Leather jackets are beautiful and practical items of clothing, keeping you warm in the cold, dry in the rain and making you look stylish and chic.
If you own a leather jacket you will want to keep it as good as new for as long as possible. Dirt, dust, rain, salt and other things that your jacket encounters will make it start to crack, tear, dry out and look worn. However, there are some steps that you can take to protect your leather jacket from the elements and keep it looking new for many years. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining leather jackets:
If you wear your jacket in the rain, don’t just shove it back in the closet. It needs to air-dry so that the moisture does not harm the leather.
Keep your leather jacket away from direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time, as this will dry out the leather and fade the colour.
At most stores that sell leather goods you will be able to buy a tin of leather conditioner. This product will moisturize the leather and protect it from the elements. Rub the conditioner in gently with a soft lint-free piece of cloth.
If something spills on your leather jacket, deal with it right away before it dries on! Use a soft cloth to wipe away as much of the spill as possible. Then, gently wipe down the leather with a damp sponge or cloth and mild soap. Afterwards, wipe it again with just a damp cloth to remove the residue from the soap. Hang the jacket up so that it can air dry. Afterwards, you can add a little bit more conditioner to the spot.
If you have a stain that you just can’t fix yourself, take your leather jacket to a professional cleaner as they will have the right equipment and chemicals to salvage the leather properly.
Keep your jacket in a dry place where it is not too hot and not too cold.
With a little tender loving care, your leather jacket will be in great shape for many years, which is a good thing because a great leather jacket is always in style!
Here are some helpful tips for protecting leather jackets from damage and keeping them in good condition.