Here’s Exactly How To Care For Your Leather Jacket To Keep It Looking Clean And Conditioned For Many Outfits To Come
Who doesn’t love a good leather jacket? Leather jackets are a surefire way to make someone look cool, tough, chic, and fun all at the same time.
They’re an excellent addition to anyone’s wardrobe and perfect for this time of year as we transition from winter to spring.
However, leather jackets made from real leather can be very expensive and won’t last long if you don’t take good care of them.
If you recently purchased a leather jacket, it’s best to treat it like an investment and keep it clean, fresh, and conditioned so it lasts a long time. Here are some tips on how to care for your leather jacket!
If you want to clean your leather jacket, you need to be prepared to condition it following the cleaning.
First things first, you cannot put your leather in the washing machine, and it’s not a great idea to take it to a dry cleaner.
Doing either of these things can heavily damage your leather jacket, as it removes the leather’s natural oils, causing it to crack, dry out, and fall apart. You should only take your leather jacket to a cleaner if that person specializes in cleaning leather.
To gently clean off any dust or a light layer of dirt on your leather jacket, gently wipe it down with a damp cloth.
If there are any stains or bits of grease on the jacket, you can use a cloth and a bit of soapy water. Never submerge the jacket in water, and try to use more of a dabbing motion versus wiping when cleaning with a cloth. Cleaning your jacket this way every few months will keep it clean and odor-free.
Anton – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
If you wear your jacket frequently, you’ll want to condition it to replenish its natural oils. It’s especially important to do this after cleaning it. Get yourself some leather conditioner and a microfiber cloth.
Before using conditioner all over your jacket, apply a small amount to a small area of the jacket to do a ‘test patch’ and ensure the conditioner doesn’t leave a weird stain or negatively affect it. Leave the test patch to dry for 24 hours and see what happens.
Once your test goes successfully, you can condition the rest of your jacket by pouring the conditioner onto the cloth and gently rubbing it all over the jacket. Let it dry, and you’re good to go!
It’s a good idea to condition your jacket every few months to a year, depending on how frequently you wear it.
When storing your leather jacket, be sure to hang it on a padded hanger in a closet or area that doesn’t get damp or extremely hot.
Another tip is to avoid wearing it on too many rainy days unless you can get proper coverage from an umbrella!
There you go, some basic tips for taking care of your leather jacket so it will last long as a cherished piece in your wardrobe. Enjoy it!
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