Taking care of leather doesn't have to be complicated.You will only need to use the occasional treatment to keep your jacket supple if you take some time to learn about caring for leather jackets.
Step 1: You should make your leather water resistant.
There are many leather products, but you need to read the label carefully.Your leather's appearance and shine should be preserved with a spray.Grease-based or wax based products are not recommended for jackets due to their potential effect on color, longevity, shine, and smell.You can find out how long the water resistance lasts by checking the label.The product needs to be re-applied frequently.The leather jacket won't be fully waterproof even if the treatment claims otherwise.Place a leather jacket in a washing machine or immerse it in water.
Step 2: Sometimes, apply leather conditioner.
Too much oil can affect the jacket's color or longevity, but rubbing in leather conditioner restores oil to the leather, preventing excessive dryness and cracking.When the jacket feels dry or stiff, only apply the leather conditioner.Check the label to make sure it is suitable for your type of leather.This is important for jackets made of nubuck or suede.If you use natural animal oils, be aware that they may affect the leather.A cheaper option that causes less of a color change is if the product contains wax or silicone.Don't use too much.Mineral oil and petroleum can cause significant damage if used in products.Don't use "saddle soap" on unfinished leather without a protective water-resistant coating.
Step 3: On rare occasions there are Polish smooth leather jackets.
Leather polish can bring a shine to your jacket, but it can also cause damage to the leather surface.Before using a new product, test on a hidden area.A glossy surface is created when you buff with a cloth.Don't polish leather with a soft, fuzzy texture.It's not possible to make suede glossy without removing the texture.Even if shoe polish is intended for leather shoes, don't use it.
Step 4: A damp cloth can be used to remove salt deposits.
White salt can form on leather in winter.To avoid dry spots and cracks, wipe the salt off with a damp cloth.Apply conditioner to the affected area after the leather air has dried.
Step 5: Allow the leather air to dry.
If your jacket gets wet, hang it on a hanger to dry.To avoid stretching the wet leather, remove objects from the pockets and keep it away from heat sources.If the leather had become soaked, apply conditioner after drying.
Step 6: You can learn how to remove wrinkling.
It's a good idea to store the jacket on a clothes hanger.Taking the jacket to a professional leather cleaner is recommended if you are bothered by major wrinkling.If you want to iron the cloth quickly, place the leather under it, and set the clothes iron to the lowest setting.The section on storage has more information.
Step 7: The tag has instructions.
There is a tag on almost all leather jackets sold in stores.Follow the specific instructions on the label whenever possible because there are many different types of leather.No method is guaranteed to work safely on all leather, but the steps below are generally safe if followed thoroughly.
Step 8: The jacket should be cleaned with a brush or cloth.
If you have left your leather jacket in the closet for a while, it may need to be dusted.To avoid damaging the leather, use a dry cotton cloth, nubuck cloth or camel hair brush.
Step 9: A damp cloth is used to clean finished leather.
Drop a single drop of water on your jacket.It is a good idea to wipe the leather with a damp cloth if the water stays on the surface.Do not apply water if the water is absorbed.
Step 10: Clean with a dry sponge or specialized brush.
The "Suede brushes" may scratch other leather materials.It is possible to use a dry sponge as a cheaper option.Do not use this method on non-suede leather.If you hang the suede in a steamy bathroom, it will work.The heat from an iron or kettle can cause damage to the suede.
Step 11: Rub the art gum over the dirt.
Before using this method, you should test other leathers in a hidden area.Rub the art gum eraser over the grimy or dirty area to remove the dirt or ink stains from the jacket.If the jacket clings to the eraser, remove it with a vacuum cleaner or compressed air.This type of eraser can be found at crafts stores.It is a substance that will break apart when used.It's not like "kneaded erasers," which look similar but don't fall.
Step 12: Carefully choose leather cleaning products.
Only use a leather cleaning product that is manufactured by the same company that made your jacket.If you want to test a cleaning product for damage, leave it on for at least five minutes, then wipe it off with a clean cloth.The affected part of the jacket should be treated according to the instructions.Only products made for those types should be used.A general purpose leather cleaner can clean leather labeled as aniline, semi-aniline or pigmented, but they should always test on a hidden area.If the ink has dried, ink stain removal is not usually 100% effective.
Step 13: Rub alcohol or mild soap on the mold to remove it.
If a leather jacket is covered in mold, mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol.Use a cotton cloth to wipe off the mold.If that doesn't work, try a mild germicidal soap mixed with water.Once you're done, wipe off excess liquid with a dry cloth.
Step 14: The jacket should be taken to a dry cleaner.
If the above methods do not remove a stain from your jacket, you should take it to a dry cleaner that advertises leather-cleaning services.Before giving your jacket to the dry cleaner, ask if he knows how to treat leather and stains.Don't wash a leather garment in a washing machine.
Step 15: There is a padded clothes hanger.
Wrinkle and stretch can be minimized with a padded clothes hanger.Clothes pegs cause a lot of stress to a small area.
Step 16: Keep out of the sun and heat.
The leather's color can be affected by direct sunlight.Store the jacket in a cool place away from heating and other heat sources.
Step 17: It's important to make sure the leather can breathe.
If exposed to a light draft, leather will last longer.It's never a good idea to store leather inside a plastic bag.If you want to expose the leather to the air, open the bag whenever convenient.If the closet is hot or damp, you should store your jacket inside.
Step 18: Keep leather away from pesticides.
Leather can be used to absorb pesticides.It may not be possible to remove the smell from the jacket if this happens.Home pesticides are most effective in small containers, which are not ideal homes for leather.
Step 19: If you want to move the jacket to storage, you need to dry clean it.
If storing leather for a long time, it's best to dry clean it.It reduces the chance of pests attacking your jacket, but you should always check your storage for pests.