A leather jacket is your ticket to the kingdom of cool. From Marlon Brando to Blondie to a random biker on the highway, whoever slips on a leather jacket is instantly more interesting. Leather jackets are popular, stylish and never go out of style. They're also quite expensive. So we wouldn't blame you if you're worried about what happens to your precious leather jacket when it gets dirty. While leather jackets can be finicky — as all genuine leather can be — you can clean your leather jacket in a few easy steps. Here's the best way to clean a leather jacket.
HOW TO CLEAN A LEATHER JACKET IN 5 STEPS
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Remove dirt. The first thing to do when cleaning a leather jacket is to gently wipe away any loose dirt or debris. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to do this. You don't want something abrasive, as that can scratch the leather.
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Spot test. Before you actually start cleaning your leather jacket, you should do a spot test to make sure the leather cleaner is appropriate for the leather. Apply a small amount of Leather Honey Leather Cleaner to a discreet location on the jacket. Our formula is time-tested (1968 was a long time ago!) so there should be no issues, but always test first just in case.
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Apply the cleaner. Now that your leather jacket is ready to go, begin applying Leather Honey Leather Cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a lint-free cloth and gently wipe down the entire jacket in a light, even coat (no pun intended). For leather jackets or any leather item that is exposed to lots of sunlight, we highly recommend using our Leather Honey Leather Cleaner with UV Protectant.
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Allow to dry. Once you have cleaned your leather jacket, give it time to completely dry. Wait at least 24 hours if you can. When the jacket is dry, wipe away any excess cleaner with your lint-free cloth.
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Condition the leather. Leather jackets require regular conditioning to maintain their appearance and extend their longevity. Once your leather jacket is cleaned, apply Leather Honey Leather Conditioner as the final step.
REMOVING STAINS FROM A LEATHER JACKET
Chances are that with enough use, your leather jacket might end up with a stain or two. The best way to get rid of stains is to act fast. The faster you attend to the stain, the less time it has to soak into the leather jacket. We do not recommend using vinegar, toothpaste, nail polish remover or bleach to clean stains. They all will do more harm than good. One item that can work on ink stains is rubbing alcohol. Simply add a few drops of the solution to a cotton ball, then blot the stain until the ink is lifted. Otherwise, for most stains, Leather Honey Leather Cleaner should do the trick.
If you come across a particularly difficult stain, you might want to consider taking your leather jacket to a professional.
MORE TO KNOW ABOUT CLEANING A LEATHER JACKET
Some common questions people have about how to clean a leather jacket:
What is the best way to clean a leather jacket?
The best way to clean a leather jacket is to use a premade leather cleaner, like Leather Honey Leather Cleaner. You should not use common household items, as they will strip the leather of its natural oils and eventually damage it.
How do you keep a leather jacket in good condition?
The best way to keep your leather jacket in good condition is to regularly clean and condition it. Cleaning and conditioning your leather will keep it looking amazing and help it last forever.
Can you put a leather jacket in a washing machine?
You should never put a leather jacket (or any leather item) in a washing machine. This will damage the leather and eventually destroy it.
