A leather jacket is an integral part of our wardrobe. But how do you actually clean the jackets? Here are the best care tips for leather and synthetic leather. Leather jackets have been a trend for years and will probably remain so for many years to come. And that’s just as well. After all, the jackets made of the tough material immediately create an extremely cool look. However, the popular jackets have a catch: they are extremely robust, but at least as sensitive when it comes to care. Especially with (expensive) real leather jackets and jackets made of suede you have to be very careful not to damage the material.
Leather jackets should therefore only be cleaned when it is really necessary. If there are no stains, it is often sufficient to ventilate the jacket in the fresh air. We’ll show you what to look out for when cleaning your leather jacket and which mistakes you should absolutely avoid.Leather jackets have been a trend for years and will probably remain so for many years to come. And that’s just as well. After all, the jackets made of the tough material immediately create an extremely cool look . However, the popular jackets have a catch: they are extremely robust, but at least as sensitive when it comes to the maintenance goes.
Smooth, suede & suede: Different leather = different care
Not all leather is the same. How you properly clean your leather jacket depends entirely on the material. Jackets made of smooth leather should be cared for differently than jackets made of suede or suede. And there is also a difference between real leather jackets and synthetic leather jackets when it comes to cleaning.
Basically: Before cleaning, always take a look at the care label on the jacket. Here you will find information about the type of leather and important information about proper care. Before cleaning, always take a look at the care label on the jacket. Here you will find information about the type of leather and important information about the right one maintenance
Impregnate leather jackets regularly!
New leather jackets, regardless of the type of leather, should definitely be impregnated before they are worn for the first time. The spray seals the pores in the leather and protects it from dirt and unsightly water stains. If you like, you can also re-impregnate your jacket every few months. The same is known from leather shoes.
When buying, make sure that you buy the right impregnation spray for your type of leather. Before using it, you should also first test the product on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure that your jacket can tolerate the spray.
Clean leather jackets made of smooth leather properly
Light soiling and loose dust can be removed relatively easily from jackets made of smooth leather. This is best done with a soft brush (attention: a hard brush can scratch the material) or a soft cloth. In principle, water should only be used very sparingly with leather, as moisture can cause stains and the leather can become stiff and porous.
For the cleaning of leather jackets, therefore, special leather cleaners ( available here at Amazon *) are usually recommended. They not only loosen dirt, but also have a moisturizing effect. This keeps the leather soft and supple. Again, you should try the product on a small area before cleaning.
The cleaner is simply applied to the stain and rubbed into the surface of the jacket with a clean, lint-free cloth. Leather cleaner does not have to be rinsed off and can be used several times in a row if necessary.
Cleaning leather jackets: Potatoes remove stubborn stains
Dried, stuck stains on the smooth leather jacket are best removed with a raw half potato. Yes, you heard that right: the starch in the potato ensures that the dirt is removed from the material.
And this is how it works: Halve the raw potato, rub the potato over the stain on the jacket (always from the outside in so as not to enlarge the stain) and let the potato starch dry. The starch and dirt can then be rubbed off with a soft brush. The process can be repeated until the stain has completely disappeared.
Smooth leather: remove stains with soapy water
As an alternative to cleaning potatoes, stubborn stains can also be cleaned with a damp cloth. However, caution is advised here. Since leather generally does not tolerate moisture very well, this cleaning method should only be used if nothing else works.
Instructions for wet cleaning smooth leather:
1. Mix lukewarm water with a little leather detergent or dish soap. Stir well until the agent has completely dissolved in the water. In addition: Use only a little washing-up liquid or detergent. Too much can fade the leather.
2. Moisten a soft cloth or sponge with soapy water and wring it out well. Under no circumstances should the cloth be wet, just slightly damp.
3. Carefully wipe over the stain with the cloth or sponge (do not rub!), Always from the outside in. It not only cleans the stained area, but also over a large area from seam to seam to avoid water marks.
4. Then wipe over the stain with a new, soft cloth and a little clear water to remove excess detergent or washing-up liquid and dirt.
5. After cleaning, pat the jacket dry with a kitchen towel and let the jacket air dry.
How to properly clean suede leather jackets
Leather jackets made of soft suede, i.e. leather from animals that live in the wild, e.g. deer, buffalo or antelope, are extremely sensitive and should therefore never be cleaned yourself, but rather sent to a professional leather cleaner. Self-cleaning can damage the jacket.
Properly clean synthetic leather jackets
Synthetic leather jackets are not as durable as real leather jackets, but they are animal-friendly and also easier to clean. Here, too: First observe the instructions on the maintenance ticket. Most stains can be easily removed with a cloth and soapy water made from mild detergent and lukewarm water.
Proceed in the same way as for wet cleaning real smooth leather jackets: mix water and detergent, dampen a soft cloth slightly, wipe the jacket carefully, then completely remove the soap residue and pat dry.
How do I properly store my leather jacket?
The jacket is clean again, but how do I store it correctly? Leather jackets should always be stored hanging on a clothes hanger. If you fold the leather jacket, you run the risk of unsightly cracks and folds in the leather. For this reason, leather jackets should never be packed in the suitcase, if at all, even briefly.
The following also applies: do not wrap leather jackets in plastic and store them in damp places, e.g. in the basement. Otherwise the leather can go moldy.
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