How Do I Clean a Leather Jacket to Look Brand New?

You have invested in a premium, high-quality leather jacket that has become your go-to item. Whether you want to enjoy crisp morning walks or an incredible night out on weekends, a leather jacket is the best option in your wardrobe. A top-notch men’s buffalo leather jacket never goes out of style; however, maintaining its good condition is mandatory.

Unlike other clothing, you won’t be able to put your leather jackets in the washing machine simply. Leather outfits can’t be washed in machines, which can cause them to shrink and crack. However, you can follow the former, fast and easy ways to clean and treat dirty and dull jackets.

Cleaning leather is a challenging task, but if you don’t know how to clean a leather jacket properly and carefully, you may ruin something special on your hands. Additionally, leather-made goods require a particular kind of care, so follow the mentioned methods and enjoy it for years.

Using Mild Soap and Water Solution

Leather jackets are timeless, but keeping them clean without compromising their material requires a gentle approach. Here are the steps of this method followed by them, you can clean your jacket at your home without damaging it.

• Take a large and open container and add a few ounces of warm water with two teaspoons of mild liquid dish detergent. Stir until the soap is completely dissolved. Now, your gentle solution is ready. You can use it to wipe down your jacket without ruining it. Always remember that too much detergent use can cause the leather to perish and wane the dyes over time.

• Dip the towel or sponge in the soapy solution and wring out the excess liquid. You need to ensure the towel or sponge isn’t sopping wet; it should just be damp. Use a soft microfiber cloth because rough fabrics may leave scathes on the soft leather. If the cloth is too wet, the water can soak into and saturate the leather, potentially causing more damage.

• Wipe down the outside of the jacket and run a damp towel or sponge in long and smooth motions instead of forcefully scrubbing. Give particular attention to places where dirt or oil has built up on leather or discolored patches. Clean the entire jacket and re-wet the towel when necessary.

• Wipe the jacket again with clean water to remove soap residue or foams. Clean off the soap and pat the jacket surface with a dry towel until it’s scorched. Additionally, hand the cowhide and buffalo leather jacket in a closet to allow it to finish drying. Direct heat can be bad for leather, so don’t dry the jacket in a machine or blow dryer.

Using a Leather Condition Method

A second, yet better option is to use a good leather conditioner to clean your cowhide and buffalo skin leather jacket. Let’s look at the next steps in this procedure.

• Purchase a good-quality cleaner mainly designed for leather products like jackets and bags. The top-notch cleaner contains potent yet mild ingredients that scrub away stains and oils, along with providing the softening of leather to keep it healthy. 

• Apply a small and dime-sized amount of leather cleaning solution directly to the affected area. No matter whether you are using a bar, gel, or spray, always start with less. Leather products respond better to the gradual application of the product. Despite this, over-applying products can leave buildup on the leather; yet, a light touch gives you better control and helps to protect the material.

• Take a clean and soft towel and massage the leather on the jacket’s surface. Use slow and circular motions, starting from the center of the stain and spiraling outward. This will pull out the dirt and remove water spots that have set into the leather. Rub the leather jacket until the cleaner has been absorbed entirely.

• Use a separate towel to remove an excess cleaner solution remaining on the jacket. Must ensure your jacket has a rich sheen to it when you are finished. Afterward, the leather will be moisturized and look brand new.

• Leather cleaners are formulated to remove dirt and stains with minimal effort. However, if your jacket and buffalo leather bags are very dingy, you can apply the cleaner multiple times.

Essential Leather Jacket Care Tips

The timeless look of leather jackets and bags needs proper care to lasts for years or decades. Let’s see what simple yet effective steps can improve the overall look and life of your leather jackets.

Check the Manufacture Instructions Vigilantly

The initial step is to read the manufacturer’s instruction label inside the jacket. The manufacturer will provide all necessary details regarding the leather grain and type. This label has all the instructions, precautions, and warnings regarding the leather.

Commonly, the manufacturer will mention a preferred cleaning method on this label, which will assist you in maintaining the brand-new look of your jackets. It is better to stick to this instruction to avoid ruining your jacket.

Use Specific and Gentle Leather Cleaner

Whether you have cowhide, lambskin, goat skin, or buffalo leather products, gentle cleaners become the need of the hour. For light stains and dirt, maybe a soap-and-water solution works, but investing in a mild leather cleaner offers insane benefits. It gently strips out the dirt, stains, and oil buildup without damaging the leather fibers and sheen

Treat Your Jacket with Good Conditioners

Want to maintain the new branded look of the buffalo leather jackets and bags? Must apply a leather conditioning cream or spray to the entire outer surface of the product once a year.  Investment in top-notch conditioners defends them from moisture and leaves them flexible and soft. Proper conditioning prevents the jackets from splitting and cracking.

Spraying Waterproof Agent to Seal Pores

No matter what kind of leather jacket you own, the innovative solution is periodically protecting it with a waterproof spray. This spay creates an invisible shield and seals on the leather pores, so the water beads up and rolls right off. In addition, wear different jackets if the forecast calls for rain because too much moisture can affect the quality.

Contact Certified Leather Experts

Soft leathers like lambskin and suede are sensitive, and it is better not to clean them at home. Qualified leather experts will know the meticulous aspects and equipment to rid your leather products of stubborn stains without worrying about leather tearing and shrinking. Apart from that, you can keep suede jackets by dusting them regularly with a soft-bristle hand brush.

Wrap Up Things

A proper cleaning guide can increase the life of leather jackets, pants, shirts, and bags. For minor dirt and light stains, you may have to use soap and water solutions after dusting. However, qualified leather experts suggest investing in good leather care products, including cleaners, conditioners, protectors, balms, and soft bristle brushes. Despite this, hiring a qualified leather cleaner expert for soft leather like lambskin and goat skin is better.

FAQ’s:

Q: What Is the Best Conditioner for Buffalo Leather?

A: Market and local stores are crowded with countless best conditioners. However, you need to check different elements of the conditions before purchasing. It should deeply penetrate the surface and be free from non-toxic ingredients. The formulations must be pH-balanced, restore moisture, and enhance the natural sheen without any greasy residue.

Q: How Long Does Buffalo Leather Last?

A: Buffalo leather is more durable than cowhide leather, and with proper care, it can last for a lifetime. Over time, buffalo leather can develop a rich patina and are famous for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. So, it depends on how much you care for leather bags and jackets.

Q: Does Buffalo Leather Scratch Easily?

A: No leather is fully scratch-proof. Buffalo leather has stunning scratch resistance compared to cowhide and other types of leather, with proper care. Buffalo leather still shows more visible scratches, but can be treated. Also, proper care prevents the leather from scratches and wear and tear.