Winter fashion is never complete without a leather jacket. Be it a family function or an office party, a leather jacket never fails to impress the onlookers. But did you know that cleaning leather jackets can be really difficult? Improper techniques of cleaning leather jackets can lead to cracking, fading, and permanent damage. Proper cleaning is absolutely essential for preserving the appearance and durability of the leather jacket. If you have quite a few leather jackets and blazers in your wardrobe, then you are at the right place. Read on to know more about the safe and effective techniques of cleaning leather garments without causing any damage to the fabric.
Why is special attention important for laundering leather jackets?
Leather is composed of the hide of animals. Unlike synthetic fabric, leather is absorbent and porous. As such, leather can easily absorb stains, oils, and moisture, leading to damage beyond repair. Moreover, Leather may have a top-grain, a full-grain, genuine, or suede finish, each of which requires specific laundry care. It is therefore recommended to check the instruction label for cleaning leather jackets most effectively.
A step-by-step guide to cleaning leather jackets:
For leather jacket cleaning, you need a soft microfiber cloth, a mild liquid detergent soap, distilled water, a bottle of leather conditioner, a brush with soft bristles, and padded hangers. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, and alcohol-based cleaning agents, as such chemicals tend to dry out the leather permanently.
Begin the process of cleaning with the soft microfiber cloth. Wipe the surface of the leather jacket with the cloth to get rid of dirt, dust, and debris. Wipe the seams, creases, and pockets that tend to collect more dirt. Use a rubber eraser or a suede brush instead of a cloth for suede-based leather jackets.
After the dusting session is done, it is time to proceed to the wet cleaning session. Combine a few drops of liquid detergent soap with lukewarm water. Soak a clean cloth in the solution of soap and water and then wring the water out until the cloth is damp and not wet. Gently wipe the leather jacket in a downward direction using the damp microfiber cloth. Stroke the leather jacket in a smooth circular motion with the cloth to eliminate grime. Focus on excessively dirty areas and avoid aggressive scrubbing at the same time. Never soak the leather jacket directly in water, as that might cause warping or shrinkage of the leather. If the leather jacket is too dirty, then you may repeat the process with a fresh microfiber cloth and a clean blend of water and soap to wipe the leather jacket until it’s completely clean.
Dry the leather jacket immediately after the wet cleaning session to prevent any retention of moisture. Gently pat the leather jacket with a dry microfiber cloth to absorb the excess moisture. Avoid rubbing the leather jacket with the dry microfiber cloth. After the leather jacket becomes completely dry, you may hang it using padded hangers in a well-ventilated area away from direct exposure to sunlight and heat. Air dry the leather jacket completely before using leather conditioners. Do not use a dryer machine to dry the leather jacket, as high heat can make the leather brittle and prone to cracks.
After the cleaning session, it is time to restore the shine and brilliance of the leather jacket by replenishing its natural oils. Conditioning the leather jacket is essential for the prevention of cracking or drying of the leather. Take a small amount of leather conditioner and use a clean cloth to rub the leather jacket gently with the conditioner in small circular motions. Allow the conditioner to settle into the leather jacket, which may take a couple of hours or so. Buff the leather jacket with a soft microfiber cloth for a clean and polished look. Clean and condition the leather jacket at least once or twice a year for preservation of its natural oils and sophisticated appearance.
How to spot clean stains in leather jackets?
It is not always necessary to clean the entire leather jacket if you notice a small stain. Instead, you can simply opt for spot treatment of stains. For greasy stains, you may use a dash of cornstarch or edible soda. Smear the stained region with cornstarch powder and wipe it off the next morning to eliminate the stain. If you notice ink stains, then you may simply use a small amount of rubbing alcohol to wipe out the stain. For water stains, you may gently blot the moisture out with blotting paper and then let the area dry naturally.
When is it ideal to hire professional laundry services for leather jackets?
If your leather jackets are heavily soiled or have become moldy, then it is best to hire professional leather laundry services. Deep cleaning leather jackets at home may not be effective, as professionals use industrial-grade chemicals for cleaning leather jackets more thoroughly. Moreover, it is always best to seek expert help if you notice discoloration of the leather jacket or if your jacket smells of mould and mildew. If your jacket has a suede finish or is a valuable designer item, then you may consider visiting the nearest laundry service centre for help.
Additional tips for leather jackets:
- Make sure to hang your leather jacket on wide and padded hangers for proper storage. You may also store your jacket in breathable fabric bags in a well-ventilated wardrobe.
- Leather is not waterproof, and hence it is advised to store leather jackets with dryer balls to prevent absorption of moisture by leather.
- Do not wear the same leather jacket every day. Instead, store the jacket for a sufficient amount of time between two consecutive wears for redistribution and replenishment of natural oils.
Conclusion:
Now that you are aware of the cleaning techniques of leather jackets, it is time to get down to business. While cleaning leather jackets at home is easy, deep cleaning leather jackets is best left to professionals. If you’re looking for efficient jacket cleaning services, then look no further than Hello Laundry. Hello Laundry offers excellent jacket cleaning services at reasonable rates.