5 Tricks To Clean A Leather Jacket
The leather jacket, over the years, has become an essential piece in the wardrobe. But, unlike other garments, it requires special care to keep it in perfect condition. Therefore, in this article we will teach you 5 tricks to clean a leather jacket.
It is a garment that never goes out of style and brings a bold and cool style to any outfit. In addition, it is very versatile, since it combines with skirts, jeans , heels and dresses.
Leather jackets are known as biker , leather jackets, windbreakers or bomber jackets. They became popular in the air force during World War II because they protected soldiers from the cold. However, leather is one of the oldest materials used by man.
It was motorcyclists and rockers who made her an icon of fashion and popular culture, turning her into a symbol of rebellion and attitude. Today they exist in multiple colors and styles and imitations have even been developed in various synthetic materials.
Tips for cleaning a leather jacket
Leather is a delicate material that requires special care. The first thing to keep in mind is that you have to know exactly what type of leather your jacket is made of: if it is a natural material, of animal origin, or if it is synthetic leather.
In general, natural leather requires more care, but it lasts longer. The main problem with synthetic is that over the years it tends to peel.
However, this garment should not be machine washed like any other, regardless of whether it is made of synthetic leather or of animal origin. Here are some tips to keep your jacket clean, smelling good, and radiant.
1. Clean the inner lining of your leather jacket
Leather jackets generally have an internal lining that is in direct contact with the body and sweat. However, it is not recommended to wash it completely after each use.
An excellent alternative is to clean the inner lining with a cloth or a soft bristle brush, such as those used for combing babies. You add a mixture of delicate laundry soap, vinegar, and baking soda.
It is important that you do not get it too wet. Vinegar and baking soda are great for removing odors and bacteria.
2. Clean the leather with soap and water
Mix water and a little mild soap. Make sure the solution has more water, as excess soap can cause discoloration or damage to the leather. Dampen a sponge in this solution and gently clean the jacket, trying to go over the dirtiest parts.
Then you must pass a towel moistened in water to remove the soap. Remember to only moisten it and not wet it so as not to create excesses that generate stains.
3. Dry it properly
Drying is an important part of keeping leather jackets in optimal condition, as they are very sensitive to liquids and can even develop mold. Therefore, it is essential that after cleaning with water, you wipe the surface with a towel to dry it.
Also, it’s good to hang it in a cool place to finish drying completely. You should not put it directly in the sun for a long time, since its color can be affected.
4. Hydrate to clean your leather jacket
There are a series of products on the market to condition leather jackets that allow the surface to be hydrated so that it does not crack or lose its shine. Likewise, shea butter, a natural product that also has cosmetic applications, can be used.
You can revive the look of a leather jacket with these substances. It is enough to take a small amount on a delicate cloth and rub it all over.
5. Use special products for leather
There are specific products to protect and clean leather, especially that of natural origin. You can buy a leather cleaner, which is advisable to use on finer leather jackets. Also, there are repellants to protect them from water.
Although these products can be expensive, they are an excellent investment for a garment that will last for years in your wardrobe. Also, you can give it more use to condition and clean your shoes.
Follow the washing instructions to clean your leather jacket
After knowing all these tricks to cleaning a leather jacket, it is just as important that you read the washing instructions on the label of your garment. You can always send her to a laundry that is an expert in these types of outfits.
Be gentle with dry cleaning. A study of the textile and clothing design career at the University of Palermo indicates that synthetic leather jackets can decompose with the substances used for this type of cleaning. On the other hand, synthetic leather is usually made of plastic materials that do not resist the heat of the iron, for example.
