in the pit of your stomach), Mesquita says fabric deodorizers are a good option – otherwise, consult a professional. “We can often reduce about 50% of the odor, the rest is masked. Professional cleaning can help, but it can’t completely eliminate the odor,” he tells InStyle.