Many synthetic products can look very similar, but synthetic orfaux leather uses different cleaning solutionsand cleaning methods.
Warning
Hand-washing is appropriate for aniline leather finishes only.
Never wash suede or nubuck garments; they can get ruined.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
Clean Off the Soapy Solution
Using a second, water-damp cloth, wipe away the cleaning solution.
Repeat these steps to remove any soap residue.
Towel and Air Dry
Wipe away the moisture using a clean, dry towel.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
Condition the Leather
Condition the garment completelyusing a leather conditioner.
Be sure that you use a good quality leather conditioner.
Prepare Garment for Cleaning
Empty all the pockets of the jacket and turn it inside out.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
Structured hangers will prevent marks from forming on the shoulders.
It may take two to three days for the coat to dry completely.
Never hang a leather jacket to dry in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
It can dry out and crack the leather.
Condition the garment thoroughly until it is again soft and supple.
Be sure that you use a good quality leather conditioner.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
Always begin with a small amount of cleaner and gradually increase the amount as needed.
Allow the jacket to absorb the cleaner and moisturize the material.
Do not rinse it off.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
Wipe Away the Excess
Wipe away excess leather cleaner from the jacket with a fresh cloth.
The jacket should have a clean, rich sheen to it.
Condition the jacket using a good quality leather cleaner, following the package instructions.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
They each tackle certain stains better than others.
Wipe or gently brush in a circular motion, then dab with a dry cloth.
Repeat the procedure, alternating between sponge and cloth, until the stain comes off.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Toothpaste
To remove dirt, apply toothpaste (paste-bang out, not gel) to the stain.
Do not scrub, or you may scratch or discolor the leather.
Let the toothpaste sit on the stain for 10 seconds.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
Use a soft, damp cloth to rub off the toothpaste and stain gently.
Nail Polish Remover
Use nail polish remover to removeink stains on leather.
Blot the area with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover.
The Spruce / Cristina Tudor
Do not rub because it might spread the ink.
Blot away the ink stain with a clean, moist cloth.
Dry the area with a towel.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Rubbing Alcohol
Mold or mildew is best tackled with rubbing alcohol.
Combine one part rubbing alcohol and one part water in a mixing bowl.
Wipe the area with the solution using a soft cleaning cloth.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
With a second cleaning cloth, wipe away the alcohol, mold, and mildew from the surface.
Choose between baking soda, baby powder, or cornstarch.
Use a moist cloth and gently rub any of those powders into the oily stain.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
Allow it to sit for eight hours or overnight.
Use a clean cloth to wipe away the powdery paste and dry the area with a soft towel.
Vinegar is an effective deodorizer that latches onto stinky odors and neutralizes them without leaving any odor behind.
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
Mix half vinegar and half water into a spray bottle and spray it onto the area with the odor.
Let it air dry.
Take leather to a dry cleaner only if they are specialized leather cleaners and the jacket is heavily soiled.
Otherwise, the best way to clean a leather jacket is by hand.
