Many people have a beloved leather jacket that’s been around forever but isn’t in the greatest shape anymore. Leather jackets will always be trendy, and you want to keep it looking fresh for as long as possible. Lucky for you, we’ll share some hacks that can clean and restore that jacket so it lasts even longer.
For Basic Cleaning
You can’t put a leather jacket in the washing machine or the dryer. However, you can still restore it yourself at home. If the jacket is not too stained or damaged, use saddle soap. It works well on any leather product.
Take a soft, damp cloth with some soap on it. Test it on a small area of the leather first. When the soap foams, rub it lightly onto the leather. Then, use another soft cloth to dry it. Hang the jacket and leave it to dry. You should be good to go!
For Damaged Leather
If you’re experiencing more damage to your leather jacket, soap won’t be enough. The solution is to use a leather conditioner. Turns out conditioner isn’t just for your hair!
Leather conditioner will add oils to the leather that will freshen it up. It’s better to use this technique after cleaning with saddle or dish soap. Apply the conditioner to the jacket and let it soak for a few hours.
For Faded Leather
Dye tends to come off leather jackets over time. If your clothing starts looking gray, it’s time to take action. The product that can save faded leather is a leather recoloring balm.
Apply it to the faded areas and let it absorb into the leather. The jacket will look brand new. Plus, leather balm comes in a wide range of colors, so you’ll have many options.
How Often to Clean a Leather Jacket
It all depends on how often you wear the jacket. You can give it a good clean only once a year. If you don’t wear it that often, you can even get away with cleaning it less frequently. The one catch is after spills or getting caught in the rain, when you’ll need to apply these hacks immediately. But overall, a leather jacket doesn’t need to be cleaned as often as the rest of your clothes.
Even if you’re only cleaning your jacket once a year, it’s recommended you invest in leather-only cleaning products. They will keep the natural oils in the leather rather than pulling them out. The best thing is that you can also use these products on couches, car seats, shoes, and other surfaces.