How to Wash a Leather Jacket: The Complete Care Guide

A leather jacket is a timeless piece that adds style and durability to any wardrobe. However, cleaning it requires special care since leather is a delicate material that can be damaged by water, heat, and harsh chemicals. Unlike regular fabrics, leather jackets should not be tossed into a washing machine or soaked in water, as this can cause shrinkage, cracking, or fading.

If you want to keep your leather jacket looking great for years, this guide will walk you through the proper cleaning methods step by step. Whether you need to remove dirt, stains, or odors, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to wash a leather jacket safely.

Can You Wash a Leather Jacket?

Leather is a natural material that requires careful maintenance. While it may be tempting to wash your leather jacket like any other clothing item, doing so can ruin its texture, flexibility, and color.

What Happens If You Machine Wash Leather?

If you put a leather jacket in the washing machine, you risk:

Drying out the leather – Water strips away natural oils, making the material brittle.
Shrinkage – Leather can shrink and lose its original shape.
Cracking and Peeling – Without moisture, the leather surface can become cracked and peel over time.
Fading or Discoloration – Harsh detergents and water can fade the color or leave blotches.

Instead of machine washing, it’s best to hand-clean leather jackets using the proper techniques.

How to Clean a Leather Jacket at Home

If your leather jacket is dirty or stained, follow these steps to clean it properly without damaging the material.

Spot Cleaning Small Stains

If your jacket has a small stain, spot cleaning is the best method to remove it without affecting the rest of the material.

Steps to Spot Clean a Leather Jacket

Wipe the stain gently with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid scrubbing, as this can spread the stain.
Mix a small amount of mild soap or leather cleaner with water.
Dip a clean cloth into the solution and dab the stained area lightly.
Use a separate damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue.
Let the jacket air dry naturally – do not use heat or direct sunlight.

Tip: If the stain persists, use white vinegar or a specialized leather cleaner for tougher spots.

Cleaning the Entire Leather Jacket

If your leather jacket needs a full cleaning, follow this gentle hand-cleaning method.

Steps for General Cleaning

Prepare a cleaning solution – Mix equal parts of water and mild liquid soap (or use a leather cleaner).
Dampen a soft microfiber cloth in the solution.
Gently wipe the entire jacket using circular motions. Avoid soaking the leather.
Use a separate cloth dampened with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Let the jacket air dry by hanging it in a well-ventilated area.

Removing Odors from a Leather Jacket

Leather can absorb odors over time, especially from sweat, smoke, or food. Here’s how to freshen it up.

Methods to Remove Odors

Baking Soda – Sprinkle baking soda inside the jacket, let it sit overnight, then shake it out.
Vinegar Spray – Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, lightly mist the jacket, and let it air out.
Leather Conditioner – Using a leather conditioner can help neutralize odors while keeping the material soft.

How to Wash a Faux Leather Jacket

If you own a faux leather jacket, the cleaning process is slightly different since synthetic leather is less delicate.

Machine Washing Faux Leather

Always check the care label to see if machine washing is allowed.
Use cold water and a gentle cycle with a small amount of mild detergent.
Place the jacket in a laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent damage.
Hang dry – never use a dryer.

Hand Washing Faux Leather

Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water to clean the surface.
Rinse with a damp cloth and pat dry with a towel.
Let it air dry completely before wearing.

Conditioning a Leather Jacket

Leather can become dry and stiff over time, so it’s important to use a leather conditioner to keep it soft and moisturized.

How to Apply Leather Conditioner

Make sure the jacket is clean and dry before applying conditioner.
Use a small amount of leather conditioner on a soft cloth.
Rub the conditioner evenly over the jacket in circular motions.
Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb.
Buff the jacket with a dry cloth to remove excess conditioner.

Tip: Condition your leather jacket every 3–6 months to prevent it from drying out.

Removing Water Stains from Leather

If your leather jacket gets wet in the rain, dry it immediately to prevent water stains.

Steps to Fix Water Stains

Blot the water with a dry cloth – Do not rub, as this can spread the stain.
Hang the jacket in a room-temperature area – avoid direct heat.
Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture.

Warning: Never use a hairdryer, heater, or sunlight to dry leather, as this can cause cracking.

Storing a Leather Jacket Properly

Proper storage is key to maintaining the shape and condition of your leather jacket.

Best Practices for Storage

Use a padded hanger to prevent creases.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Avoid plastic bags – use a breathable garment bag instead.
Keep away from moisture and humidity to prevent mold.

When to Take Your Leather Jacket to a Professional Cleaner

If your jacket has deep stains, mold, or strong odors, it may be best to take it to a professional leather cleaner.

Signs You Need Professional Cleaning

Ink stains or grease stains that won’t come out.
Mold or mildew growth due to improper storage.
Extreme dryness or cracking that needs professional conditioning.
Odors that don’t go away even after home treatments.

Professional cleaners use specialized leather cleaning products that are safe and effective.

Final Tips for Leather Jacket Care

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight – UV rays can fade the leather.
Keep away from heat sources – Heaters and dryers can dry out and crack the material.
Never use harsh chemicals – Avoid bleach, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners.
Store it properly – Hanging is better than folding to prevent creases.
Regularly condition the leather – This keeps it soft and prevents cracking.

Conclusion

Cleaning a leather jacket requires care and attention, but with the right techniques, you can keep it looking stylish and new for years. Whether you’re dealing with stains, odors, or general cleaning, hand-washing and conditioning are the best methods to maintain its quality.

By following this guide, you’ll ensure your leather jacket stays in excellent condition without the risk of damage from improper washing.

Do you have any favorite leather care tips? Share them in the comments!