An important part of leather jacket care and maintentance is knowing the correct way to clean it.
Aero leather jackets are well known for their durability. Our craftsmanship and the quality of our materials will see your jacket last you the rest of your life if you take proper care of it. To help you out, here is Aero's expert advice on how to clean a leather jacket.
How do you clean a leather jacket?
Step one: check the label
Before you clean your leather jacket, check the label! The information provided within this blog post is a general guide for cleaning an Aero leather jacket, but different leather jackets have different requirements. Always be sure to check the guidance from your jacket's manufacturer. If there is no / limited information, contact your jacket's manufacturer.
Step two: gather your supplies
To prepare for cleaning a leather jacket, gather the following items:
- A soft-bristled brush
- A mild soap
- A clean cloth
- A leather conditioner
Be sure to choose a mild soap that you wouldn't mind putting on your skin (or better yet, use a soap that's specifically designed for washing a leather jacket). Test this soap on a small, inconspicious area, such as an inside facing part of the jacket or under the collar, to ensure it won't cause any discoloration or damage.
Step three: brush the leather jacket
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dirt or debris from the surface of the leather. Be sure to brush in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching the leather. You don't need any soap or liquid for this step - start the leather jacket cleaning process by just brushing.
Step four: Wash the leather jacket
But how do you wash a leather jacket? Start by mixing a small amount of mild soap with warm water, then dip a clean cloth into the solution. Wring out any excess water so that the cloth is just damp, then gently wipe the leather in a circular motion. Avoid soaking the leather, as this can cause water damage. Rinse the cloth frequently. You may need to change the water a few times whilst leather jacket washing, if the water becomes discoloured.
Step five: air dry the leather jacket
Once you have washed the leather jacket, use a clean and dry cloth to gently blot away any remaining water.
Hang your leather jacket on a thick hanger (such as Aero's purpose-built leather jacket hanger) to air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat, sunlight and other heat sources. Heat sources like these might cause the leather to dry out and crack.
Even if you're in a rush to get your jacket dry, do not use artificial heat (such as from a space heater or a hair dryer) to try and speed up the process as this may damage your leather jacket.
Step six: condition the leather jacket
After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner (like our Beeswax & Carnauba Neutral Leather Polish) to help restore any lost moisture and prevent the leather jacket cracking. Use a clean cloth to apply the leather jacket conditioner, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Step seven: rock it!
Et voilà - you have cleaned your leather jacket! It is now ready to be worn! Check below for more leather jacket cleaning tips.
Can I clean my leather jacket in the washing machine?
No, you shouldn't ever put your leather jacket in the washing machine.
Not only is there a risk you'll break your washing machine, but trying to wash a leather jacket in a washing machine will likely damage your jacket. Full grain (especially vegetable tanned) leather jackets tend not to be suitable for machine washing. Instead, we recommend cleaning your leather jacket by hand.
Putting your leather jacket in the washing machine removes the natural oils present in the leather jacket that give it its suppleness, causing it to dry out and crack.
Can you dry-clean a leather jacket?
Generally, we do not recommend dry-cleaning a leather jacket, but some dry cleaners do advertise specialist leather jacket cleaning services. Before you leave your leather jacket with a dry cleaner, be sure to check their credentials and reviews to ensure they are qualified to care for high-quality leather products.
*
When you invest in an Aero leather jacket, you're getting a jacket for life. We create custom leather jackets that are made to measure, so your jacket will be perfectly fitted to your body. If you'd like to take a look at the wide range of vintage leather jackets we offer, click the link down below.
Custom Leather Jackets
READ MORE: How to break in a leather jacket
