Whether you remember the suave coolness of Marlon Brando in 1953's "The Wild One" or the rugged adventure-seeking of Indiana Jones, leather jackets have been a staple in a man's wardrobe for decades. They add a level of elevated style without losing the picture of a masculine aura. However, finding the perfect leather jacket for your lifestyle is only half the battle. When you finally invest in the right jacket, you need to make sure you keep it clean without spending a ton of money. Here is how to clean a leather jacket at home.
Leather jackets are items that can last for decades if properly taken care of. While you can't throw these in the wash on your regular laundry day, the process of cleaning leather is much simpler than it sounds. The jacket doesn't need to be cleaned regularly, they are supposed to look broken in, so only do this whenever the jacket needs a little TLC. If you have stains, the process will differ and the tools you need will depend on the type of stain.
Cleaning your jacket at home
Instead of taking your jacket to the dry cleaners every six months or whenever you get a stain on it, there is a better way to keep your jacket looking fresh as the day you bought it for years to come.
Step 1: Mix a solution of warm water and dish soap or make a cleaning solution of one part vinegar to one part water
Step 2: Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out, and wipe the jacket. Don't scrub any part of the jacket
Step 3: Use a second clean, damp cloth to wipe off the cleaning solution
Step 4: Dry the jacket with a towel
Removing stains
The above process works best if you are only trying to freshen up your jacket from time to time. But what about removing stains? Nothing is worse than having a stellar jacket be ruined by minor stains that steal the look. Here is how to remove the most common stains.
How to remove ink stains
Using nail polish remover can rid your jacket of pesky ink stains. Here is how you want to do it.
Step 1: Dip a cotton swab in the nail polish remover
Step 2: Blot the area gently, DON'T scrub as you could spread the stain. Keep blotting until the stain is gone.
Step 3: Wipe clean with a damp cloth
Step 4: Dry with a separate towel
How to remove oil and grease stains
Whether you're eating pizza or changing the oil in your F-14 (we're looking at you Maverick), accidents happen and you need to find a way to remove grease and oil stains from your jacket. Here is how.
Step 1: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain
Step 2: Rub gently with a damp cloth
Step 3: Let the jacket sit overnight, the baking soda will absorb the oil or grease
Step 4: Brush the powder from the jacket with a soft cloth
Step 5: Dry the jacket with a towel
How to remove mold or mildew
If you have been living in a tropical climate for a while, it may have been a long time since you got to break out your best Steve McQueen look. Nothing is worse than pulling a jacket out of storage and being hit with the smell of mildew. Never fear, we have the solution to get you back in the jacket and on the motorcycle in no time.
Step 1: Mix a solution of one part rubbing alcohol and one part water
Step 2: Dip a cloth in the solution and rub the area with the mold
Step 3: Wipe clean with another damp cloth
Step 4: Dry with a towel
Mistakes to avoid
If you follow our easy tips, you should have no problems keeping your leather jacket clean and looking its best for years to come. However, there are some mistakes you want to avoid so you don't make things worse and ruin your jacket.
- Don't use any ammonia or bleach-based cleaners, which can damage the leather and will likely dry it out (and lead to cracking).
- Be cautious with water. While some water is necessary, always use a well rung-out damp cloth or sponge. Too much water will stain a leather jacket.
- Dot't let spills set. If you get something on your jacket, clean it off immediately with a soft cloth. Liquids can soak into the leather and that causes stains.
Once you have cleaned your jacket, the last thing you want to do is ensure you protect it. Just as dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer for your face once you're out of the shower, your jacket needs a leather conditioner to keep it looking sharp. One of the best out there is Leather Honey. Splash a little of that on the jacket once you have cleaned it and people on the street will be mistaking you for Indiana Jones in no time.
