You cannot throw in leather jackets, and other leather wears in the washer at the laundry service. Its material has an organic suppleness from the natural oils within. Washing is aggressive for the leather material, it removes its natural oil, and as the leather dries, it results in cracks. That’s why it is best not to include any leather wears to the load you are about to send out for laundry pickup.
Hold on to your leather jacket and wears at home. We will give you tips on how to clean and store them properly.
Wipe leather with cold water and cloth
You must read the care label first to know what type of leather you are dealing with. The label helps you determine the material on the lining. Damp a clean washcloth with cold water. Only use enough dampness and gently rub the washcloth in a circling motion to make sure you clean all the parts evenly. Do not allow your leather jacket to remain damp for long.
Pre-treat minor stains
Stains and spills are inevitable; these accidents actually happen. You have to pre-treat them immediately to have a higher chance of removing them efficiently. Pre-treat them with lukewarm water and detergent.
Do not pour the water directly. Get a clean washcloth, damp it with lukewarm water, and add a small amount of detergent to the stain. Gently scrape the stain. If you cannot remove the stains, take your leather jacket or leather wear to a professional.
Ensure that you remove any stains before storing your leather jacket.
Apply leather condition
Leather conditioner helps the material maintain its moisture. Apply leather conditioner every 3 months or before you store your leather jacket. Only use a small amount and apply it evenly over the jacket.
Stuff acid-free paper inside the jacket.
The acid-free paper protects your leather jacket from moisture, dust, and dirt. Stuffing the sleeves and pockets will keep the jacket in shape while stored. Do not forget to close all the zippers and buttons of your jacket, and you can also wrap them with acid-free paper to ensure it does not scuff the leather.
Place it inside a cloth garment bag.
Put the leather jacket inside a cloth garment bag. Do not fold the jacket just to fit inside the bag; this results in creases that become impossible to remove. Moreover, only use a cloth and not a plastic garment bag; plastics will dry out the moisture in the fabric.
Hang the jacket on a wooden or padded hanger.
Thin wire hangers or plastics are light and cannot hold the leather jacket properly. Use a wide wooden or padded hanger to properly support the jacket’s shoulders.
Even high-quality leather jackets will crack if not taken care of properly. Always remember these tips to protect your wardrobe investment. Leather jackets are not easily repaired. You need an expert in leather craft to do the work. Prevent this from happening.
